Nebraska’s safe-haven law is in the news a lot lately. It was drafted with the best of intentions, but was executed very poorly. So far, 34 children have been abandoned at hospitals in Nebraska . . . many in Omaha since it is very close to the border of a number of other states. The latest was a 5 year old boy. There have been entire families of children dropped off at once, ranging in age from 3-18.
I understand that times are tough. I understand that children are tough. I understand that I am blessed with two wonderful children, a wonderful husband, and a job I love. I understand that some children are downright nasty and can bring a person to their wit’s end. And I understand that, sadly, not all children born into this world are wanted and definitely not all are loved. But as a mother, I can not imagine what on this earth would have to happen to bring me to the place where I would drop my child off on the steps of a hospital and drive away.
I feel for these children. And I feel for the people who left them at the front door. What must they all be going through?
I totally agree. I can’t imagine what would compell a parent to do that, how they justify it to themselves, and how they live with it. However, a mother we both know chose drugs and alcohol over her kids and they are better off without her! I can only hope that the good that comes out of the Nebraska situation is that those children are indeed better off without their irresponsible parents!! Love…Mom
Ironic that you’re writing this. I was just listening to the news in my car about another child dropped off and their plans to revise the law.
Those poor kids….
If the parents are not able to take care of the children, I would prefer they were being well cared for and not abused. Maybe, in some cases, it is better for the family.
I can’t imagine that I would ever be able to do that and that I would first approach my family, friends, church and other resources to see what my options were before I broke up a family. I would even go to someone in the community that was rich to ask them if they would help me with a loan until I could a job or counseling so I could find a way to keep my family together.
How sad for those children. It breaks my heart.
Sue
I know - this is beyond comprehension and I just don’t get it - it breaks my heart!!
Take care and have a good weekend - Kellan
I read about this too. Its so hard to believe. I can’t imagine the long term affects on these children.
No matter what kind of loving situation they may (hopefully) find they will always carry this on their heart
I know, that IS crazy. Especially when the kids are old enough to know what is going on!!! I mean, it is one thing for a desperate mother to drop off her newborn. But how do you just walk away from your five-year-old????
On the other hand… I have had the personal displeasure of knowing quite a few parents that made me think, “Dude, if you hate your kid so much, if you hate being a parent so much, then just walk away now, and quit taking it out on this child.” You know?