| The campground was full, so we spent one night just outside the dunes, and then moved to the KOA in Alamosa for the remainder of our vacation. Not what we had planned, but not too far away. Finally, Friday evening we went to the picnic area at the dunes about 8:30 pm. Becca, who just turned 16 years old, wanted to explore and climb the dunes a little, so we told her to be back at the vehicle by 9:15. She left barefoot through the creek to the dunes. We realized about 9 pm that it was getting dark much faster than we anticipated. By 9:15 I was starting to get anxious, but knowing that Becca is responsible, I wasn't worried, yet. By 10 pm we knew something was very wrong. It was very dark, and getting cold. The nights still easily reach freezing at night. Becca had no shoes, short shorts, and a very light jacket. We prayed in the car, more than once. I was fighting back panic, but through prayer put Becca and her care into the hands of God. For although we had no idea where Becca was, God knew, and His hands could protect her. Just as we were getting ready to drive off to find a park ranger, they drove into the parking lot. The two women rangers/EMTs took our information and went with big flashlights off across the wide creek to search on the dunes side. About 10:30 pm a pickup pulling a camper entered the parking lot and let out a passenger. In the dark it took me a couple minutes to realize that it was Becca! Thank you dear family for bringing my daughter to us!! I really didn't get to thank them, because Becca needed her Mommy! I sat down with her and hugged her tight. I praised God for the return of my child! She could no longer stand - she had run through a field probably more than a mile ... full of cactus!! Her feet were covered with cactus needles, of all sizes. She had scratches up and down her legs from rabbit brush, and open sores on her knee where she must have fallen at least once. Becca had been so scared when she realized that she was lost, as soon as she had seen the blinking yellow light at the gate entrance, she had started for the one sign of civilization that she could see. But she was safe, with her family, and we all praised God. We carried her to our car and headed to the Visitor center with the rangers right behind us. We spent at least an hour with the EMTs - Thank you Krista and Christina!! - tweezing cactus needles from her feet. The other children were trying to rest with Daddy. Becca wouldn't let me out of her sight. I wouldn't leave her side. Becca was very strong, but in very much pain. The needles are sharp, barbed and poisoned. Even once removed, the punctures still sting. And some of the needles were so small they broke, rather than coming out. We drove over 30 miles to our campsite, and Becca insisted we go to the ER. The EMTs had recommended an ER visit, or they could call an ambulance. But it would have taken over 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, so we declined. After leaving the children in Daddy's more than capable care, Mom, Becca and I headed to the ER in Alamosa. Thank you Mom for driving! Unfortunately the signs were slightly confusing in the dark, but we found the ER with just minor wrong turns. We sat with Becca for hours while they numbed her skin, gave her some Vicoden and then tweezed her feet for hours under a bright light with magnifying glasses. It even made the ER tech go cross-eyed more than once. Once he was done, Becca was able to walk with crutches on the smooth floor. We finally headed back to the camper after 4 AM. We could see the sky lightening in the east. DH and the children were thankfully sound asleep. Then the three of us, went to bed and slept for a few hours. We returned to town to get a pain med prescription filled for Becca, and also get Epsom salt to help soak her feet. So for most of our vacation we had TWO people on crutches, and Mom with her cane. Half our party was needing assistance! But we were able to return to the dunes a day later, up the four-wheel drive road, and went a fair ways up Medano pass. On the last day we went to San Luis and walked the mile trek through the stations of the cross. Becca had even given up her crutches by then. It is amazing the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. I am so very thankful that God loves me, cares for me and Becca and never abandons us! Praise God! |
We had leftovers to eat. I made a bunch of burritos, to heat while camping. I also put together a potato cheese casserole. That will make sure at least two meals are easy.
even had hail this afternoon. I'm sure it will be warmer during our day of driving, 
it always is!
as soon as we get back from our camping trip.