Counting My Blessings

I almost lost my youngest daughter tonight.

Braving the crowds at Wal-Mart has always been a source of anxiety for me, but I never thought it could be fatal. Man, I hate that store, and during the holiday season it's even worse! How is it possible to pack that many people into one building and still make it out with your saninty?

I was able to get in and traverse the aisles to get the items I needed, and I was able to do it without too much whining or grabbing from my three children, who were following behind me the whole way. Every once in a while I'd turn around and say, "Put that down," or "Please don't touch." Typical.

I was finally finished and I went to the check out... why is it that I ALWAYS choose the wrong line? Some guy at the checkstand was using some type of gift card and held up the line for 10 minutes. I really hate standing in lines -- especially when I'm so ready to be home already.

Finally, we get our stuff and we're heading out the door. My three ducklings are still waddling behind me as we exit the store. The parking lot is always packed, especially at this time of year... I wait for a clearing in the traffic so we can leave the doorway and head towards our car. I see it and walk out, pushing our cart and our bounty, when suddenly I hear: "Mom!"

The rest all happened in slow motion.

I turn to see my 5 year old sprawled out on the pavement face down -- I glance up to see a Chevy Tahoe pulling forward -- I see a woman who was walking into the store turn and wave her hands at the Tahoe, screaming STOP! -- I start screaming and running to my daughter... The Tahoe came within 3 inches of running her over. The driver couldn't see her when she tripped and thought the path was clear....

A crowd of onlookers voiced their concern to my little girl. I assured them she was okay, despite her hysteric crying. She was scared. She told me later that she saw the car coming and wanted to hurry and catch up with me. That's when she tripped. I bet her tiny life flashed before her eyes in that moment.

Thankfully, she came away with just a scraped nose and a fat lip. I just can't imagine how my life would be without this sweet little creature. I'm so blessed to be a mother.

I'm counting my blessings tonight: 1, 2 and 3