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Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

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ItsaJoya19
my cup runneth over

Member since 1/10

2949 total posts

Name:
E

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

This is horrible. I can't imagine. I dont want to. Every time I try to picture the scene and the terror those parents and that poor baby felt my mind redirects to something else. I am praying for this family. How do you go on? So so sad.

Posted 6/15/16 7:14 PM
 
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity

Posted 6/15/16 7:34 PM
 

Hofstra26
Love to Bake!

Member since 7/06

27915 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity



Because it's part of the theming and fun of Disney, that's all. I know when I stay at Port Orleans resort there I'm not really in the bayou but the theming of the resorts is part of what makes Disney so nice and your vacation special. They don't claim to be a "beach resort" in the traditional sense of the word and people do enjoy relaxing in the environments they've created at their hotels.

Posted 6/15/16 7:43 PM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity



Because it's part of the theming and fun of Disney, that's all. I know when I stay at Port Orleans resort there I'm not really in the bayou but the theming of the resorts is part of what makes Disney so nice and your vacation special. They don't claim to be a "beach resort" in the traditional sense of the word and people do enjoy relaxing in the environments they've created at their hotels. [/QUOTE?]

Well I hope that this awful event has taught them to rethink tbeir "theming". Having a beach "theme" where that "beach" is an alligator infested swamp is beyond ridiculous and irresponsible.
They aren't fooling anyone.

Posted 6/15/16 8:37 PM
 

MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *

Member since 2/09

6243 total posts

Name:
Gina

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by w8andsee

Posted by Goobster

DH used to live in FLA. He said if an alligator comes after you, they can run REALLY fast for the first minute or so.He said he was taught to run ZIG ZAG if an alligator comes after you because they cannot run that way. Figured I would share.



I saw this under Google News.

How to survive a gator attack



Thank you for posting. It's so scary to even think about!

Posted 6/15/16 9:12 PM
 

Jugglemom
LIF Adolescent

Member since 3/12

809 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by NervousNell

How is it that they set up "beaches" to look like real beaches and have sand and lounge chairs and movie nights on the "beach" and allow children to play in the vicinity of wild predators? How?

I know Disney's whole business is setting up a fake world... but this is just insanity to me.
You dont' build a "beach area" around water ways where alligators live. You just do not.
The reality is you are in CENTRAL Florida. There are no beaches. Don't make fake ones.
I like the beach so I go to the coast. Not Disney.


The only people to blame here IMO is Disney. And I hope they get sued heavily.

What a disgrace.



They may get sued and Disney may even settle to avoid negative publicity but legally, pursuant to FL law, The law is on their side. A hotel or resort is not responsible for native wildlife period. This law has been on the books for centuries and continues to be on the books. It is different if the wildlife is part of an attraction (so for instance the animals under their control at animal kingdom) but native wild life is by definition wild and you can't control them. Disney takes a step beyond an removes them whenever they are aware and conduct regular sweeps but it is impossible to monitor every single alligator as they are pretty stealthy.

With respect to people's concerns as to alligators on land, as a native Floridian, I can contribute a little bit of knowledge. It is VERY rare for an alligator to attack a human on land and alligators are quite slow on land making them fairly easy to outrun. Also, with respect to the salt water/fresh water issue Florida actually has both alligators and crocodiles. One prefers fresh and the other is found often in brackish and salt.

Posted 6/15/16 9:44 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity



Because it's part of the theming and fun of Disney, that's all. I know when I stay at Port Orleans resort there I'm not really in the bayou but the theming of the resorts is part of what makes Disney so nice and your vacation special. They don't claim to be a "beach resort" in the traditional sense of the word and people do enjoy relaxing in the environments they've created at their hotels.




This. We always stay at the Polynesian and we love the beach area. They are not claiming to be a beach resort. It's part of the theme of certain hotels

Do I think disneybis responsible. Yes. Should there have been signs. Yes

But let's not forget the millions upon millions of people who have played there every day for years. The boats that go through multiple times a day

This was a horrible. Awful. Heartbreaking. Devastating tragedy

Posted 6/15/16 10:03 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

We should all read this

http://www.oneroomcabin.com/2016/06/15/to-the-mom-of-the-gator-attack-at-the-grand-floridian-wdw/


It's not about the setup of Disney. It's not about common sense

Posted 6/15/16 10:11 PM
 

LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!

Member since 5/05

19458 total posts

Name:
L

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity



Because it's part of the theming and fun of Disney, that's all. I know when I stay at Port Orleans resort there I'm not really in the bayou but the theming of the resorts is part of what makes Disney so nice and your vacation special. They don't claim to be a "beach resort" in the traditional sense of the word and people do enjoy relaxing in the environments they've created at their hotels.




This. We always stay at the Polynesian and we love the beach area. They are not claiming to be a beach resort. It's part of the theme of certain hotels

Do I think disneybis responsible. Yes. Should there have been signs. Yes

But let's not forget the millions upon millions of people who have played there every day for years. The boats that go through multiple times a day

This was a horrible. Awful. Heartbreaking. Devastating tragedy

one of the hotels is literally called the yacht and beach club, so yes, they are claiming beach resort. With that aside, I think we all should pray for the little boy and hope that his family will be able to come to terms with the event. It is sad and horrible.

Posted 6/15/16 10:25 PM
 

mommy2Alex
3 babies for me :)

Member since 5/05

6683 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

We should all read this

http://www.oneroomcabin.com/2016/06/15/to-the-mom-of-the-gator-attack-at-the-grand-floridian-wdw/


It's not about the setup of Disney. It's not about common sense



Thank you for this. My heart breaks for those parents and I truly hope all those that have passed judgement here never have to face the tradegy of losing s child. These parents did nothing that probably 3/4 of the population would have done. My heart literally breaks for them and their helplessness to save their child. It's so easy to be a quarter back after the game and say I could have or should have.
Chat Icon Chat Icon

Posted 6/15/16 10:25 PM
 

lilacwine
only love...

Member since 5/05

2034 total posts

Name:
<3

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Serendipity

I'm heartbroken for this family. As much as I love all things Disney... I really hope Disney relooks at how they use these "beaches". This was tragic!!!



Why can't they accept the fact that they are not in any way, shape, or form a beach resort? They are in the middle of the state for crying out loud! Face your reality. You aren't a beach resort. People do not go to Disney to lay on a beach. If you want that you go elsewhere.
Insanity



That poor family. Chat Icon

The one and only time I went to Disney's Boardwalk, i had the same reaction. You aren't at a real place. Disney creates the illusion of being at a real beach with the wide, white sand, chairs nearby, etc. and it creates a false sense of security.

We've stayed at the Grande Lakes complex (Ritz, JW Marriott, MVC) in Orlando several times and they do two things differently that could have made all the difference. First, the lagoon looks to be in a relatively natural state. It doesn't look like a beach, it's lovely to walk by or sit next to, but it's not at all inviting for wading or swimming. Second, they have signs every few yards that warn people to be careful near the wetlands because snakes and alligators are present. Over the years, I've seen both. After this, I'm not stopping to look at the "cute" little alligator.

It will never make up for what they went through, but I hope that family sues Disney for all it can.

Posted 6/15/16 10:32 PM
 

EatingMyVeggies

Member since 1/12

6667 total posts

Name:

Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

I've been to Disney before and have stayed on the property. I was always very confused at the beach setting but then being told that you're not allowed to go in the water to swim.

While we didn't swim, I did dip my toes.

I was always under an impression that everything in Disney is man-made, including the lakes and lagoons. I just wouldn't think that they would be alligators in there or anything because if it's man-made, how would they get there? Previous poster said that they can come into the pipes and stuff and I never even thought about that. Especially while being on vacation and having fun.

There is such a false sense of security at Disney I think.

There should be signs that there are gators. This is a park that has thought of everything you can imagine, down to the science of having the proper amount of feet between garbage cans because they've studied how long you would walk with a piece of garbage before wanting to litter.

It's horrible and tragic and the least they can do is put up some signs.

Posted 6/15/16 10:39 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Yes I know the names of the hotels

My
Point is the whole Disney experience is not for the beach hotel part as in comparison to a sandals vacation etc

That was my point.

When you see a Disney commercial it's not advertised to come relax on the beach.

Posted 6/15/16 10:50 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by EatingMyVeggies

I've been to Disney before and have stayed on the property. I was always very confused at the beach setting but then being told that you're not allowed to go in the water to swim.

While we didn't swim, I did dip my toes.

I was always under an impression that everything in Disney is man-made, including the lakes and lagoons. I just wouldn't think that they would be alligators in there or anything because if it's man-made, how would they get there? Previous poster said that they can come into the pipes and stuff and I never even thought about that. Especially while being on vacation and having fun.

There is such a false sense of security at Disney I think.

There should be signs that there are gators. This is a park that has thought of everything you can imagine, down to the science of having the proper amount of feet between garbage cans because they've studied how long you would walk with a piece of garbage before wanting to litter.

It's horrible and tragic and the least they can do is put up some signs.





I believe,when this was made there was a gap left open,by the contemporary hotel.

Posted 6/15/16 10:51 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

I'm sorry. I just don't get bc some of the hotels have a beach theme it gives a false sense of security

I don't even get why that's coming up

Posted 6/15/16 10:54 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Parents, I beg of you, stop blaming and shaming other parents.

35 years ago, a mom shopping in a Sears department store went to go look at lamps, and left her six year old with another group of boys, who were all trying out the new Atari game at a kiosk. That boy’s name was Adam Walsh.

30 years ago, an 18 month old toddler playing in her aunt’s backyard fell into a well. Rescuers worked nonstop for 58 hours, finally freeing “Baby Jessica” from the well.

In both cases a tragedy happened, an unforeseen tragic accident took place which left Adam dead, and a toddler fighting for her life deep underground. But they also has something else in common; they had an entire country of moms and dads supporting the grieving parents.

Let me repeat that, EVERYONE SUPPORTED THE RESCUE EFFORTS WITHOUT BLAME. NO BLAME. None. ZERO.

No questions asked, not one single “Where were the parents?” comment. Just a country of other moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas watching in horror as a set of parents, one of their own, went through the unthinkable. Adam was our son. Jessica was our baby daughter.

THOSE PARENTS WERE US.

Flash forward to 2016, the year of THE PERFECT PARENT.

Yesterday, a two year old boy, splashing in the magical lakefront waters of a Disney Resort, succumbed to the wilds of mother nature. An aggressive alligator scooped him out of the water, right under the watch of his father, who attempted to fight with the alligator to free his baby son. Pure horror. Sheer Terror. Parents who actually had to watch their baby be taken from them, as if in some African nature documentary.

A tragic and unforeseeable accident. An accident.

I weep for this mother and father. I am sick with anguish for the pain, agony, misery, and regret pulsating through their viens this very second. And I bet you are too.

But not everyone is.

You see, we now live in a time where accidents are not allowed happen. You heard me. Accidents, of any form, in any way, and at any time, well, they just don’t happen anymore.

Why? Because BLAME and SHAME.

Because we have become a nation of BLAMERS and SHAMERS.

And how are accidents allowed to happen if we can’t blame someone? Surly, they can’t, right? I mean, random acts of nature, unpreventable tragedies, and fateful life changing events that take place in a matter of nanoseconds cannot possibly take place if everyone is being a responsible parent, right? NOPE.

They can’t, because this country and its population of perfect pitchfork carrying mothers and fathers sitting behind keyboards needs to accuse. They NEED TO BLAME, to disparage, to criticize in every damn way and at every damn corner, the parenting of another.

And when do they really get to lick their blaming chops? When a tragic accident happens. That’s when the pouncing is at its freshest, when raw emotion and ignorance collide, and they dig their word claws in, and take hold of whatever grace these grieving mothers and fathers have left in their souls.

And then they tear it out.

Listen to me very clearly perfect parents, VERY CLEARLY.

I’VE HAD ENOUGH.

I’ve had enough of scrolling through comment threads and seeing over and over again questions like “Where were the parents?” and thoughts like, “This is what happens when you don’t watch your kids.”

I have simply HAD ENOUGH.

I have one question for the blaming and shaming moms and dads. You know the ones who immediately blame the parents, the ones who go on the internet and type comments like, “This is nothing but neglect by the parents,” and “They should have known better. Who was watching that little boy?” and my favorite, “I would never let that happen to my kid.”

Here is my question,

Have you ever been to a child’s funeral before?

I have.

The funeral of a child is an event in life that you never, ever want to experience.

Now let me ask you another question.

In the coming week these parents will fly back to their home in Nebraska without one of their children. They will leave a vacation resort, packing up his Buzz Lightyear pajamas and his favorite blanket, and they will make an excruciatingly difficult journey home. A journey that they never in a million years thought they would be making.

They will meet with a funeral director, pick out a tiny casket, a tiny burial suit, and surrounded by family, they will bury their baby boy.

And they will suffer every single day for the rest of their life.

At the funeral for this two year boy who died in front of his parents, can you do me a favor? Can you walk up to the mother and say the words that you just typed out last week? Can you? Can you greet her, hug her, shake the father’s hand and then say, “ Who was watching that little boy? You should have known better. I would never let that happen to MY child.”

Can you do that for me? I mean, you felt those words so deeply in your heart and soul that you typed them for a million people to read. Certainly you can say it straight to the faces of the people you meant it for, right?

Here, let me help you.

Put away your pitchfork for a moment and try this.

To the mother and father who went for a walk on vacation for the last time with their little boy yesterday, I am deeply sorry that you had to experience the worst kind of tragedy possible, an accident. I grieve with you. Your baby was my baby. Your son was my son. I have nothing but love for you, love to help you get though the pain yesterday, today, and for what is gonna seem like a thousand tomorrows. I wrap my thoughts and prayers around your aching heart and soul. May the God of this universe in some miraculous way bring peace to you and your family.

That is what you say. THAT. And just THAT.

Stop the blaming.

Stop the shaming.

In their darkest hours, can we please just LOVE other parents. Please?

Posted 6/15/16 10:56 PM
 

LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!

Member since 5/05

19458 total posts

Name:
L

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

Yes I know the names of the hotels

My
Point is the whole Disney experience is not for the beach hotel part as in comparison to a sandals vacation etc

That was my point.

When you see a Disney commercial it's not advertised to come relax on the beach.

but the mailings I have received from disney have shown the beach with beach chairs and relax, or have fun, and things that make you think of relaxing. They set up beach chairs on the sand, with a movie night. I think hind sight is 20/20 and they will likely move the movie night feature. At the end of the day though, it is just really sad. Really really sad.

Posted 6/15/16 10:56 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by LSP2005

Posted by gina409

Yes I know the names of the hotels

My
Point is the whole Disney experience is not for the beach hotel part as in comparison to a sandals vacation etc

That was my point.

When you see a Disney commercial it's not advertised to come relax on the beach.

but the mailings I have received from disney have shown the beach with beach chairs and relax, or have fun, and things that make you think of relaxing. They set up beach chairs on the sand, with a movie night. I think hind sight is 20/20 and they will likely move the movie night feature. At the end of the day though, it is just really sad. Really really sad.



Exactly. This has been going on for how many years. How many people and kids have been in that exAct spot.

It's horrible. And unfortunate. And unimaginable

But I don't get why them having sand and beach chairs matter

Posted 6/15/16 10:58 PM
 

BargainMama
LIF Adult

Member since 5/09

15657 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

I'm sorry. I just don't get bc some of the hotels have a beach theme it gives a false sense of security

I don't even get why that's coming up



Well that I don't get either. The Yacht and Beach Club are both decorated to look like their respective names. The theming in the rooms, lobby, etc. is nautical for the Yacht Club, the pool is sandy bottom with a lagoon pool area reminiscent of what a Beach Club might look like. Not that you are going to an actual Yacht or Beach Club. Our first trip ever was to the Yacht Club. I didn't think I was going on a beach vacation, even with that white sandy area and the name (Yacht and Beach Club are the same building).

Regardless, I think we all agree they need better signage, better warnings, and maybe a metal type retaining wall to keep the feet out.

Posted 6/15/16 10:58 PM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

There are some truly awful people on these boards.

I dont know about some of you....but all Ive done was pray for peace, strength and comfort for these parents and family.

Message edited 6/15/2016 11:04:25 PM.

Posted 6/15/16 11:03 PM
 

FirstMate
My lil cowboy

Member since 10/10

7790 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

I see this as a tragic accident. I don't think anyone is to blame. This was a wild animal attack.

It makes me sick to think about that family having to get on a plane without their baby. To think that their exciting vacation was not only ruined but changed their lives so horrifically is just unfathomable. The last images of their son in their mind are of him in the jaws of a gator. Nobody should have to endure that nightmare. Ever.

Posted 6/15/16 11:06 PM
 

LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!

Member since 5/05

19458 total posts

Name:
L

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

I think it matters because by having chairs on the sand, next to the water is inviting people to the danger. disney literally brought people from the "secure walking path" to the edge of a lagoon. Where they knew alligators lived in a lagoon. Making an attractive nuisance is against the law. I am sure disney will settle with the family, but it will never bring their kid back. For me it is just horribly sad. But I think disney could have done more to prevent the child's death. Like not having movie night next to a lagoon without a fence or sign that says alligators. But at the end of the day, with all of this quarterbacking, a poor, innocent, child died. It saddens me immensely that nothing anyone here can say or do anything to bring him back, or ease his parents anguish. There is just nothing and that sucks.

Message edited 6/15/2016 11:22:34 PM.

Posted 6/15/16 11:07 PM
 

gina409
TWINS!

Member since 12/09

27635 total posts

Name:
g

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by mommy2Alex

Posted by gina409

We should all read this

http://www.oneroomcabin.com/2016/06/15/to-the-mom-of-the-gator-attack-at-the-grand-floridian-wdw/


It's not about the setup of Disney. It's not about common sense



Thank you for this. My heart breaks for those parents and I truly hope all those that have passed judgement here never have to face the tradegy of losing s child. These parents did nothing that probably 3/4 of the population would have done. My heart literally breaks for them and their helplessness to save their child. It's so easy to be a quarter back after the game and say I could have or should have.
Chat Icon Chat Icon




I was telling friends of mine that I call my do the robot. He is not a emotional guy

He has been torn up all day about this. Sick to his stomach. We went to Disney every year. 2 weeks for our honeymoon

I have been on that beach. My toes hit that water. He just kept saying. That could be us. Could be our son

Posted 6/15/16 11:07 PM
 

soontobemommyof2
My boys...my everything <3

Member since 4/15

3635 total posts

Name:

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

Parents, I beg of you, stop blaming and shaming other parents.

35 years ago........



Chat Icon Chat Icon

Posted 6/16/16 12:39 AM
 

LauBear
LIF Infant

Member since 6/09

313 total posts

Name:
Lauren

Re: Alligator drags toddler into lagoon at Disney hotel

Posted by gina409

Parents, I beg of you, stop blaming and shaming other parents.

35 years ago, a mom shopping in a Sears department store went to go look at lamps, and left her six year old with another group of boys, who were all trying out the new Atari game at a kiosk. That boy’s name was Adam Walsh.

30 years ago, an 18 month old toddler playing in her aunt’s backyard fell into a well. Rescuers worked nonstop for 58 hours, finally freeing “Baby Jessica” from the well.

In both cases a tragedy happened, an unforeseen tragic accident took place which left Adam dead, and a toddler fighting for her life deep underground. But they also has something else in common; they had an entire country of moms and dads supporting the grieving parents.

Let me repeat that, EVERYONE SUPPORTED THE RESCUE EFFORTS WITHOUT BLAME. NO BLAME. None. ZERO.

No questions asked, not one single “Where were the parents?” comment. Just a country of other moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas watching in horror as a set of parents, one of their own, went through the unthinkable. Adam was our son. Jessica was our baby daughter.

THOSE PARENTS WERE US.

Flash forward to 2016, the year of THE PERFECT PARENT.

Yesterday, a two year old boy, splashing in the magical lakefront waters of a Disney Resort, succumbed to the wilds of mother nature. An aggressive alligator scooped him out of the water, right under the watch of his father, who attempted to fight with the alligator to free his baby son. Pure horror. Sheer Terror. Parents who actually had to watch their baby be taken from them, as if in some African nature documentary.

A tragic and unforeseeable accident. An accident.

I weep for this mother and father. I am sick with anguish for the pain, agony, misery, and regret pulsating through their viens this very second. And I bet you are too.

But not everyone is.

You see, we now live in a time where accidents are not allowed happen. You heard me. Accidents, of any form, in any way, and at any time, well, they just don’t happen anymore.

Why? Because BLAME and SHAME.

Because we have become a nation of BLAMERS and SHAMERS.

And how are accidents allowed to happen if we can’t blame someone? Surly, they can’t, right? I mean, random acts of nature, unpreventable tragedies, and fateful life changing events that take place in a matter of nanoseconds cannot possibly take place if everyone is being a responsible parent, right? NOPE.

They can’t, because this country and its population of perfect pitchfork carrying mothers and fathers sitting behind keyboards needs to accuse. They NEED TO BLAME, to disparage, to criticize in every damn way and at every damn corner, the parenting of another.

And when do they really get to lick their blaming chops? When a tragic accident happens. That’s when the pouncing is at its freshest, when raw emotion and ignorance collide, and they dig their word claws in, and take hold of whatever grace these grieving mothers and fathers have left in their souls.

And then they tear it out.

Listen to me very clearly perfect parents, VERY CLEARLY.

I’VE HAD ENOUGH.

I’ve had enough of scrolling through comment threads and seeing over and over again questions like “Where were the parents?” and thoughts like, “This is what happens when you don’t watch your kids.”

I have simply HAD ENOUGH.

I have one question for the blaming and shaming moms and dads. You know the ones who immediately blame the parents, the ones who go on the internet and type comments like, “This is nothing but neglect by the parents,” and “They should have known better. Who was watching that little boy?” and my favorite, “I would never let that happen to my kid.”

Here is my question,

Have you ever been to a child’s funeral before?

I have.

The funeral of a child is an event in life that you never, ever want to experience.

Now let me ask you another question.

In the coming week these parents will fly back to their home in Nebraska without one of their children. They will leave a vacation resort, packing up his Buzz Lightyear pajamas and his favorite blanket, and they will make an excruciatingly difficult journey home. A journey that they never in a million years thought they would be making.

They will meet with a funeral director, pick out a tiny casket, a tiny burial suit, and surrounded by family, they will bury their baby boy.

And they will suffer every single day for the rest of their life.

At the funeral for this two year boy who died in front of his parents, can you do me a favor? Can you walk up to the mother and say the words that you just typed out last week? Can you? Can you greet her, hug her, shake the father’s hand and then say, “ Who was watching that little boy? You should have known better. I would never let that happen to MY child.”

Can you do that for me? I mean, you felt those words so deeply in your heart and soul that you typed them for a million people to read. Certainly you can say it straight to the faces of the people you meant it for, right?

Here, let me help you.

Put away your pitchfork for a moment and try this.

To the mother and father who went for a walk on vacation for the last time with their little boy yesterday, I am deeply sorry that you had to experience the worst kind of tragedy possible, an accident. I grieve with you. Your baby was my baby. Your son was my son. I have nothing but love for you, love to help you get though the pain yesterday, today, and for what is gonna seem like a thousand tomorrows. I wrap my thoughts and prayers around your aching heart and soul. May the God of this universe in some miraculous way bring peace to you and your family.

That is what you say. THAT. And just THAT.

Stop the blaming.

Stop the shaming.

In their darkest hours, can we please just LOVE other parents. Please?



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This exactly! Thank you so much for posting. What has happened to this poor sweet little baby and his family is such a tragedy. I am shocked and dissapointed to see so many so quick to point fingers at these grieving parents when they should be grieving with them. It has been widely reported that the father was right there, close enough to try to save the child before the gator darted back underneath the water. But even had the parents not been right by his side, it doesn't make this loss any less tragic. An innocent 2 year old boy would still be gone and his parents would still be suffering. No one is perfect and no one deserves to experience a loss as unimaginable as this one. Stop judging and just mourn with this poor family for their precious baby. It is so disheartening to see so many judging these parents instead of supporting them.

Posted 6/16/16 12:39 AM
 
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