Today my kid ran away

Today my kid ran away.  Oh yes this happened.   Our day was characterized by explosive outbursts, super great behavior followed by odd statements ~ repeated all day.  (Clearly we need more therapy and structure).  At some point, he decided he was going to leave.  He announced he was running away.  He came and told me he was going to run.  I never thought he was telling the truth.  Nor did I stop to really listen to what he was saying because I was so caught up in how horrible the day was.  How I look forward to a day off with Doug and Espen and BLAM it never goes smoothly. 

But he put on his socks and shoes, coat and a hat and found an open door and took off.  Thankfully Doug was not far behind him.  I started to cry.  Sank down to my knees and pray.  How can he be 4 years old and decide he is having a bad day and run off.  How can I be so dumb as to leave a door unlocked.  How can I have screwed up so badly that my beautiful 4 year old decides to run away.  How are we going to make this right and not have this repeat itself every weekend.  UGH.  Can't we just have ONE day ~ one regular day.  One day to know what an average family does and experiences.  Just that one day.....

I followed in the car when I saw them get to the top of the hill and turn the corner.  By the time I caught up to them they were nearly a half mile away.  He was running.  By running away I guess he really meant RUNNING. 

Espen in left, on a sidewalk.  RUNNING.

I brought them home while I was still crying.  He wondered why I was crying.  The thing is my son did not think it was bizarre.  He said he needed some exercise and fresh air.  He did not do this with a bad thought to it.  He was happy.  I was not. 

Yes today my son ran away.  What can possibly happen tomorrow?

There are some crazy fantastic things that happened with this whole frustrating moment.
1. He put on his socks, shoes, coat and hat by himself.
2. He ran.  He got some exercise in the cold fresh air.
3. He drew me a picture of the event after ward... complete with himself on a sidewalk, and when he messed up he used an eraser.  This is a HUGE accomplishment... my son is beginning to draw
random things that he can visualize. 
4. We know we need some help... we just don't know where in the hell to start!