Michigan Toddler Recovers After Going Missing In Woods

TAWAS CITY, Mich. (AP) - More than a week after she disappeared into the woods for nearly a day, a 2-year-old girl has fully recovered, her father said.

Brooklyn Lilly's father, Tom Lilly, said Tuesday she is "back to her normal self" following the Nov. 5 scare, The Bay City Times reported. Brooklyn disappeared from her mother and stepfather's home in Iosco County's Tawas City. Her grandfather was watching her at the time.

"He took his eyes off her for a few seconds," Lilly said. "She went one way, and he went the other way looking for her. It happens. He just learned his lesson that you don't take your eyes off her for a second."

A Michigan State Police canine unit found her nearly a full day later by a creek about three-quarters of a mile from her home. She was treated at a hospital for scratches and exposure and was released.

"Everything was all good," Lilly said. "They were worried about her white blood cells because they were high, but they got them down and we went home Saturday."

When he first saw his daughter after her rescue, Lilly said she told him that she had taken "a long walk in the woods" and that she wouldn't do it again. But Lilly said he still plans to buy a tracking bracelet for Brooklyn.

"She scared me," he said. "It was a scary thing I never want to experience again. She's happy to be with her daddy."

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