~Chapter 13~ The Lost Are Now Found

   "Where is he?!" Chester was frantic. We all tried to calm him down as well as trying to decide what to do next. Donning their coats and winter apparel once again, Juliano and Chester headed out into the freezing rain that stung their faces, wind that deafened you, and slippery footing. That bundle I saw my brother carrying was his pack that I forgot he had brought on the walk. He didn't want to bore anyone with the particulars that related to his multi-million dollar job, but the fact that he brought it made my brother blame himself. Our amazing discovery of the icy cross was all but forgotten as we prayed Jack Matthew would be found soon.

   The men came back in some half-hour later, with no luck finding Jack Matthew. The rest of us were sick of doing nothing. Chester and Juliano warmed themselves for two minutes, though Chester would have hurt himself if we let him have his way by staying out in the (I'm not going to sugar-coat it) very scary storm. Then we all went out into the ever increasing storm. I stepped out and immediately I hobbled like a drunk chicken. The wind pushed and pulled at me and I stumbled many times in the first five minutes. Our flashlights made no difference except maybe to shed light on the ice and snow in front of us. Though it was only mid-afternoon the sun was gone and the clouds showed no sign of letting up. The snow was only ankle deep this morning when we went for that walk, but now it was several inches higher. 

   The freezing rain was making the search all the more difficult, and stinging my face even through my scarf that covered it. My figures were getting colder and colder, as well as my ears, though everything was covered! I could hardly hear myself think, but one thought definitely howled over the wind. God, help us find him! Please! I begged our Lord over and over in my mind. Help us find him! Then I saw it, several flashlight beams over three yards away. I tripped and stumbled my way to the lights and I saw Heidi, Juliano, Shiloh, and Guen standing around a little figure.

   They found him! I ran and fell, got up and ran again embracing Jack Matthew, but he didn't respond. I didn't know if he was too cold to move or- I didn't let myself think of it. Heart beating wildly, I waved my flashlight with theirs, calling to Chester who was still lost in the storm. Soon Chester joined us, much to my relief. 

   With Chester carrying our freezing and unconscious (at least, I hoped he was unconscious) Jack Matthew, we followed our ever-fading tracks in the snow. By the time they disappeared completely the dim glow of the lamp post was in our view, inviting us back to a warm, cozy, warm fire. His dad laid Jack Matthew on the couch and stripped him of his wet freezing clothes. Shiloh went upstairs to get him new clothes and when she returned Jack was awake. Chester clothed him, hugged him, and kept him close for warmth. When I went to get them for our supper of chicken and waffles, the son was asleep, and the father's cheeks were wet. 

   During supper we all told our own part of the story to Hazel, Kenna, Sebastian, and Jack Michael. They were like sponges, taking in every detail of our adventure. Apparently Juliano found him first, tripping over the very same rock Jack Matthew must have tripped over, because he soon found him lying right by it with a few inches of snow over him. Nobody noticed him missing because each assumed the other had him. 
   Tonight we ate in the kitchen, it was warmer than the rest of the house from Hazel's cooking. Shiloh wrapped up the story by saying, "I'm just glad we found him before it was too late." Her statement put us all in a melancholy. 

   When Juliano went to get second helpings I noticed him limping ever-so-slightly. Heidi must have notice it too because she asked, "Juliano, what happened to your leg?" There was a deep concern in her voice. 

   "Oh, nothing. I just tripped rather hard, that's all."  I couldn't tell if Heidi was convinced or not. Just then, Chester walked in and said that Jack Matthew was in bed. Hazel gave him some supper and embraced him. 

   "It's not your fault," she told him, "He's home now and that's what matters." I thanked the Lord for bringing my nephew home that night.