Monday, June 27, 2016

Distress And Rejoicing At The Beach

Our beautiful summer day was suddenly interrupted by the frantic cries of a mom who quickly got the attention of dozens of people at the very busy Siesta Key Beach.

I stood up and walked in her direction. Even though she was screaming, I couldn’t hear exactly what she was saying. But I thought it might have something to do with a child so I wanted to help, if possible.

Sure enough, as I got closer I saw the woman acting in a panicked manner at the edge of the water. Her child was missing. Seven or eight other people were gathering around her, as well. Now I could hear her clearly though she was so frightened and frenzied she wasn’t making complete sense. She was turning in circles calling her daughter’s name.

People were attempting to get information from the mom.

“What is her name?”

“What is she wearing?”

“Where was she playing when you last saw her?”

The beach was very busy and there were scores and scores of people in the water in this particular area. People were looking in every direction calling out the little girl’s name. “Christiana!”

We were looking, with hope and concern, for a six-year-old girl in a pink bathing suit.
                                                                                                    
This search probably went on for 7 or 8 minutes but it seemed much longer.

Then we saw a woman coming from the water holding a little girl by the arm.

When the mom saw them she burst into tears.

Christiana looked bewildered but she also had a look on her face that seemed to indicate the realization that she might be in a bit of trouble. Her mom took her in her arms and sobbed. Loud sobbing.

It is hard to describe the sound of a mom sobbing for her children but when you hear it, it is hard to forget.

When something priceless was lost and is then found there is great rejoicing.

I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful this story involved rejoicing.

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