I thought my heart was going to stop today...

I was getting the kids ready to go outside to play and I let Bria out while I ran upstairs to get Erik's shoes. When I walked outside, only 10 seconds after I let her out, she was gone. I couldn't see her anywhere. I didn't panic yet because she usually ran to the Bailey's a couple doors down. I ran straight there. When I didn't see her there, then I started to panic. I ran up and down our little street, looking in the little spots she likes to hide in. My voice slowly got louder and louder and soon I was screaming her name. I just ran and ran. I felt like I was going to pass out and throw up all at the same time, but I couldn't stop running. After about 2 minutes of that, soon people I didn't even know were looking for her. It had probably only been about 5 minutes of looking for her, but it seemed like an hour! My sweet neighbors jumped in their cars and drove all around the neighborhoods and parks. I felt completely helpless and so scared. For a second I felt like I would never find her and that is when my heart would stop. All these feelings flooded my body of guilt and more love that is impossible to explain. All I could think about was my sweet little Bria scared and alone. We continued to look for about 10 more minutes and somebody asked, "Do you want to call the police?" I was about to call Derek and then a sweet mom I didn't know asked me, "Have you looked in your car?" At that second I thought, well what a dumb place to look! Why in the world would I look there? Well, I peeked in and there Bria was in her car seat with the biggest tears I had ever seen. I couldn't open the door fast enough. I grabbed her and hugged her and couldn't stop. And then I looked up at all these people I didn't even know. I felt SO dumb, but more relieved and so full of gratitude. I am so grateful for these sweet people who were just as scared as me and didn't even know me. I am so grateful to live where I live because the people here are so caring and all take care of each other. I wish there was some way I could thank all of them, but I don't even know where they live! All I know is that they live in the townhomes. After this incident, I can't stop hugging my little girl. We keep telling each other how much we love each other. I am just so grateful she is safe. I love her so much and have learned two very important lessons. Bria is too little to trust, even for 10 seconds. I will not open my door until we are all ready to go. And 2: I have been taking my family for granted and today I have realized that they are all I need in this life. I cannot live without them and I love them so much. I need to stop getting upset over little things and just enjoy my children while they are little. I need to cherish this time of my life because in ten years I know I am going to look back and these will be my favorite memories.