Baby Emma

As I was cruising around in the blogosphere last night I came across this post: (I warn you it’s not a happy, funny, light post)

http://www.steelydad.com/shaken-baby-syndrome-hits-close-to-home.html?dsq=19464502#comment-19464502

     

Upon reading this and clicking further which lead me to this:

http://hopeandloveforthecrewfamily.blogspot.com/

My heart broke into a million pieces.  I remember when Man-Child was an infant.  He was not an easy baby.  He had colic.  He didn’t sleep ever.  I was fairly young and totally inexperienced with infants.  But never in a million years would it have crossed my mind to shake him to make him stop.  He was a baby for God’s sake.  Their only means of communication is crying.  They can’t tell you what is wrong.

Babies are meant to be cuddled, kissed and loved.  Babies are meant to grow up un-harmed.

The very fact that this happened at a place with people they thought they could trust is truly sickening and frightening.

I know that being a mom (or caregiver) is extremely trying, exhausting and frustrating at times.  I know that I lost my temper on more than one occasion.  But, I would put the baby in a safe place and walk away.  That is all you can do.  When you are upset or frustrated the baby senses that.  You cannot calm a child when you are frustrated too.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and sense that you are beginning to have feelings of resentment toward a child – please, please go talk to a counselor, your religious leader; your doctor, a friend; someone.  Never, ever shake a baby or child – it could kill them.  If you know a parent (or caregiver) that seems to be overwhelmed and having issues; talk to them and offer to help.  It could save a child’s life.

Please take an extra minute or two today to hug your children and let them know how much you love them.  Then take a moment to say a prayer (or send good thoughts) for Baby Emma, her family and any others who are suffering in this way.

And please, spread the word.  The only way to put an end to Shaken Baby Syndrome is education.

Emma Crew