Violet and I went to Target today to buy her some winter boots and a toothbrush. We got to the store and Vi decided she wanted to walk and not ride in the cart. 1st mistake.
We got to the shoe section and Vi was not in the mood to try on boots, I was looking for a size 9 boot when she took off into the Men's section. I was calling for her, but could not see or hear her. All of the sudden she was gone and I was running frantically through the clothes yelling for her! She did not answer. A mother was walking by and I asked if she had seen a little girl, she said no, but would help me look. The mall entrance is right near where I last saw her so I was freaking out that she ran into the mall. I asked the women working at the fitting room (next to mall entrance) if they had seen her, they said no, but they would put an annocuncement over the loud speaker.
The woman and I were yelling for Vi and looking up and down the isles. All of the sudden, one of the workers saw her and I just started cyring! The whole incident was about 3 minutes, but felt like hours. Violet was fine and just kept asking if she could open the box for her slinky. I thanked the Mother for helping me and she said to me it happens to every mom.
One of the employees told me that if it ever happened again to let the front desk (or the fitting room) know because they would let all the staff know the child's description and not let anyone leave the store if they have a child matching that description. Good to know, but hopefully it will not happen again.
I know every Mother has a story like this, but much like when Vi fell down the stairs, it feels like I am the worst mother EVER! I am starting to think a nice micro-chip implanted in her neck, like the dogs have, but this one beeps when she is missing, a body suit made from dragon scales like Frodo had, and Jimney Cricket in her pocket (or maybe Jimney's cousin Jerry Cricket who is way more convincing than Jimney was with Pinnochio) to let her know that running away from Mom in the store may be fun, but not a very prudent decision and could possibly turn her into a donkey!
Here is Vi's take on the whole shopping nightmare. The patient comment is from me telling her we need to be patient and wait our turn when we are checking out of the store.