Left Behind

A few of my grandchildren at Halloween

      As a young girl about 8 years old, I remember being left behind.  Really left behind! Our family was traveling to California from Ogden.  We stopped somewhere out in the middle of the desert to get gas and allow all us kids a chance to go to the bathroom.  There was probably about 6 of us then.  I remember the intense heat and how great it was to get out of that car for a break.

    

     My brothers all lined up in front of the boys restroom, and I (the only girl) waited in front of the ladies room.  Before I knew it, all my brothers were out and back to the car.  I just kept waiting.  I had no idea that the bathroom was locked and it would never be available. My mother was in the car with the baby, so I just kept waiting.  After what seemed to be an eternity, I started back for the car to report my unsuccessful attempt at the restroom, and as I turned the side of the building I saw our family car drive off.  Not only was I upset because I needed to go ….but now my family left me.  I started crying and the attendant quickly surmised the situation and brought me into the store and offered me a Popsicle.  He reassured me that within minutes they would realize that their daughter was missing.  It was almost ½ hour before they returned.  I will never forget that ½ hour of feeling really lost, alone and helpless.

     Fortunately, I survived and learned that for safety reasons that restrooms are sometimes kept locked, and all I needed to do was ask for a key.  I also realized how much I loved my family, and never wanted to be away from them again.  I have thought of this story many times in the last 50 plus years, and wondered what it would be like when I get to the other side of the veil, will I see my family there?  Will I feel lost and alone? Will the feelings of being alone be dissipated when I see my Heavenly Parents, my ancestors and family members that passed on before me?  Feeling all alone is what some people experience all the time.  Because of unfortunate circumstances they have no one, maybe that is why I recall this story, to be a reminder to reach out to others.