Well now that my heart rate’s nearly back to normal, no thanks to Hudson, guess I can write my post. I had other things on my mind to talk about here today, but the events of the day won out as is often the case.
Hudson’s actually a gentle little soul, Quiet, despite the unfortunate toddler finger bite of several weeks ago. (Hudson’s five, my youngest of four boys. Has Down syndrome.) Yeah, he bit a sweet little girl’s finger at church. She did place it in his mouth, which was kind of like an open invitation. But it’s not like anyone forced him to chomp down or anything.
If you don’t know Hudson, he can articulate precious few words. Communication is a significant challenge. But it’s not like he doesn’t know what he wants, it’s just that he can’t say it. So at home, he’ll come over to me and ever so kindly and gently, loosely take hold of my hand, lead me to something he wants. It sounds simple, but not as easy as it sounds. For instance, he might bring me to the TV and point. Say “tho.” (Show.) Well which “show” or DVD does he want? Trust me, your guess is as good as mine. So I’ll guess, and he’ll cry or whimper ’til I finally hold out the right DVD. Then he cheers. Or he might want music, and say “ic”, lead me to the CD player. Well, there’s a hundred CD’s and only one he wants. So back to the guessing game and tears ’til together we finally figure out the right one. Frustrating for him and all of us. Think picking out cereal in the morning. Or which story to read at bedtime.
It’s one giant game of charades around here.
There’s a Quiet sweetness though, a sense of wonder about Hudson. Several weeks ago he met a friend’s little kitten for the first time. Julie snapped these adorable shots. (Thanks J.) Few words, but the wonder was written all over his precious little face.
So if you’re curious why my heart rate was racing earlier today on account of Hudson, keep reading.
There was a special family night at the elementary school tonight. We pick up Charlie from school late afternoon and head over to Wendy’s for a quick bite to eat before heading back to school. Having just lost an hour due to Daylight Savings Time, it’s not yet 5 o’clock, but dark. We don’t eat fast food often, but at least at Wendy’s I can get a baked potato or salad. Of course Hudson loves it because he’s all about those 5-pack chicken nuggets and fries, carb lover that he is. It’s crowded, seems everybody and their brother at school got the memo to eat at Wendy’s too. Imagine an excited crowd of 1st – 6th graders plus their families. The line is extra slow tonight and we wait a long time before sitting down, lucky to even get a table.
We grab ketchup and napkins, get situated. Hudson sits on his big brother’s lap because we’re short a chair. We’re nearly finished eating, and Jonathan sets Hudson on his chair, heads to the register for a frosty. Chatting with friends at the adjacent table, I turn back around, see Hudson’s chair, empty.
“Where’s Hudson?” I say.
Not under the table. Not with any of his big brothers. Panic rises in my throat as we quickly scan the entire restaurant. No Hudson. Jon races to the hall by the entrance doors with the bathrooms. No Hudson. Jon races through two sets of exit doors, me close on his heels. I must say, it feels a little crazy heading outside. Because how could a small-for-his-size five year old boy possibly heave open the heavy exit doors by himself? And without being noticed?
My heart’s literally in my throat. If you’re local, you know Loudon Road is one of the busiest roads in Concord and it’s rush hour now. Wendy’s is situated smack dab between two busy streets, cars coming into the drive-thru from both the front and rear entrances.
We’re in the parking lot now and Jon is yards ahead of me, tearing towards the drive thru. It’s pitch black, but in the distance by the light of the Wendy’s sign, he spies a little overalled figure running towards the back entrance, passing right thru the drive-thru lane. It’s Hudson. Jon’s long stride catches up fast. His strong arms scoop up that little escapee love bug, bear hug him tight. Whispers in his ear: “If you want more fries, just tell daddy. You don’t have to come to the drive-thru.”
Our little Hudson, he pulled a Quiet Disappearing Act today. Scared his mama half to death. His daddy too. If you follow along here, you know Hudson has survived quite a few scary safety situations this past year. Never know what a day will bring. I’m reminded again of Hudson’s guardian angel. That he (she?) deserves a big-time raise. Extra time off, increased benefits. Mixed drinks, a vacation in Tahiti. All that and more. Hudson’s safety today is just one more blessing to be grateful for at the Thanksgiving table.
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nancy mcmahan says
Oh Allie what a scare. So glad his guardian angel was watching over him along with his daddy’s long arms. Love his looks with the kitty. Have a good weekend.
Allie says
Thank you Nancy, it was pretty scary…
Ellen says
Oh My Allie!! So glad he is okay…again! That must have been a scary few minutes!! So glad he has a attentive guardian angel and quick parents!!
Allie says
Thanks Ell – me too. Very thankful.
Barbara Child says
He sure made a quick get-away! You must have been so frightened! Lots pf quick prayers! So glad it turned out well! He needs TWO guardian angels, and he has them in you and Jon!
Allie says
Many thanks, friend. Our little Curious George is keeping us very busy…
Olivia Hipke says
Dear Mrs. Taylor,
I went to my friends house and the kitten is doing well! I hope Hudson doesn’t do that again because it scared me while I read!!
Allie says
Thankful Hudson and the kitten are both well…. And yes, let’s hope Hudson doesn’t do a repeat. Thanks for dropping by Olivia!
Elsa says
Glad that Hudson was safe…love this pic of him with kitty cat, he is such a sweet boy and thanks to his guardian angel never failed to watch him. God is great!
Allie says
Thank you dear Elsa. XOXO
Denise says
Hudson, Hudson, Hudson! I can’t imagine how scared you all were. Thanking God he’s safe and sound.
Allie says
Yeah, it was pretty tense, friend. Thankful.
Nancy Hammett says
I am glad Hudson was ok. His guardian was watching over him. I know it was a scare for you’ll. Hudson is such a sweet child of God . Love you’ll. sending Gods blessing.
Allie says
Thank you Nancy, so thankful for guardian angels. xo
Tracy says
What an awful experience! I’m so sorry you guys had to go through that. I can’t even imagine how you must have felt!! I’m so glad you found him before he wandered off any further. Those pictures are so adorable. That curious little guy!
Allie says
Thanks Tracy – kind of a nightmare. Glad it’s over. He’s just like Curious George.
Aunt Pinkie says
Oh, Allie- my heart was n my mouth just reading about this- PTL for the loving Guardian Angels arching over your precious Hudson! Am astonished at how he got outside!
Allie says
I wish I had been a fly on the wall to see how exactly he did it. However he managed it, it was very QUIET. XO
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
I was nearly crying as I read the frantic account of looking for Hudson.
There are multiple times when one of my boys has been lost and it is the absolute worst thing.
I’m so glad he is safe and that Jon has long legs.
18 years doesn’t seem long enough to teach them all they need to know before they head out on their own.
God is good. He does look out for us. Hudson is a gift from God, I’m sure He will keep taking care of him.
I pray that you have a nice calm rest of the weekend.
Allie says
Thank you so much Karen, and for caring. The weekend was calm, no similar “incidents.” Phew. (Your prayers were answered!) We are very thankful.
Paula says
Wow!!! I can’t imagine being on “high alert” all the time……God bless you . Jon and kids. I can’t think of a better family for Hudson.
Allie says
Oh Paula, you are so sweet. We don’t always feel qualified for the job, but sure are trying to do our best. Thanks for the kindness. xo
Barbara B. says
A cat has NINE lives, Hudson must have at least a dozen more! The PANIC button has sounded and can only imagine the utter complete heart wrenching episode that enveloped everyone. Hudson is the cutest and sweetest little imp you could possibly envision, but he does know what he wants and when he decides to scamper… can’t possibly understand how such a little tyke could open such a humongous door, at the Puritan getting an ice cream, I almost break my arm each time, but vanity will not let me push that button on the side and act like a SISSY, NOT ME, BUT NEXT TIME WILL GET HUDSON to open all doors wherever!!!!! It must have been an overwhelming experience but His Guardian Angel had been on TOP IMMEDIATE ALERT and once again another mishap avoided. I cannot imagine the trauma but know the prayers for your family ascend on High, from many sources, and keeps you ALL safe, quiets the hearts, restores normalcy to the Taylor family. We love Hudson and send special Hugs and Kisses that all is well and Divine protection is restored. God bless and may His loving arms hold all of you close to Himself knowing He is always there for just these occasions!!! XOXOXO
Allie says
Thank you dear Barbara. You are right Hudson has MORE than 9 lives….many thanks for the love and prayers. XOXO
Julie says
Oh dear, little Mr. H!!! You had us all tense just reading about it! Inhale…exhale…Mom and Dad. And THANK YOU guardian angel!!!
We love you all…
Allie says
Yup, that little Mr. H keeps us running. Love you back. ALL of you. (!)
Susie Mandel says
Oh my goodness…wow!! Hudson is a true escape artist. So glad he is okay!! I don’t think Wendy’s sells what I would have wanted to drink after THAT episode!!
Allie says
Thanks Susie. Yeah, I could’ve used a real stiff drink about then. Exhale.
Carina says
Dear Allie, I am so glad that Hudson is safe and sound. What a scare! I wonder how he managed to open that heavy door? The pictures of him and the cat are so sweet. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend together.
Allie says
Thank you Carina, it was pretty terrifying. I’m so grateful. It is so challenging trying to have any kind of adult conversation with Hudson around right now. He’s at a tough busy “toddler stage” at five. I sure loved these kitty pictures too … hope you had a good weekend. xo
Carina says
The toddler stage is challenging, and must be more so with a 5 year old because he is bigger, stronger, and faster.
I loved how you described spotting him in his overalls. It was such a vivid image, and touching (the relief of finding your child).
Take care, Allie. Xo
Karyn says
I was just praying for you today, as Tuesday is “friends” day on my prayer list. And I prayed for God’s help as you care for Hudson. Now I know what to pray for!
Allie says
Oh thank you friend, God knows I need your prayers from 4,999 miles away. (I looked it up.) Miss you much. xo
Eva says
Oh la la Allie je peux imaginé la peur que tu as senti en ce moment! Une fois notre fils, Louis était perdu en Ikea, il avait 5 ans à l’époque. J’ai passé le 10 minutes plus angoissés de toute ma vie! A la fin, c’es un vendeur qui la trouvé et il la demandé son prénom il nous on appelé par microphone. Hudson es un petit coquin ! Take care! xoxo