12.10.2010

It's been an interesting day.

It is never good to google your daycare provider and find out she's been arrested for felony child abuse. Understatement, much? Well, unfortunately, this is what happened today. My son's daycare provider's husband called yesterday and informed me daycare is closed the rest of the week due to an emergency. I had an unsettled feeling today and google confirmed why.

Words can not encapsulate how it feels to learn news of that magnitude. We trusted her to care for the most important person in our lives.

Who she was detailed to be in the news was not the person we knew. How could she hurt an innocent 8 month old? I couldn't believe it. So, judge me or not, but I called the head investigator. I wanted answers, dang it. Two investigators from the local police department were in my living room within 10 minutes. They confirmed what I didn't want to believe- there is no way this child's injuries were accidental. No way. My heart dropped to my stomach.

I wanted to believe it was an accident but now I know that at least 5 doctors confirmed it wasn't.

Then she called. Yes, my jailed daycare provider called as she was driven home from posting bail. I cried hard. I confronted her. I hurt for her. I made peace with her. And, tonight, I prayed for her.

14 comments:

Heather said...

Oh, I am so so sorry. What a horrible thing to have break into your lives. Our children have been in daycare, too, since they were each about seven months old. I feel ill just thinking about what it would be like to find out our trust had been breached. I'm glad you've found some measure of peace--I'll be praying for you guys, and for the family of the baby.

LaceFace said...

This is insane. How do these people slip through the cracks? More pressing is the question of: How do you hurt something so helpless?

Tracey said...

I can not imagine! Wow! God bless and prayers for her family and all those she cared for.

Rebekah said...

Holy Moly. That is heavy, Ashley. I can't imagine the conflicting emotions that must be going on in your heart. Praying for all families involved.

Our family said...

Oh my word! I am so sorry. That is so scary. Is the baby alive still? Okay? I am so glad that Declan is okay and will be praying for the other child's family. Not having any personal connection to the sitter I hope she sits in jail for a LONG time. Hurting a child is never ever excusable.

christy | brides to booties said...

OMG! I could not believe this when I read it. How disheartening, but also how amazing is He that gave you the strength to confront, then make peace with her. Praying for your family, the family of the injured 8 mo old and the child itself, and the daycare provider as well.

Leah said...

I am so very sorry. That is just unbelievable. I don't get it. I can only imagine what you are feeling right now. It's sickening.

Anonymous said...

Oh Ashley. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this since I heard. How scary and sad. For everyone. I'm glad Decs is ok and I am glad you are opening your heart to this woman... it is much more difficult than just being angry. God Bless.

Jess said...

Oh my gosh, that's awful awful news. I'm sorry you have to deal with this. :(

It's good you called and got the information before she called you!

Lane said...

Oh no, every parent's worst nightmare! I am sorry you had to go through this, glad Declan is OK and glad you have been able to make peace with her. Anger and resentment wouldn't really help anyone.

DannieA said...

I'm very sorry to hear this. What a nightmare.

You did the right thing to call and get the answers you needed, but I'm sure it was painful.

This whole situation will be in my prayers. Take care of yourself and continue to hold Declan close!

happymomof4 said...

OMG!!!! I cannot imagine! Thinking about you and your family.

Melba said...

I still simply cannot imagine what this must be like for you. My heart aches at even the thought. I think it is pretty amazing that you have been able to forgive her, and even to pray for her so soon after this revelation...I'm not so sure I would be able to do the same if I were in your position.

You are in my thoughts,

Melba

Anonymous said...

OMG! That is scary and heart breaking! I am so glad Decs is safe but I am praying for her and the 8 month old.