I woke up irritated. Why? Who knows. After giving the girls breakfast we headed out to a nearby lake to run it out. Since it was drizzling and chilly (50ish) I kept my babies in their footie pajamas and put hats and jackets on them. After 2 laps, I still had energy, but C had been patient long enough about being in the stroller. I thought- no big deal, I'll get her out to run around, leave the Vienna strapped in the stroller for a lakeside view, and run sprints back and forth in front of the lake. Cambers thought it was a great game, and Veena enjoyed the tickles she got each time I made it back to her in the stroller.
Then to my utter horror, after sprinting about 70 yards away from the stroller, I turned around and I saw it ever so slowly rolling towards the lake. It was like one of those bad dreams where you're running as fast as you can, but you're not going anywhere. It eased onto the grass and the front wheel rolled off the one foot drop off and sloshed into the water. Still running my heart out. The back wheels followed. The whole stroller did a slow nose dive, tipping forward and completely submerging my little angel under water strapped in the stroller. After centuries it seemed like, I lept into the water in the lake I once said you couldn't pay me enough to touch, struggled to flip the stroller back up to get my baby above water.
There she was still a foot underwater, eyes wide open and surprised. With super human strength and speed that no doubt was a divine gift I pulled the stroller high enough where V's face could be above water and unbuckled the dozens of buckles it felt like that had her securely in place, and held my calm that was calm as could be. Couple of coughs, couple of smiles, couple of shivers (yes, it was Cambry on the waters edge that was FREAKING OUT, poor girl).
Suddenly my petty irritation vanished and my to-do-list for today was unimportant and what really matters became a priority. We had more snuggles, hugs and kisses, less selfishness, more service and I love you's, less meaningless tasks and errands, and more prayers full of gratitude. I'm so so grateful that I got to put my child in her bed tonight, unharmed and happy.
Things that matter
Oh, Joslyn! This made me cry...I can't imagine how scary that must have been for all of you. I am so so glad Heavenly Father was watching out for y'all - and that you're a fast runner! :) Ahh, what a good reality check for all of us to remember what's important. Again, SO glad everyone's ok!!! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHoly crap that is so scary! I'm glad you were able to get to her quick enough and that she is ok. When Ryker was a tiny guy I had to walk through the pool to go out for our runs and I would always grip the stroller so tight as I walked by the pool fearing something crazy would happen and the stroller would end up in the pool.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, so scary! Ahhh I am so glad everyone is okay, that must have been so scary!!! Love you cute girls!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Josie!!! Ah! I am so glad you all are safe! What a scare! And just so you know, that could have happened to anyone, okay, maybe not anyone, but I could totally see that happening to me! Love you all!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a blessing everything turned out well. That was nerve racking. Thanks for sharing your experience, its a beautiful reminder to all of us. Love you.
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