Surreal

Wednesday night I piled all the kids in the car, backed out of the garage, and headed to McDonalds to meet a friend for dinner before church. I didn't get very far (probably 25 yards) when I noticed a toddler playing by herself right by the street. I slowed way down, looking to see if I spotted any adults. I didn't. This little 2 or 3 year old girl was all by herself just playing happily where the alley joined the street. So, I pulled over and got out. The girl came right over to me. I half expected some crazed parent to come running once they saw their baby talking with a stranger next to a van, but nobody came. I asked the girl where her mama was and where she lived. I received some vague talk and pointing in reply. I figured she lived in the closest house, but did not feel comfortable taking her to a house when I was not sure she belonged there. My only option, I figured, was to call the police. I called 911, explained the situation, then waited. It took 10 minutes for the police officer to arrive. During that time I just knew someone would come out frantic about the girl but no one ever did. I stood by the van and watched her play in the small grassy area next to the street. Finally the officer arrived and carried her to the nearest house. I saw him talk to the man that came to the door, then hand her over. He came back to where I was (a good 15 yards away from the house) and told me the man had let her out to play and forgotten the garage door was open. I just couldn't believe it. That girl could have easily been hit by a car, and very easily be taken by anyone that wanted to take her. I am not sure when the parents would have realized she was missing had I not called the police. When I first saw her playing by herself I wondered if I was even seeing it right because surely no one lets their 2 year old play outside near a street by themselves. And of course, the parents didn't intend for that to happen, but it seems like you would want to be 100% certain your child is playing in a safe area. It was just a really strange experience...something I never expected to see in my own neighborhood. Something I will probably never see again. I hope.