I hate stories like these because they are negative in nature. Yet I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this one on the blog. In our state, we had two children die last month as a result of being left in a hot car. While it is now September, it is even hotter than it was last month in our area. So, this story just made me cry.

In short, a nine month old died as a result of being left in a hot car by her foster mother. A custody hearing was scheduled for later this month to see if reunification with the birth mother was possible.

In the words of the birth mother's attorney, "That will be too late."

My heart is broken for this birth mother. I am sure she is living the hell of "what ifs" right now. I'm sure she is angry with herself and whatever previous actions lead to the removal of her child and placement in foster care. I am sure she is saying "if only" and "what if" and berating herself. And I'm sure she's unbelievably angry.

I know it can happen to anyone. I know it can. But the comments of the news article include some of the things no one really wants to say aloud. It is sad that this child was, in essence, forgotten. The comments, of course, get really rude and say that the foster mother shouldn't have been napping at all with two three year old children in the house. I'm sure she's thinking similar things right now. That said, I've taken a nap while my oldest was also napping and awoken to find him staring right into my face, out of his bed and ready to play.

Whatever the case, I am sure that two mothers feel absolutely horrible this morning. The guilt that they both feel is probably not understandable by those of us on the outside. I hope that these families are able to find healing in the future. It would be hard for me, as a birth mother, to forgive such a thing.



Photo Credit.