Readers share stories of kids that got away

Think this couldn’t happen to you? Our online commenters have been sharing their own stories of kids who went MIA. To read all the comments, visit www.dailyherald.com.

My brother was notorious for cruising around town in the middle of the night when he was little (1970s). It has been the joke in our family for decades. His biggest escape occurred when my mom had a bad cold and took Nyquil and went out cold.

The police were kind enough to return him at 4 a.m. and actually consoled my Mom who was beside herself with guilt and anger. Believe it or not, my brother went into law enforcement and has great empathy for moms with roaming kids (also those who blow up things #8212; another story).

My son at 1 yr old (before he could even walk) loved to climb. We would put a gate up on his door because we were always afraid he would get up during the night while we slept. Well, he did, and often.

One 5 a.m. we checked on him #8212; not in his crib #8212; but in our kitchen. He had pulled a chair over to the counter and had gotten a cookie jar filled with candy #8212; he sat on the counter like a little Buddha with wrapped and partially unwrapped candy. He thought it was hilarious.

This mom should be given a hug to let her know she isn#146;t the only one #8212; and it will get better. My son teaches today and is no longer the rascal he was, only some of the time now!

My oldest son at the age of 4 got up out of his bed and went to the neighbor#146;s house. Thank God they did not lock their door. He went in and upstairs. He asked, #147;Where#146;s Mom?#148;

My neighbor got up in a panic and ran over to the house. My wife was sleeping and I was at work. The next morning I went to ACE (Hardware) for a slide lock for the inside door. It nearly gave me a heart attack.

My sister and I did the same thing back in the mid-70s. I was about 3 and she was about 2. My mom went to church and my dad was supposed to watch us but he fell asleep and we walked out the front door and went our separate ways.

I headed toward church to see my mom ... I was found by a couple across the street from the church and brought into the rectory where my parents found me eating ice cream with the priests. Ah, memories ... luckily I have an alarm on my door to hear if my kids decide to make a break for it.

Years ago our neighbor found our young daughter outside on her Big Wheel very early one morning while we were still sleeping. After that we installed deadbolt locks on the five doors which lead outside including the door which was between the foyer and the garage. Everybody in the family knew where the key was kept except her.

My son hopped up on the kitchen counter and ate the frosting off of 12 chocolate doughnuts while I slept, dreaming about those chocolate doughnuts! Glad this little guy is OK.