Last night, a community came together in the face of great uncertainty. Men and women left their homes and stood together in unity with one mission: to find a missing 7-year-old girl named Brynlee. The personal stories from last night have started to trickle out, people arriving in Zimmerman from Milaca to help look for Brynlee.

Zimmerman's Fire Department Said It Best: 'We Witnessed Something Beyond Words'

The Zimmerman Fire Department's message really took hold with many, as it has been shared more than 1,000 times and has received more than 20,000 reactions.

People From Across Minnesota Gathered To Help A Family

Stories of people showing up to look for Brynlee from places like Milaca, Big Lake, Dalbo, and beyond have been circulating online, with accounts of law enforcement sorting searchers into teams of 15, and sending them door to door, then on foot, or on snowmobiles to area lakes to knock on fish house doors, looking for the missing 7-year-old.

According to one person in attendance for the search last night, more than 300 people showed up to look for Brynlee.

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Cousins called cousins, fathers left their own young children and families at home to search for a child who could have been theirs, all in the name of community.

Tracking dogs were brought in, meaning that those searching for Brynlee needed to stand back to allow the dogs to work. Helicopters were flown in an effort to find Brynlee, pushing searchers back inside. During all of this, people worked together. There was even a group prayer that galvanized the search efforts.

Before Brynlee Was Found, A Search Of The Woods Was Beginning

The news of Brynlee being found started to circulate as a search was beginning in a wooded area, after it was noted that footprints were seen entering the area. Questions remained as to where she was found, and whether she was she ok. Later on, in an announcement, the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office stated she was located.

It was that announcement that allowed many Minnesota parents to get back in their cars, head home, and get to bed, after I'm sure they kissed and hugged their children one more time.

To All Who Took The Time To Search, Thank You

If you took time last night to drop what you were doing to assist in the search for Brynlee, thank you. You are what makes living in Minnesota so wonderful, especially when we can all rally and unite around a lost child.

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