Robin's Story

Without a Trace . . .

the memory of a lost child

Robin Elizabeth . . .

born: February 26, 1984

written by her "Aunt Di Di " , Diana M. Chiles

This adorable picture is of my niece, Robin Elizabeth, when she was five years old. This picture was taken the morning before she disappeared. I was baby sitting my three nieces for my sister. I decided to take the girls to my favorite spot on earth . . . Pensacola Beach. Mom, Uncle Bill, Haley, and Robin were in the ocean. Annaliese, my baby niece, and I were on shore making sand castles.

I need to explain something before I can continue with this story: Robin came into our lives when she was two years old. At that time she couldn't talk, walk, or even smile. The social workers told my sister and her husband that this sweet little girl was severely retarded. My sister worked endlessly with Robin. Slowly she began to walk. Then she began to talk a little. And Robin’s smile simply warmed our hearts!

Now, to finish the story: After a while of playing in the sand, Annaliese and I went to the ocean to see how the others were doing. The first thing I noticed was that Robin was not there. I shouted: "Where is Robin?" My Mom immediately answered, "I thought she was with you!" My heart fell to the bottom of my stomach.

At the time I was serving on the Advisory Board of "The Compassionate Friends", a support group for parents who have had a child to die. I conducted a monthly Support Group for the siblings of these children who had died. Many times I heard a parent's story begin with: "I thought my child was with . . ."

Robin was gone. We had no idea of how long she had been missing. In my mind, I knew that Robin was already dead. We were surrounded by pools, ocean, and strangers. From no where, a search party quickly came together. A wonderful couple (with small kids of their own) volunteered to watch Annaliese and Haley, so we turned our frightened girls over to this kind family while the rest of us ran from pool to pool searching for a small little girl who couldn't talk. I will never forget the look on my mother's face, Robin's grandmother. Her face was full of anguish, shock, and terror. Uncle Bill was born crippled, and his own handicap caused him to feel a special connection for little Robin. Uncle Bill hobbled as fast as he could urgently trying to find Robin, all the while crying and crying.

Hours went by. It started to turn dark. I began to realize that soon I would have to pick up the phone and call my sister and tell her that her little girl was gone . . . . How was I going to do that?

Not knowing what to do, I ran across the street to the motel where we were staying, knowing that Robin couldn't have made it across the street. But I had searched everywhere else. Of course she wasn't there. So I ran back.

As I was passing through the by-pass of a condominium to the beach front area (where I had searched a hundred times before) I saw a woman putting Robin into a car. Without even thinking, I grabbed Robin out of the car. I don't think this woman was kidnapping Robin — I think she was a good Samaritan probably taking Robin to a police station, although, all the police and everyone near by us knew that a little girl was missing . . . but I will never know.

Holding Robin in my arms, I ran down to the beach where my Mother and Uncle Bill had collapsed in tears and exhaustion. They were surrounded by kind strangers who were trying to minister to them. And that sweet dear family was also still there, trying their best to distract and comfort Annaliese and Haley. I didn't think any of us had any tears left! But we certainly did! Only this time we all were crying for joy . . . and for God's protection of a lost little girl.

Everyone there grabbed hands and hearts. On our knees, we said a prayer of thanks for this miracle child.

Today, Robin is twenty-three years old. She is blessed with natural blond hair and dark eye lashes! Robin is a sweet and giving person with a gentle spirit. It has been rewarding to witness Robin grow from a shy little girl into a beautiful young Christian woman. While she does continue to struggle with a learning disability, Robin strives to accomplish all that she is able to do.

We wonder what the future holds for our lovely gift from God.