Target Lost...Target Located!

While we know Rachel is a living, breathing human being, sometimes we can't help wondering if she is part plant. Specifically, the Wandering Jew.

Despite our constant conversations that she needs to stay close to mommy or daddy because "something bad can happen to you" and "not everyone is nice", she still tends to take off. Sometimes it is merely a trip to the bathroom, after which we ask her to "tell us you need to go to the bathroom."

Still, her inner Lewis and Clark beckons and she goes off on another expedition. One of the scariest was the other night. Rebecca and Rachel were shopping at Target when Rebecca realized Rachel had disappeared. After frantic searches and calls, Rachel failed to turn up.

Rebecca went to the front of the store and explained the situation. Target immediately placed an employee with a walkie-talkie at each exit. It was rather impressive, from what I was told. Anyway, Rachel turned up in the (shock!) toy department. She was on her way to the bathroom when she was unable to escape the toy department's gravitational pull. Rachel was admonished and a stand down order was issued.

The next time Rebecca and talked on the phone, my wife told me "You need to talk to our daughter." It's not like we had not had that conversation before, but obviously the message wasn't getting through. We had the talk. Again, Rachel indicated she understood, but there was an underlying tone of "I just want this conversation to end." I have to admit, Rachel is good. Sometime in these conversations, she usually hugs me or says something like, "You're the best daddy ever."

Unfortunately for her, that's my move. I know she's trying to change the subject and divert my attention. I used the same strategy in a particular journalism course in college. If I didn't know the answer, I'd tell the professor what the answer was not and get partial credit. (I apologize, Dr. Gentry, rest your soul!)

Anyhow, a couple of days later, I was heading home Saturday morning after working the overnight shift. The weather had turned cooler and Rebecca's joints hurt. She asked for a Cappuchino Blast from Dunkin' Donuts. We decided not to pick up Rachel's traditional Munchkins.

When I came home, Cappuchino Blast in hand, Rachel asked her whether I brought anything for her. I told her I did not, because of her running away in Target. She started crying. I told her we still love her, but she has got to stop running away from us. I then delivered the drink. Still crying, Rachel went to see her mom and had the message reinforced, but she calmed down shortly afterward.

That afternoon, while daddy went to sleep, Rebecca and Rachel went shopping. Rebecca says Rachel never left her side.

Behold the power of food! Just more proof Rachel is a true Ries!