Let me just be BLUNT... unless you know for sure that a person is "STUPID" just keep your mouth SHUT!
With the rising summer temperatures over the last decade we're continuously hearing reports of people leaving their children and/or pets in their cars - be it by accident or on purpose - there doesn't seem to be a summer where this horrific instance hasn't happened to someone. Hi, my name is Jamie McClung and I AM THAT SOMEONE.
When my son was about 3 months old (he was born in April, so this would be JULY), myself and my best friend took a very long drive out to visit some extended family. When we got there, I pulled into the driveway, turned off the car, hopped out and we proceeded up to the house, entered the house, hugged on my family members and walked into the back of the house to announce my arrival. When I was hugging my fourth family member, she pulled away, looking behind me and said "Where's Peyton?" It was in that instance that I'd realized I'd forgotten all about my new little baby and that I'd left him in the car. I don't remember my feet touching the ground as I raced back out to the car. I don't remember opening the car door, I don't remember unfastening all of his car seat straps, and I don't remember pulling him out of the car. What I do remember is sitting in the driveway with my son in my arms crying my eyes out because I'd forgotten him... I'd forgotten all about my new precious beautiful little baby boy. He sat in his seat, sleeping, in a hot car, with sweat beaded up on his little head and his very pink cheeks. I believe the only reason the car hadn't gotten as hot as it possibly could have was because it was still very early in the day, my car was parked under a very large shade tree, and we'd only been there maybe an exact five minutes before my family member asked about my son. None the less, I forgot him. I forgot my son in my car in the middle of scorching summer.
Now... I don't think for one second that I'm a bad parent, mom, person, wife WHATEVER. I don't believe I'm stupid. I don't believe I should be "Sterilized" as some have put it while they judge those of us who have made this horrific mistake. Its ridiculous that people are so quick to judge without knowing what the story is. I understand to some degree the dismay of those who hear the stories of people deliberately leaving their kids or animals in their vehicles while they made what they thought was a quick run into the store or bank or whatever. I get it. But really in all honesty, who are you to judge any one persons mistakes when you don't know the circumstances of those mistakes? Why is it that your little white lie, your innocent attraction to someone other than your spouse, your loss of temper with your children, etc is any less "wrong" than the next persons mistakes?? Regardless of intention, a mistake is a mistake. I see post after post on facebook of people judging and labeling and criticizing, demeaning people who have left their children and/or animals in their cars... stop and think before you post something hateful or hurtful about something with which you have no experience or understanding. Be considerate of those who deserve your compassion whether you're willing to show it or not. Or as my father always told me THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!
James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
