Children are our most precious gift. Seems like a “duh” statement, but how many times do we forget that? Whether they’re an infant, a toddler, or a teen…kids are a challenge and quite bluntly, can be a pain at times. They can cry, they can whine, they can scream at you, but what would you do if they suddenly vanished? It’s safe to say you would be lost. Even when my daughter has a one-night sleepover at Grandma or Nonna’s house, our house just isn’t the same when we wake up the next morning. It feels empty. Something is missing. Funny, before she came along, it would feel normal…it would feel complete. But, now it’s simply not. Children have a way of grabbing onto our hearts, making us vulnerable, but at the same time tough as nails because we would do anything to defend them and keep them out of harms’ way. But what happens when you can’t protect them?

   I have to say, I had a totally different topic chosen to blog about this week, but the recent story about a missing girl made me change my mind. As a news producer, I often glaze pass stories because they become just another accident, just another fire. But some stories pull you in, tug on your human side…and this is one of them. The outpouring of emotion from people from all walks of life when it comes to this story is really amazing. I think it’s because we all know how innocent children are. Children should be untouchable. They shouldn’t have to experience pain or sorrow. But too many times they do and it’s heartbreaking. Fortunately, this story had a happy ending. The little girl was found safe. It turns out she ran away and luckily didn’t get into any trouble. But often times, we hear stories where that is not the case.

   When you hear stories involving kids getting hurt it really makes you hold on to yours a little tighter. It really makes you think. What would you do if you woke up tomorrow morning and your child was suddenly gone and you had no clue where he or she could be?

   I freak out when my daughter hides in the bathroom for a minute. I can’t imagine her out there in the world by herself or worse with someone who could harm her. That’s why you have to treasure every moment you have with your children, even when they drive you nuts. Simply put, you just never know what can happen. So tonight, give your child an extra hug and kiss…why? Just because. That’s reason enough.