What can we learn from Baby Lisa?
What can we learn from Baby Lisa?
People are talking from around the world about the disappearance of Baby Lisa from KCMO at this time. A baby seems to have vanished with yet a clear trace of what happened on the night of October 4, 2011. I am not here to speculate or assign judgment in her disappearance. What I would like to speak about is what we can take from Baby Lisa; apply to our own lives and possibly save other children.
Sightings from the night of October 4, of babies being seen carried in the dark of night without being properly clothed is but one. Children not being properly clothed for the weather should be a red flag when seen. Calling 911 and keeping the child in view until police can ask the questions would be a first step. If any of the babies who were seen had been watched and questioned in the activity, whether the baby was Lisa Irwin or not – the child deserved the intervention by authorities if for no less than possible endangerment due to the elements. As adults, in care of children we have the responsibility and are accountable for their safety on all levels. Excusing the care as the child being attached to the person in question, is not the answer to justify the actions.
I work retail part-time, two years ago at Christmas I noticed a couple bringing their two small toddlers into the store on a very bone frigid night in underwear and a blanket. I followed them through the store as long as I could and notified others, shortly later seeing the family leaving the store with the youngest fully dressed for the weather, while the two-year old was still sitting on the cold steel of the cart with a blanket wrapped around the shoulders once again being taken outside. The children were purposely used in committing a crime, by the parents. Their health and well-being was second that night to shoplifting.
Many times I have heard the screams of fear by children in the store, there is a difference you know from within this child has genuine fear. Yet once again, since they were in the company of the family they are allowed to proceed and quite possibly the children are sent on to suffer their greatest fears they cried out for assistance and were met with deaf ears. How many times do we let go of the instinct of a cry for help or need for intervention on behalf of a child in excusing parental actions? Only to have small children pay the consequences of our actions or lack of action in doing so? This universe did not attune your senses in hearing without reason.
Whether you are a parent/grandparent, or have no children of your own – as an adult, you have the responsibility of advocacy for the child. A child in harms way only can trust an adult or authority to remove that harm. A shoplifting parent justifying shoplifting by instilling in a child that theft is understandable is bringing life to an adult thief. A child whose cries of fear is left on deaf ears, learns fear is acceptable and becomes compliant to the actions of adults, and will grow to learn the process is acceptable in generations to come. A child who grows in this world feeling the authorities are the enemy in life will grow to a combative life with our judicial system. As adults, the actions bestowed upon the child will become the actions of the adult. A child should not life in fear of not being heard or helped. As a world, we are accountable for the children in showing the child they are safe, there is intervention, and fear has a voice. If you take anything from Baby Lisa and what she has endured now in life – take the stand for advocacy and be prepared to be involved. From the mouths, action and fears of babes are new generations are being formed. Take a stand for life for those who are yet not large enough to help themselves. Excuses are not an option.
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