Just followed a story to a tragic end today. A little boy of 7 years wandered out into the woods while following his dog. A boy and his dog, usually such a treat. But this little boy had autism. He spent not one, but two nights in a snowstorm, alone save for the company of his dog. He was not wearing winter clothes, only his indoor clothes. We followed the story on the radio, screening out all the background noise to catch even the faintest news pertaining to him.. then joy of joys - he was found ALIVE yesterday.. His dog had wandered back home and the search party was able to follow the tracks. But tragically, today while I was busying myself with online shopping, holiday organizing and the like, I came across the news in awful black and white... the little boy had died after all. My thoughts immediately flew to my own children, especially my own little 5 year old boy - who even without autism would be apt to follow his dog into the woods too. How as a parent could you survive knowing that your baby is out in the cold, lonely and probably so afraid. I am hoping this poor little soul fell asleep quickly and never fully woke up again... and that now he is resting warm and comfortable for eternity.
Perhaps in the face of tragedy the most noble thing we can do, is pick ourselves up, pray for the family and then take it as a warning to yourself. To never take your own life for granted. As much as I try to never do that, I am sure I do. We need these horrible reminders that life is precious, our children and families are more important than ANYTHING else and to go to bed with your head bowed in thanks to have made it through another day, family intact, and count your blessings.
May we all hold our loved ones a little tighter.
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