Thankfully the tale of missing 2-year-old Gabriella Roselynn Vitale had a happy ending earlier this week.

But the story that unfolded out of Comins Township in Oscoda County could have been quite different. Literally hundreds of volunteers from area police, search and rescue squads, and conservation officers were at the site through the ordeal trying to locate the missing child.

The whole nightmare began early Monday morning when the young girl’s family started packing up their campsite to head back to their home in southeast Michigan. Anyone who ever has camped can easily identify with that scene, which more often resembles chaos and confusion than order and organization. During that process, family members lost track of Gabriella, who wandered off into the woods. Panic set in, authorities were called, and soon search efforts were begun.

Dogs and their handlers with search and rescue crews from various counties across the region helped. So did numerous police agencies, Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers and volunteers. A helicopter crew looked for her from the air.

Thankfully, the next day, shortly before noon, Gabriella walked out of the woods and to a cabin about a half mile away, where an occupant there recognized her as the missing child and called police.

It must have been an incredible 24-plus hours for the young girl.

We can’t say thank you enough times to all those who assisted or volunteered in the rescue efforts. From those actually searching for Gabriella to those who brought food and beverages to the volunteers, each of you played an important role in this incredible story.

When things looked darkest, volunteers showed up to help from everywhere and anywhere.

Thank you one and all.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)