Panic!

There are times when I doubt my ability to keep my kids safe. Yesterday I had one of those moments.

My 11 year old was invited to the birthday party of a friend. All of the girls in her class were invited and the party was held at a local beach. It had already been a busy day. Orthodontist appointment at 9 am and then to the Chiropractor for the 13 year olds broken coccyx at 11. Home for a quick lunch and we were at the beach by 2pm.

I settled myself on the sand with the other Mommas for a nice long chat. I was keeping my eye on the 4 and 8 year olds as they dug in the sand and played with their friends. I swear to God that I only took my eyes off of them for a moment, but when I looked for them, they were gone. Or more specifically, the 4 year old was gone. I don't worry as much about the 8 year old as he is a strong swimmer. The 4 year old would sink like a stone.

I stood up and scanned the beach. No sign of her red bathing suit. I started yelling her name. Nothing. I yelled a few more times. Stll nothing. The sound in my voice of Momma Panic perked up the ears of every mother on the beach. Soon we were all standing and scanning the beach and the water. My heart was pounding and I felt physically sick to my stomach. Just at that moment one of the other Moms spotted my missing children on the far side of the cove. Climbing on the rocks. Right above the water. Not smooth, soft rocks but hard, sharp Maine granite.

You haven't seen anything until you've seen a 6 foot tall enraged Momma take off at high speed across a crowded beach. I made my long legs count for something. By the time I reached them they were back on the beach and out of danger. I got down on their level and with a relatively calm voice proceeded to let them have it.

Son, why were you on the rocks with your sister?

It was fun, Mom. I took care of her.

But she can't swim. What if she had fallen in?

I would have jumped in and rescued her, Mom. (eye roll)

Son, she would have pulled you under with her thrashing and kicking. Do you understand that you put your sister in danger? What is one of the most important rules?

Ummm, Obey you?

Yes, that too, but also NEVER SCARE YOUR MOMMA!

The were both marched back across the beach and ordered not to leave my sight again. My son was feeling pretty awful. The four year old was oblivious. I was shaking in the aftermath of the huge adrenaline rush.

I had planned to spend many, many days at the beach this summer. Do you think they would object if I tie them to my beach chair?