Accidentally abandoned

So I was toodling down the street early Sunday afternoon, just chatting away with a friend of mine, whom I was giving a ride home. We had just enjoyed another delicious potluck together after church and our families had left earlier, so were taking our time, continuing our conversation as we headed towards the neighborhood.

When I arrived at her house, I wished her well, we cracked a few jokes and I giggled as I turned and went the final blocks to my house. I pulled into my driveway, pushed the garage door opener and as I watched the door slowly rise up, patiently waiting to enter, and it hit me....

I forgot her!! I forgot my 8 year old at the church!

Yes, the older girls and Hubby had in fact left earlier, but suddenly I remembered that my youngest had asked to stay with me and play with the other kids and since I was deep in conversation with my friend, I nodded my head yes. But obviously, I didn't pay that much attention and drove off and left her.

PLUS, I had my phone turned off since we'd been in church all morning so no one could have even reached me.

So I tore out of the driveway and raced out of the neighborhood and back towards the church. All the while, I wondered if anyone was still in the building because there were only a few left roaming around when I left.

Then I wondered if anyone noticed that she was still there or maybe she started walking home, I'm pretty sure she knows the way?? As I flew down the street, I was telling myself that at least we were in a small town and it only takes a few minute to get anywhere and surely she is fine.

Then, as I skidded up the church driveway, I saw her standing at the front door, waiting anxiously for me with another mom at her side. They both were smiling at least, but I apologized repeatedly anyway.

When she got in the truck, she gave me the business about how could I forget her and what was I thinking and so on. I just kept apologizing and reassuring her that it was just an accident and it happens to moms sometimes.

She said, "Well, that's the first time that's ever happened!" Awkward pause ... "Actually, honey, this isn't the first time I've forgotten you. Ya see, this one time when you were three and we were at a family birthday party, we all left and went home when I got a call from your uncle asking if I was missing anyone.' I replied, "Don't think so?!" But sure enough, after counting heads, we forgot the little one. I thought she was riding with Grandma, Hubby thought she was going with my brother and actually she went with no one and remained at the party.

After shocking her with that story, I tried to reassure her that after a couple of kids, this kind of thing can happen to the younger siblings and never ever take it personally.

I did my best to explain that although it may seem like her welfare lacks the same importance as the older children because of my random abandonment; we all truly love her and will never leave for good. So ... if we happen to accidentally drive off without you in the vehicle, we will eventually realize it and will break the speed limit laws to get back and retrieve you.

But in the meantime, memorize your address and phone number, as well as the direct routes back to your house, just in case.

And please don't hold it against us. It truly was an accident.