The whoops of joy could be heard all over Bull Creek late yesterday morning when missing woman Dianne Lane-Wright was found.
Relatives admitted their thoughts had started turning towards the worst possible outcome after she had been missing for three days.
Just after 11am, they learned Mrs Lane-Wright (45) had been found safe and well.
Her stepdaughter and family spokeswoman, Sally Ealson, of Mosgiel, said the entire family was initially in a state of dis-belief before screams of delight and tears of joy burst forth.
The family had gathered at Mrs Lane-Wright's Bull Creek house at the start of the week.
Many had been part of the search and rescue group scouring the nearby area for any sign of her, while others stayed home and tried to keep brave as they waited for word.
Mrs Ealson said the family had nothing but praise and gratitude for everyone who helped.
"We just can't thank people enough. Everybody has been fantastic . . . the people that have been physically looking, the police, the cribbies and all the wonderful people who brought baking and food."
When they first saw Mrs Lane-Wright late yesterday morning, everyone was surprised at how well she appeared.
"She was great, but I think she's probably in a bit of shock, but I don't think she will need to go to hospital to be treated for hyperthermia or anything like that."
Mrs Ealson believes Mrs Lane-Wright, who is bipolar and had been depressed in the days before her disappearance, cannot fully remember the last four days very well.
On Wednesday night, some family members had started to believe the worst possible scenario was the only likely outcome.
"We really thought she was gone, she was dead and then to hear she had been found . . . you just can't put it into words. I think Dad (Mrs Lane-Wright's husband, Ken) said it best when he said it was better than winning Lotto."
