Yesterday in Houston, Texas, a 2 year old little boy was accidentally left in his carseat by his parents in the midst of a heatwave, for over 2 hours. His parents had arrived at the home of some relatives, and their older child who is autistic had a seizure as they were driving. They had rushed into the relative’s home to deal with that — and completely forgot about their little boy in the SUV.
2 hours later, the father realized their son was not in the house, and discovered his baby boy unconscious in the vehicle. The temperature inside had reached over 125 degrees.
The boy was rushed to hospital but had passed away due to the blistering heat. You can read the full story here.
I can’t even imagine how the parents must feel. Not only do they have a child who has autism, which provides it’s own set of challenges, but they’ve now lost their younger son.
[caption id="attachment_921" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="My little guy Cooper having a tub"]
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As you likely know, I have a 2 year old little boy named Cooper, and of course this explains why this story touched me so deeply and traumatically. It made me think of him, and how unimaginable it is for me to contemplate something happening to him.
My heart goes out to these parents because of the circumstances. You hear about situations where a parent leaves their child in the car to go shopping, or to the casino, and then forget about them. Those parents should be shot if you ask me.
However, in this case, they were tending to their older child’s needs in an emergency situation. Charges are not going to be laid, which I think is the right outcome for this particular situation. But where do they go from here?
Whenever I hear about something sad or tragic that happens, I always try to find the lesson, or the message, that’s hidden within the story. Not only does it make it easier to accept, but I also believe that it is within tragedies where we can learn life’s greatest lessons.
I think this story is a sad example of what happens when you are not fully engaged in the moment, and 100% present.
Most people are stumbling through life, almost like a zombie, and very rarely – if ever – actually are “living in the moment”. It’s so easy to get carried away with our to-do list, and all the pressures around us. But it’s only when you stop and actually live in the moment when you truly live!
Spending your life in the past or the future doesn’t provide you any sense of fulfillment and being alive.
Think about the last time you were in your car — whether it was coming to the office today, or coming back to your home. Do you remember the path that you took? Do you remember seeing ANYTHING along the way? Or did you just operate purely on auto-pilot, because you completely tuned out what was happening in the moment?
While this story is an extreme example of what can happen when you’re not paying attention in the present, I think everyone has examples in their own life where they’ve missed opportunities or created problems for themselves because they were operating on auto-pilot.
My challenge to you is that if this story touched or affected you in any way, that you take a few minutes this weekend to TRULY stop and live in the moment.
Get ENGAGED in your life, and what’s happening around you!
Go outside and sit on the park bench and watch people go by. Grab your children, give them a huge hug and ask them what’s their biggest dream in the world. Pick up your infant and look into their eyes.. and think about what you want for them in their life.
For God’s sake, take a minute to live your life — and do it as often as you can. The more you do, the more it becomes a habit, and you’ll find yourself not only feeling less guilty about the past and less pressured about the future .. but you’ll actually be a human BEING instead of a human DOING.
This horrible story really made me think about what matters to me in my life, and you can bet that I’m going to be spending a LOT of minutes fully present with Cooper and Raylene this weekend. I hope it inspires you to do the same.]]>
68 Responses
Having friends (sadly, that would be plural) who have lost children (ditto), and being a parent of 2 young sons myself, my husband and I read – and attempt to live by – the following "Parent's Prayer" we found in Halifax in a shop one day. (I'll beg forgiveness for the length of this post in advance…). "Anonymous" was a wonderful author and poet:
They are little only once, Lord.
Grant me the wisdom and patience to teach them to follow in your footsteps and prepare them for what is to come.
They are little only once, Lord.
Make me take the time to play pretend, to read or tell a story, to cuddle.
Don’t let me for one minute think anything is more important than the school play, the recital, the big game, fishing, or the quiet walk hand in hand.
All too soon, Lord, they will grow away and there is no turning back.
Let me have my memories with no regrets.
Please help me to be a good parent, Lord.
When I must discipline, let me do it in love, let me be fair; let me correct and explain with patience.
They are growing away, Lord.
While I have the chance, let me do my best for them.
For the rest of our lives, Lord, let me be their very best friend.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I will share it as well. When my father was alive and my son was small, my dad would often say “he’s only little once” and I wonder if he had read this somewhere. It really drives the point home. Thank you again.
Arlene
Having friends (sadly, that would be plural) who have lost children (ditto), and being a parent of 2 young sons myself, my husband and I read – and attempt to live by – the following “Parent's Prayer” we found in Halifax in a shop one day. (I'll beg forgiveness for the length of this post in advance…). “Anonymous” was a wonderful author and poet:
They are little only once, Lord.
Grant me the wisdom and patience to teach them to follow in your footsteps and prepare them for what is to come.
They are little only once, Lord.
Make me take the time to play pretend, to read or tell a story, to cuddle.
Don’t let me for one minute think anything is more important than the school play, the recital, the big game, fishing, or the quiet walk hand in hand.
All too soon, Lord, they will grow away and there is no turning back.
Let me have my memories with no regrets.
Please help me to be a good parent, Lord.
When I must discipline, let me do it in love, let me be fair; let me correct and explain with patience.
They are growing away, Lord.
While I have the chance, let me do my best for them.
For the rest of our lives, Lord, let me be their very best friend.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I will share it as well. When my father was alive and my son was small, my dad would often say “he’s only little once” and I wonder if he had read this somewhere. It really drives the point home. Thank you again.
Arlene
It appears to me the parents regretably were in the moment soo completly they forgot about anything else.How do we explain this???
I think this is part of the purpose in reflecting on this story – in many cases like this, you hear about parents that were just irresponsible and negligent, leaving their child or animal in the car to do something for themselves. This case was different, and makes it all the more heartbreaking.
I think the point is that no matter how urgent or important something is, you can't lose sight of the bigger picture. If it was a 5 minute lapse that's one thing, but the fact it was 2 hours before anyone realized the child was missing, that becomes the one variable that caused things to really go horribly wrong.
My purpose is blogging about this story isn't to sugget the parents should be blamed, but rather to help people realize what can happen, however unintentionally, when you focus on only one element of your life. I feel so sorry for the parents, because how do THEY resolve this going forward? A very sad situation from all angles.
It appears to me the parents regretably were in the moment soo completly they forgot about anything else.How do we explain this???
I think this is part of the purpose in reflecting on this story – in many cases like this, you hear about parents that were just irresponsible and negligent, leaving their child or animal in the car to do something for themselves. This case was different, and makes it all the more heartbreaking.
I think the point is that no matter how urgent or important something is, you can't lose sight of the bigger picture. If it was a 5 minute lapse that's one thing, but the fact it was 2 hours before anyone realized the child was missing, that becomes the one variable that caused things to really go horribly wrong.
My purpose is blogging about this story isn't to sugget the parents should be blamed, but rather to help people realize what can happen, however unintentionally, when you focus on only one element of your life. I feel so sorry for the parents, because how do THEY resolve this going forward? A very sad situation from all angles.
Thank you for the important realization, I have two young boys and appreciate your comments. Take Care
Thank you for the important realization, I have two young boys and appreciate your comments. Take Care
A very sad story and if you are having a difficult moment or two with your loved one it will remind you to be present to what is happening now.
A very sad story and if you are having a difficult moment or two with your loved one it will remind you to be present to what is happening now.
I found it unnecessary to link the Engage thing to this story.
First time I do not agree with a blog. A bit too much opportunistic for me.
Hi Helene:
I don't see how you can possibly say this is opportunistic. It's a story that really affected me, and that's why I shared it. Sorry that you see it that way, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The message of the blog was to recognize how precious life is and to LIVE it, and had nothing to do with a commercial message or anything like that.
Greg, I’m a mother of 2 girls. Any tragedy I hear about a child is deeply upsetting. However, it always makes me stop and think about my mothering and how I’m living my life. Am I getting too caught up in my business and everything around me? Am I spending enough time just being with my children and my husband, the people that are really the most important in my life? I think it’s good to get these little reality checks and I can see why as a parent you wish to share this with others and cause us to question whether we’re giving our attention to the things that really matter. I don’t see it as opportunistic. You have an audience and an opportunity to share your thoughts on living a better life. If only more people would take the time to evaluate what’s really important in life. Best wishes to all parents.
I found it unnecessary to link the Engage thing to this story.
First time I do not agree with a blog. A bit too much opportunistic for me.
Hi Helene:
I don't see how you can possibly say this is opportunistic. It's a story that really affected me, and that's why I shared it. Sorry that you see it that way, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The message of the blog was to recognize how precious life is and to LIVE it, and had nothing to do with a commercial message or anything like that.
Greg, I’m a mother of 2 girls. Any tragedy I hear about a child is deeply upsetting. However, it always makes me stop and think about my mothering and how I’m living my life. Am I getting too caught up in my business and everything around me? Am I spending enough time just being with my children and my husband, the people that are really the most important in my life? I think it’s good to get these little reality checks and I can see why as a parent you wish to share this with others and cause us to question whether we’re giving our attention to the things that really matter. I don’t see it as opportunistic. You have an audience and an opportunity to share your thoughts on living a better life. If only more people would take the time to evaluate what’s really important in life. Best wishes to all parents.
Greg — initially the only thing I was going to write, was "amazing" in the comment section … b/c that was the solitary thought in my mind and sensations in my body.
In regards to questioning motives — I appreciate we all have our own experiences, perspectives and opinions. I really sincerely mean that. It's only through expressing our authentic thoughts and feelings in life, do we actually move forward with some form of purpose in life. Right or wrong, credit to Hélène for being honest about her perspective.
Personally, I have no issue with the blog … here's why.
To me – the resounding nature of this post, focused on what truly matters spoke loudly to me (family, being present, living now). Also, when I saw you tear up on stage @ Engage Today 2010, speaking about your family and serving entrepreneurs — ever since then, I've been a bigger believer.
Keep it up.
For all of us to get more real won't be easy. It's a process and there will be conflict and disagreement. Just comes with the territory.
In support of that,
Kyle
Hi Kyle:
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate it. I definitely agree – the hardest thing most of us will ever do is be authentic. It's counter intuitive because it sounds so easy – duh, just be yourself – yet, that's not what comes naturally or easily to anyone. The purpose of this blog is to have people express their opinions, whether I agree or not. That's what good discussion and a great blog is really all about in my mind. So I encourage comments and thoughts, whether I agree or not. I'll, of course, post my counter-opinions but in the end, I think the ultimate goal is to stimulate discussion and engagement that causes people to challenge their beliefs and thinking. Thanks again!
Thank you Greg!
Greg — initially the only thing I was going to write, was “amazing” in the comment section … b/c that was the solitary thought in my mind and sensations in my body.
In regards to questioning motives — I appreciate we all have our own experiences, perspectives and opinions. I really sincerely mean that. It's only through expressing our authentic thoughts and feelings in life, do we actually move forward with some form of purpose in life. Right or wrong, credit to H
Hi Kyle:
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate it. I definitely agree – the hardest thing most of us will ever do is be authentic. It's counter intuitive because it sounds so easy – duh, just be yourself – yet, that's not what comes naturally or easily to anyone. The purpose of this blog is to have people express their opinions, whether I agree or not. That's what good discussion and a great blog is really all about in my mind. So I encourage comments and thoughts, whether I agree or not. I'll, of course, post my counter-opinions but in the end, I think the ultimate goal is to stimulate discussion and engagement that causes people to challenge their beliefs and thinking. Thanks again!
Thank you Greg!
This post seems ridiculous to me. How do you know the parents were not 100% engaged? Who are you to make the judgement that they weren’t engaged? These parents were part of a tragic accident, and I agree with other posts that they were probably too fully engaged in the situation and thus forgot about their other son. Seems like Greg is making conclusions and judgements about situations that really don’t involve him and he doesn’t know anything about. You don’t know how these people lived their lives, so don’t make the judgment that they were not fully engaged with their children and didn’t live life in the moment. Such a ridiculous conclusion to draw from such a tragic event.
Hi Jennifer:
It seems like you took from my post that I'm blaming the parents here, which I did not. This isn't about judging them. This is about the fact their 2 year old child was left in a blistering hot vehicle for 2 hours. The point is, no matter how urgent something may be, you cannot lose sight of what really matters.
I wasn't trying to judge the parents or criticize them, but rather raise the issue of being engaged, and present in the moment. Whether you agree or not, the parents ARE accountable for the outcome, and they'll live the rest of their lives with what happened.
It wasn't malicious, negligent or anything like that — but it DID happen, and it's a fact. My purpose here was to address the reality that no matter how urgent something becomes in your life, you can't lose signt of the big picture.
I said in my post that I agreed that the parents should not be charged criminally, because there were extenuating circumstances. However, the fact remains that it was their lack of awareness in those 2 hours for their other children that created the outcome.
I appreciate your input and this isn't about everyone agreeing, but getting everyone to discuss the issue and reflect on the importance of being present and engaged.
This post seems ridiculous to me. How do you know the parents were not 100% engaged? Who are you to make the judgement that they weren’t engaged? These parents were part of a tragic accident, and I agree with other posts that they were probably too fully engaged in the situation and thus forgot about their other son. Seems like Greg is making conclusions and judgements about situations that really don’t involve him and he doesn’t know anything about. You don’t know how these people lived their lives, so don’t make the judgment that they were not fully engaged with their children and didn’t live life in the moment. Such a ridiculous conclusion to draw from such a tragic event.
Hi Jennifer:
It seems like you took from my post that I'm blaming the parents here, which I did not. This isn't about judging them. This is about the fact their 2 year old child was left in a blistering hot vehicle for 2 hours. The point is, no matter how urgent something may be, you cannot lose sight of what really matters.
I wasn't trying to judge the parents or criticize them, but rather raise the issue of being engaged, and present in the moment. Whether you agree or not, the parents ARE accountable for the outcome, and they'll live the rest of their lives with what happened.
It wasn't malicious, negligent or anything like that — but it DID happen, and it's a fact. My purpose here was to address the reality that no matter how urgent something becomes in your life, you can't lose signt of the big picture.
I said in my post that I agreed that the parents should not be charged criminally, because there were extenuating circumstances. However, the fact remains that it was their lack of awareness in those 2 hours for their other children that created the outcome.
I appreciate your input and this isn't about everyone agreeing, but getting everyone to discuss the issue and reflect on the importance of being present and engaged.
Thank you for sharing this story. It is an important one.
Thank you for sharing this story. It is an important one.
Greg, I appreciate your thoughts here, as well as all your ideas in general, which have been inspirational to me. However, please, no matter how negligent parents may be, or anyone may be, they should not be ‘shot’. This is but a small step removed from public stonings in iran or taliban afganistan. This is out of character from the overall mood of your lessons.
Hi Paul:
I wasn't speaking literally when I said they should be shot. I meant that when a parent ignores their responsibilities and neglects a child (or a pet) like what happened here a couple of years ago – a father leaving their 2 year old in diapers in the car, when it was freezing outside to go and play in the casino – those people are unfit parents and need to be held accountable and charged criminally. The reality is, if that's how they parent, they are probably doing an awful job overall and the child would likely get better treatment in a foster home or other alternative.
I wasn't really saying someone should actually shoot them, so I apologize if that's what you understood I meant. It was just an expression.
Greg, I appreciate your thoughts here, as well as all your ideas in general, which have been inspirational to me. However, please, no matter how negligent parents may be, or anyone may be, they should not be ‘shot’. This is but a small step removed from public stonings in iran or taliban afganistan. This is out of character from the overall mood of your lessons.
Hi Paul:
I wasn't speaking literally when I said they should be shot. I meant that when a parent ignores their responsibilities and neglects a child (or a pet) like what happened here a couple of years ago – a father leaving their 2 year old in diapers in the car, when it was freezing outside to go and play in the casino – those people are unfit parents and need to be held accountable and charged criminally. The reality is, if that's how they parent, they are probably doing an awful job overall and the child would likely get better treatment in a foster home or other alternative.
I wasn't really saying someone should actually shoot them, so I apologize if that's what you understood I meant. It was just an expression.
There is obviously a theme for me tonight. I’ve been singing/listening to Cats Cradle by Harry Chapin and now your blog. I have a 4 year old daughter and yes she will only be young once. Thanks for the reminder to be in the moment. Very sad story about the 2 year old and his parents.
There is obviously a theme for me tonight. I’ve been singing/listening to Cats Cradle by Harry Chapin and now your blog. I have a 4 year old daughter and yes she will only be young once. Thanks for the reminder to be in the moment. Very sad story about the 2 year old and his parents.
I thought exactly the same as Deb – the parents were in the moment and their priority was to help their autistic kid. While they were doing this they probably forgot time.
So they were TOO present in the now – and completely forgot completly about the future.
It's a tragic story no matter how you look at it.. and the purpose in talking about it was to have people think about the issues. I appreciate your input, and agree, they lost sight of the bigger picture.
I thought exactly the same as Deb – the parents were in the moment and their priority was to help their autistic kid. While they were doing this they probably forgot time.
So they were TOO present in the now – and completely forgot completly about the future.
It's a tragic story no matter how you look at it.. and the purpose in talking about it was to have people think about the issues. I appreciate your input, and agree, they lost sight of the bigger picture.
Hey Grege,
This story is a horrible story. This father is guilty of criminal negligence,
and has to be taken to the court and be sentenced to be in jail.
God protect your seet little child Cooper
Hi Lea:
Thanks for your input. While I don't necessarily agree that the father or parents in this tragedy should be charged criminally, this is what makes this story so powerful – everyone has a different view on it, and I believe the lessons to be learned here are very important.
There was clearly no intent on the father's part to have anything bad happen, but you can also argue that his actions led to the death of the child.
What I do know is that the authorities in the area decided not to bring charges against the parents, so I would think that they did their investigation and decided there were no compelling reasons to believe it was anything more than just a horrible accident.
In my mind, criminal charges rarely help offset or resolve the human price that gets paid in these kinds of stories. I don't believe the parents need to be charged criminally, because I believe they'll be paying a terrible price every day going forward. I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to live with what's happened.
Hey Grege,
This story is a horrible story. This father is guilty of criminal negligence,
and has to be taken to the court and be sentenced to be in jail.
God protect your seet little child Cooper
Hi Lea:
Thanks for your input. While I don't necessarily agree that the father or parents in this tragedy should be charged criminally, this is what makes this story so powerful – everyone has a different view on it, and I believe the lessons to be learned here are very important.
There was clearly no intent on the father's part to have anything bad happen, but you can also argue that his actions led to the death of the child.
What I do know is that the authorities in the area decided not to bring charges against the parents, so I would think that they did their investigation and decided there were no compelling reasons to believe it was anything more than just a horrible accident.
In my mind, criminal charges rarely help offset or resolve the human price that gets paid in these kinds of stories. I don't believe the parents need to be charged criminally, because I believe they'll be paying a terrible price every day going forward. I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to live with what's happened.
Thank you, that is right. It is strange that we have to always care about the job, the bills, the next big project, and there is so little time to remember our basic needs, which are food, clean water, environment, giving a warm verbal or physical support to each other.
The moment is all we have really, since it is the one that changes all the time depending on our next step.
Have a great week!
Thank you, that is right. It is strange that we have to always care about the job, the bills, the next big project, and there is so little time to remember our basic needs, which are food, clean water, environment, giving a warm verbal or physical support to each other.
The moment is all we have really, since it is the one that changes all the time depending on our next step.
Have a great week!
Hi Greg,
Insightful story. Valuable lessons. Equally it is completely out of context from the expected engaged entrepreneur content. As an engaged entrepreneur I visit to get info on best practice and new perspectives on building business, manifesting ideas. I consider it a valuable business resource. This content fits better into a family focused website. Perhaps u can start a new site
Hi Rajesh:
Thanks for your feedback, very interesting. In my mind, being an entrepreneur is something you live, not what you do. Being engaged is something that should exist throughout your life, and isn't just related to business. While I appreciate that you enjoy the business ideas and perspectives I teach about, part of the fundamental belief is that most entrepreneurs do NOT think about their life as a whole. When you do, you start to realize how there really is no line between 'work' and 'life' and 'home'. The most successful and happy entrepreneurs recognize that trying to be 'balanced' is a myth, and it's more about having harmony in your life, and ensuring evertything you do supports the bigger vision.
I believe being fully engaged is truly the secret to living a fulfilled life, and I apply that concept to entrepreneurs. I should also say that when I post about non-business topics, it's simply me being authentic about who I am and what matters to me. Not everything will resonate with my readers, which I totally get.
Hope that gives you a better perspective on why I choose to talk about things like this sometimes, and I appreciate your input!
Hi Greg,
I think the lessons learned, perspective gained from such an event, and the process of engagement in life/work/relationships/responsibility—you get it, I could keep going—are indeed valuable and appropriate in obvious and subtle ways too.
Hi Greg,
Insightful story. Valuable lessons. Equally it is completely out of context from the expected engaged entrepreneur content. As an engaged entrepreneur I visit to get info on best practice and new perspectives on building business, manifesting ideas. I consider it a valuable business resource. This content fits better into a family focused website. Perhaps u can start a new site
Hi Rajesh:
Thanks for your feedback, very interesting. In my mind, being an entrepreneur is something you live, not what you do. Being engaged is something that should exist throughout your life, and isn't just related to business. While I appreciate that you enjoy the business ideas and perspectives I teach about, part of the fundamental belief is that most entrepreneurs do NOT think about their life as a whole. When you do, you start to realize how there really is no line between 'work' and 'life' and 'home'. The most successful and happy entrepreneurs recognize that trying to be 'balanced' is a myth, and it's more about having harmony in your life, and ensuring evertything you do supports the bigger vision.
I believe being fully engaged is truly the secret to living a fulfilled life, and I apply that concept to entrepreneurs. I should also say that when I post about non-business topics, it's simply me being authentic about who I am and what matters to me. Not everything will resonate with my readers, which I totally get.
Hope that gives you a better perspective on why I choose to talk about things like this sometimes, and I appreciate your input!
Hi Greg,
I think the lessons learned, perspective gained from such an event, and the process of engagement in life/work/relationships/responsibility—you get it, I could keep going—are indeed valuable and appropriate in obvious and subtle ways too.
Thank You so very much for this trying story of trial vs trivulation life truly is in the moment made with concious decisions so we much make the time to chose wisely may God Bless your every move your every endevour
Thank You so very much for this trying story of trial vs trivulation life truly is in the moment made with concious decisions so we much make the time to chose wisely may God Bless your every move your every endevour
Excellent point you highlight Greg. I often think the same thing – that it takes us having a huge jolt to TEMPORARILY make us stop and take note….until next time.
I believe that whilst we can mentally decide to be more mindful (and this is a great start), it is only through practicing mindfulness meditation on a daily basis, by regular MIND TRAINING, that we can truly begin to live in the moment, naturally, and all the time.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. (Oh, and I hope the “dog bite face” is improving!)
Cheers, Amanda
Thanks
Excellent point you highlight Greg. I often think the same thing – that it takes us having a huge jolt to TEMPORARILY make us stop and take note….until next time.
I believe that whilst we can mentally decide to be more mindful (and this is a great start), it is only through practicing mindfulness meditation on a daily basis, by regular MIND TRAINING, that we can truly begin to live in the moment, naturally, and all the time.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. (Oh, and I hope the “dog bite face” is improving!)
Cheers, Amanda
Thanks
Hello Greg:
Love your work. I also felt the same about this story. I have a five year old and she is the sunshine of my life and the thought of something like this happening to her would be just unbearable. Going through a seperation with her mother that was not of my doing (her choice). I already am at that place in my life where I cherish every moment with my daughter. I look at it this way, each moment that passes by in a childs life is lost forever. Turn every moment you can into a happy memory in your childs mind and they will become priceless little gems in her future. Some may even be passed onto their children as they relive the good times again in their older years. Life is short so make the most of it. I love the two famous words you may have heard, “everyday Greatness”. just finished the book. It is very difficult to achieve but a top goal of mine.
Especially loved the short “what is money” thing you did. Keep up the great work and always look forward to e-mails from you. Thanks again.
Craig
Hello Greg:
Love your work. I also felt the same about this story. I have a five year old and she is the sunshine of my life and the thought of something like this happening to her would be just unbearable. Going through a seperation with her mother that was not of my doing (her choice). I already am at that place in my life where I cherish every moment with my daughter. I look at it this way, each moment that passes by in a childs life is lost forever. Turn every moment you can into a happy memory in your childs mind and they will become priceless little gems in her future. Some may even be passed onto their children as they relive the good times again in their older years. Life is short so make the most of it. I love the two famous words you may have heard, “everyday Greatness”. just finished the book. It is very difficult to achieve but a top goal of mine.
Especially loved the short “what is money” thing you did. Keep up the great work and always look forward to e-mails from you. Thanks again.
Craig
Gregg
Thank you so much for the post. This week I am dealing with my own son's problems – he was swarmed, pepper sprayed, beaten and stabbed 5 times last week in Red Deer. He has a punctured lung and a broken rib, the knife also knicked his spleen.
Thankfully, he will live, and so will the young fellow he stopped to help while going for an early early morning coffee.. Sitting in shock in the dark, beaten and stabbed, no would may have seen him. My son moved the attack into the light, where they were seen by the 7-11 clerk, who called police. Three are in custody.
My son, no longer a child, is seeing the world with new eyes, but says he will never stop trying to help others. We have much to be grateful for.
I can't help but wonder what sort of parents raised the young men that attacked them.
Gregg
Thank you so much for the post. This week I am dealing with my own son's problems – he was swarmed, pepper sprayed, beaten and stabbed 5 times last week in Red Deer. He has a punctured lung and a broken rib, the knife also knicked his spleen.
Thankfully, he will live, and so will the young fellow he stopped to help while going for an early early morning coffee.. Sitting in shock in the dark, beaten and stabbed, no would may have seen him. My son moved the attack into the light, where they were seen by the 7-11 clerk, who called police. Three are in custody.
My son, no longer a child, is seeing the world with new eyes, but says he will never stop trying to help others. We have much to be grateful for.
I can't help but wonder what sort of parents raised the young men that attacked them.
"Those parents should be shot if you ask me."
You don't REALLY mean that, do you, Greg? If so, shot where, how and nby whom?
Were you fully engaged when you wrote that? Did you throw that in just to provoke more responses?
For me, it greatly soured an otherwise excellent e-mail, and I would like to know why it was included, please.
Hi Tom:
Did I mean literally that they should be shot? No, it was a figure of speech. What I meant was that those people should absolutely be held accountable criminally and in all other ways. There's no excuse when people purposely leave their childern unattendeded for selfish reasons. I wasn't try to provoke reaction, only using a common phrase intended to suggest a serious degree of accountability for someone. It wasn't intended literally. Hope that explains it.
“Those parents should be shot if you ask me.”
You don't REALLY mean that, do you, Greg? If so, shot where, how and nby whom?
Were you fully engaged when you wrote that? Did you throw that in just to provoke more responses?
For me, it greatly soured an otherwise excellent e-mail, and I would like to know why it was included, please.
Hi Tom:
Did I mean literally that they should be shot? No, it was a figure of speech. What I meant was that those people should absolutely be held accountable criminally and in all other ways. There's no excuse when people purposely leave their childern unattendeded for selfish reasons. I wasn't try to provoke reaction, only using a common phrase intended to suggest a serious degree of accountability for someone. It wasn't intended literally. Hope that explains it.
Thank you Greg for sharing this story. He that has ear let him hear!
Thank you Greg for sharing this story. He that has ear let him hear!