Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Isabel's Adventure

Well, Isabel had a little adventure today and by default, so did the rest of us!

After Owen's check up with the traumatologist, the four of us - Isabel, Owen, Mommy and Daddy - were waiting patiently for an elevator to head down to the first floor of the hospital and then on to home. The elevator arrived and Isabel jumped in before us, anxious to push the buttons inside. Unfortunately, these particular elevator doors often close quickly (more than once we've forgotten to hold them open and they have closed before we could get Owen's stroller or wheelchair inside) and today was no exception.

Only this time they closed - with Isabel inside and the rest of us outside.

Immediately we pushed the buttons again, hoping the doors would re-open. We stood there for a moment waiting for Isabel to return. But instead the flashing floor numbers rose, and then began to rapidly descend. Pedro ran for the stairs as my heart started beating hard in my chest and worst-case scenarios threatened to flood my head. With Owen in his cast in the stroller, I could do nothing but wait for the elevator to return. With three to choose from, it seemed like each one but the one I wanted stopped at our floor!

Finally Isabel's elevator returned - empty. Owen and I got on and headed to the first floor as I called Pedro on the cell phone, expecting him to say that Isabel was with him. Instead, he said he had chased the elevator down three floors and still couldn't find her! On the verge of panic, I exited the elevator and turned towards the first-floor information desk.

And there she was.

Very glad to see me, and I was so glad to see her. She wasn't crying or panicked, but she had obviously been frightened. She told us that when she reached the fourth floor alone, a woman who stepped on the elevator saw her crying and took her to the information desk where she knew we'd eventually find her. We thanked the Lord for His protection!

Later, Isabel told this story to Eva and Pedro and I were reminded to be extra thankful that it was one daughter and not the other who had experienced this "adventure." Whereas Isabel seemed to relish the retelling once her initial fright was over, Eva's reaction went something like this: "Mommy, that is so scary! My legs are shaking, Mommy. I can't even stop shaking, Mommy! That is so scary! I will never do that except if I'm with you!" Of course, this turned into a wonderful teachable moment to discuss God's protection and care over our lives - and also the right thing to do if one of them was ever separated from us again.

Thank you, Lord, for watching out for our precious daughter!

1 comment:

Terri Fisher said...

What a brave girl Isabel is! We are so thankful she is safe and sound. We are anxious to hear how Owen's appointment went, too!