What a nightmare. My son just turned 3 - I had no idea this was the magic age where they could disappear in an instant. He has always been one to run off and he's really fast but I've always seen it happening and chased him. We went to something last week and he disappeared into a crowd. Not as scary as what happened to you. But I don't like this new stage, that's for sure. I'm so glad she's okay.
OMG I'm so sorry - this is every parent's worst nightmare. And it's true things can happen in a split second. I was watching the news last night, there was an amber alert for a 2 year-old who wandered off while his parents were at the park with the kids. I just read on FB that they found him in the river My heart is breaking for this family.
My brother was also a runner and liked to hide out. I vividly remember my Mom losing him at the huge mall in town once. He was clear on the other side of the building with the coin operated rides. After that, I don't think my Mom took him shopping until he was 9. She would hire a babysitter.
We web through something similar - DS, at 2, slipped out of the house. He only had a minute or two lead on us, but the panic and desperation and that stomach dropping feeling are still with me months later. I had the same thoughts - what f we never find him?
I'm so sorry. It is the worst feeling. I am glad she is safe and sound. I also held it together until we found him, then lost it.
How absolutely terrifying! But do not beat yourself up over this - kids are sneaky little bastards and it could have happened to *anyone*. You are not a bad mom. Keep telling yourself that, okay?
I am so sorry you went through that and I am glad she is OK. I was tearing up as I read your post because I can imagine how terrified you felt. It truly can happen to anyone.