I have. In fact, he has the scars on his forehead to prove it.
Did your toddler/preschooler ever twist out of your grasp while walking through a parking lot, store, or restaurant?
Mine has.
Monday, December 5, 2011, heaven gained an angel, a beautiful, bright eyed little boy, named Cullen Parker. Did his mom just not hold his hand? Did he twist out of her grasp? I don't know. And, neither do the hundreds of people who are speculating about what terrible parents the Parkers are because they weren't holding onto their kid.
Before you judge someone else, look in the mirror. Did you ever do it when your kids were little? Do you do it even now, if you have small kids?
And, please, if you learn nothing else from the Parkers' loss, please learn this:
The most wonderful blessing you will ever have in your life is NOT your job, your bank account, your home or your car. It is your children (no matter how you get them).
Don't be afraid to hold your child's hand. Always. Forever. No matter how big or how old they get.
Tell your children that you love them. Always. Forever. No matter how big or how old they get. Do it. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Tomorrow is not a guarantee for any of us. Will you regret tomorrow that you didn't hug your kid today?
And, finally, to the Parker family, should any of you read this, please accept the sincere condolences of my family. Cullen was a beautiful child. We have been praying daily for the peace and comfort of our Lord to be with you all. I cannot begin to imagine what your family must be feeling, but I do know that the Lord's angels are taking care of Cullen now.
~Anna
