Unusual Morning

i was out of my routine this morning. and i think it was a good thing... we missed the bus, therefore, i took randi to school. mr. c was still home - so, cade stayed with him. since i was childless, i hurried and got some grocery shopping out of the way. i was back in my neighborhood around 8:30. i stopped to get the mail. and as i was heading back home (and talking to my mom)... i saw a little girl (about 3) walking down the road. with no shoes. alone. and it was cold and rainy. i interrupted my mom - mid sentence - and told her what was going on. there was no adult anywhere! i asked her where her mom was and she said "she was gone"...and then took off running. towards a busy, major street. i called 911. i jumped out of my car (left it running) and began to follow her on foot. all the while, talking to the 911 operator. several minutes later a patrolman pulled up. he said they had located a parent... but, asked if i could get in his car and hold the child. by the time we pulled back in the neighborhood there was another officer and the dad parked near the entrance. the dad thanked me profusely...while the officer started questioning him on how she got out and where was the mom??? (in the car she said her mom wasn't coming back.) that officer followed the man home - while the second officer took all of my info. it was CRAZY! not only was my heart pounding but, i had a couple of "firsts"... it was the first time i have called 911. it was the first time i have taken a ride in the back seat of a patrol car. it was the first time i have been offered reward money. (which i didn't take...of course.) wonder what tomorrow will bring...