LOST AND FOUND

Islanders help in a harrowing situation

I woke on Mother’s Day morning with a frantic phone call from a mother who could not find her child. What do we do in this situation?

Call 911.

Notify both ferry docks. and provide a photo and details about the child.

Start looking! Get as many people to help as possible.

Consider yourself in the child’s shoes, pretend you are that age. The age of the child holds value in keeping your brain calm and focused on how someone that age “thinks and processes information.” Stay calm, stay positive, ask for guidance (God, Greater power, etc.). If the child is older they may have a cell phone you can track. It may be turned off, but sometimes you can still find the cell phone location with help from your cell phone carrier.

Be alert, be smart, stay calm.

This is a horrifying moment for the parents and family. Really try to stay positive and reassuring.

What I learned on Mother’s Day is that 90% of people are good. Everyone was ready to help! The ferry workers were amazing, notifying the crew, looking in the loading cars, and slowing the loading process. So the boats were then off-schedule.

You live on an island: if your child was missing you would receive this same kindness. Be grateful for the caring community Vashon continues to be.

The child was located after an 8-mile journey. People stopped and asked them if they were OK. The police were notified that the child was safe. Very dehydrated, but otherwise so happy to be placed in their mommy’s arms.

I want to thank all the ferry workers, our police officers, and the Vashon-Maury community for keeping our children and elders safe when assistance is needed.

Tressa Azpiri