We lost DD2 ...

We lost DD2 ...

for several stomach-turning, my heart-is-in-my-throat minutes...

DH: Where's the Radio Flyer tricycle? Did you bring it out back?
ME: No, I've been cooking here - haven't gone out.
DH: Where is it then? No one could have just stolen it right from the garage. Where's DD2?
ME: Wasn't she with you?
DH: No, she said she wanted to come in when DD1 and I were going to ride our bikes around the neighborhood.
ME: No, she went back out. DD2? DD1, can you see if DD2 is upstairs...

By now, my heart and mind is racing. DH walks a couple of houses down our street and does not find DD2. He jumps into the car and drives down the street. I semi-walk, semi-run the other way. Oh dear Lord ... protect my baby ...

Bro: Ate (sister), he's found her!
ME: Where? Are they ok?

Then I see our car coming towards me with DD2 in the back seat and her tricycle in the trunk.

ME:(frantically hugging DD2) Where did you go?! I was so scared!
DD2: I was biking fast. I said, "Daddy...Daddy..."

Seems like this is what happened:
Initially, DD2 decided to come in and was tired of biking so she went to the backyard. She changed her mind and told me that she wanted to bike again so I tell her, ok, she could go back out with Daddy. I did not know that DH and DD1 had decided to ride their bikes around the neighborhood. When DD2 rode her bike, she probably saw DH and DD1 from afar and thought she could catch up to them. They, however, did not hear her so they just continued on and DD2 continued riding her bike too.

I honestly do not know how long she was on her own. And I dare not even imagine what could have happened. The good thing is that we found her safe and sound. And on this thanksgiving day, I am most thankful for that! I am thankful that no harm came upon her. I am thankful that we live in a gated neighborhood and our streets are not very busy. I am thankful. I am thankful!