the Attentive mother

I like to think of myself as being attentive. Constant checking, constant hollering, making sure I know where my child is and that shes safe, being attentive. I try at least, especially when it comes to my child. [the Story] Just another day that started off slow. These days are quite usual for me. Sure enough I was awake and moving. Breakfast was served, counters were wiped, floor was swept, laundry was dreaded. But what I am about to say is a very disturbing event... The little misses likes to play outside,( yes i realize its friggin hot but I make sure shes hydrated) just about every day. Recently some exterior renovations have been in motion: trees cut and trimmed, grass mowed, sprinkler system dung, watering, etc. The MIL is paying to get these projects done so as to enjoy our summer in a pleasant front/back yard. And included in most backyards is a gate which in most cases is meant to "contain". Such as the dog, for we know that she is quite the adventurer, we all enjoy a little mischievous producing adrenaline. As I was going about my doings the yardman Tom(friend of MIL) arrived this morning. I heard him going about his duties and went to check on the little misses outside. She was quite content but non-the-less would be better off inside. I brought her in, gave her drink and off she went to play and I continued on. Well it just so happens the MIL is home sick today, ill with some kind of virus. She lays downstairs upon the couch sleeping, chatting on the phone, and all that applies to the words "out of it". Poor thing. At this point is where the domino's begin to fall. At Hand: Me in the kitchen, MIL downstairs, Tom to-and-fro, the dog basking under the shade of the tree, M -who knows where?. Its amazing how everything can happen so quickly.

(((In Theory)))

Tom grabs the last bit of cut branches to haul out through the gate and into the driveways Green can for disposal. The gate(for whatever reason)remained open, just a few inches. Tom arranged himself to the opposite side of the house and continued on. Little M being downstairs whined at the glass door to go "ouu sigh". Sweet and giving grandma opened the door out to play and then reverted back to the couch upon to rest her aching body. Little M loves to play and wander about the backyard and meanwhile noticed the dog. Dog, eager for thrill and adventure ceases the opportunity to escape past the gates and into the world of Wonder. Little M, being such a child, engulfed with curiosity, care, abundance of love, and who enjoys outside walks-decides to follow. Out the gate they went, first the dog then M. Im upstairs putting things away, throwing that away, putting a book on a shelf, and noticed a little too much peace and quite in the house. The dog can taste the freedom of the air entering into her lungs as she races down the sidewalk. The little child ever so curious steps out onto the driveway of the house, digesting her surroundings, seeks to find the black and white fuzzy creature she knows as Dog. Tom is too busy and loud to notice a child on the other end of the house whos about to embark in an unknown adventure. MIL is too busy drifting into sleep. And Im too alert with the words in my head "Where's M?". I checked her bedroom, sometimes i find her quietly playing in her closet full of toys. No shes not there. Meanwhile the little Misses sees the next door neighbor's gravel front yard and begins to play with rocks. Tom still busy organizing with dirt and trimmings. MIL is suddenly awoken by my hollering for the child. I check my room, sometimes I'll catch her perched in front of the tv watching cartoons, nope not there either. I walk out calling for her again thinking see's probably just playing downstairs when I met Nancy atop the stairs.

"Have you seen M?" said I.

"Yes, she came downstairs and I let her outside" she replied.

" oh okay, i just wanted to make sure. But I usually don't let her out when I know Tom is here cause he can leave the gate open, sometimes." I responded "Oh then in that case, I'll go check the gate, see if its closed." said Nancy.

I headed upstairs in no hurry thinking nothing of the sort, just that M would be outside just playing. Nancy is checking on her. As I open the fridge to grab something to eat I hear loud banging on the sliding door and her calling "Ashley!" . OH i must have locked the top glass door and she wants in, i thought. As I hop over to let her in urgently she tells me "Ashley, the gate is open!"

Acknowledged, I quickly let her in and booked it-down the stairs to the front, flew open the door, startling Tom and bursted outside hollering "M !!!" My eyes quickly looking, searching for her, i jogged towards the corner of the house, halted, called out, and glanced over. There down upon the far end of the driveway, behind the car, is my little girl...standing with only a shirt and diaper on holding a rock, looking at me. Relief washed over me as I ran to her, threw her on me and held her close cradling her little head to my neck. Heart racing, SO thankful, I held her tight. This had all occurred in minutes and even so is just enough time for something to go wrong.

Thankfully I listen to my heart and mind, attentive as a mother should be, and was blessed with a tender mercy. Most would Thank God, throw this over there shoulder, and go on like nothing ever happened. But not me, I noticed and analyze every bit. Understand the seriousness and just add another blessing to my endless list. I am just soooooooooooooooo thankful that of all the horrible things that COULD HAVE happen, Didn't. No child of mine was lost today, kidnapped today,or died today.

All is well and I owe my Life to Him Forever.