The other night, Pat and I were sitting here watching some television and it didn't disappoint us. I say that because it seems that whenever I actually sit and watch tv I tend to be very amused by stories on the news, storylines in shows, the pound of make-up on actors and actress', etc.
Anyway, a short look at what was to come on the local news station appeared. Their 'special segment' that night would involve the question, "why couldn't this railing save this 14-month old from falling nearly 10-feet?" I popped to attention, looked over at Pat while laughing in my most shocked manner and both of us, almost in unison said, "Why couldn't the parents have saved this child from falling?!!!!" Unbelievable that now we are blaming a railing or inanimate object for a child falling to a very horrific injury.
Of course I wanted to immediately sit at my computer and write about the idiocy in that question that the newsman asked but decided to wait until the next morning to get the whole story. But it really didn't beg the question of why didn't the railing save the baby for me, it was more, why didn't the parent. And why would any logical person blame a railing for a child falling???? What exactly was that child doing?
Turns out, the railings in this house were erected before 1995 when a State Safety Law was passed. The spindles were 6 inches apart instead of 4 inches and this little one squeezed her way through them and fell 8-feet getting head injuries on both sides of her head. The story said a pop can is exactly 4 inches long so if you can fit a pop can through the spindles on the railing, they are a hazard obviously.
Ok, yes, I know all too well that accidents happen, Pat and I have had our share of kid injuries over the years. But we never blamed an object. In fact we are more likely to kick ourselves down for not being more attentive or for not having the foresight to see what shall be. I didn't just recently run to the local news stations and ask why that cup spilled water on my sons shoulder and gave him second degree burns! And for God's sake, why did that water have to be in that cup that went into the microwave anyway.
Ok, I think I've made my stupid point here. People have to blame, people seem to look ahead and say, 'hmmm, I wonder who I could sue for tripping over that toy on the floor in my living room causing me to suffer a sprained ankle. I got it, THE TOY COMPANY!!!" A person literally has to watch every step, every move, every action they take or they could risk being sued! Fast food joints being blamed for obesity or hot coffee, cigarette companies for causing cancer. Ummm, I CHOOSE to eat at McDonalds, I physically walk through that door and order me up a quarter pounder with cheese, fries and a chocolate malt knowing full well that my stomach will feel gross afterwards, that it isn't 'really' food, and that it isn't really healthy. Duhhh!!! And smoking? Well, I choose to commit a long slow suicide, knowing all my life that smoking is bad, smoking can kill you. Yet, I still go to that store every week and purchase a carton and continue to punish myself. Hey, maybe I should sue the store for selling them to me because they are aiding in my ultimate death.
This news story that began my ranting turned out to be a non-story really, aside from the poor baby who will probably have some permanent damage. It was more for a heads up to those of us who have older homes and children in those homes but I have to say one last thing, if you have kids and you are not aware of the mischief they can find for themselves, you might want to start reading some parenting books, and be more aware of the cracks and crevices in a house that children can easily get themselves into. If in fact I hear rumor of a lawsuit with the builders of this house or railing, I will simply throw up my hands and scream.
Watch your kids people!!!!! Oh, another tale.
Yesterday one of my daycare parents came to pick up her kids and she had quite a day. Apparently, the cops called her to come back to the apartments that she runs and wanted her to take this 2-year old child. This child lives in the bldg. and the father was at work. Ok, well, the child's babysitter, who lives in the bldg as well, fell asleep while caring for the toddling 2-year old. Guess what, the little angel found his/her way out the door and proceeded to walk downtown around the movie theater, no coat, no shoes, just wandering aimlessly around. Roads you might ask? Well in fact there is a main street through this town. Do people obey the 25 mph speed limit? Not usually.
Anyway, the COP calls up my daycare parent and tells her he just doesn't know what to do with this child? The father is at work, there is no mom in the picture, and the cop simply doesn't know what to do???? I guess my daycare parent attempted to reach me but was unable to reach me and for that, I am happy. She wanted me to watch this child. Yes, that is my job however, the situation is one in which warrants a call to the county on this woman who is a 'so-called babysitter'. One in which I would have definately made had I known sooner.
My mood is not bad just fed up. Post holiday blues perhaps? My daycare kids are all not feeling well and when kids get sick, it's twice the work, my work this week has been ten fold in physical, mental and emotional and I just want "Calgon" to take me away.
Now I need a vacation!!!!!!!
Have a great day all!!!!!
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