Kiz_Paws Bag Of Trix
I'm On My Own
by , 01-16-2008 at 12:07 AM (1998 Views)
I just wanted to blog about a sad situation that unfolded in front of me this past weekend.
I was at a gas station and I noted this little girl, no more than seven or eight years old, mulling around the establishment. When one is waiting for gas, one has time to see things that usually might go missed. This little one seemed to flit from customer to customer. Then, my gas was done, so I went inside to pay. The little girl was then talking to a fellow outside the main door. Please note that it was thirty-two below Celcius, and she was wearing skipants and a ski jacket, but no hat or mittens, and carrying a kids duffel bag.
As the lady was cashing me out (there was a line up), the little girl interrupted to ask for street instructions. I didn't mind, as this kid was quite interesting, and kind of knew her own mind. So the lady stopped what she was doing and pointed something out in a map. Now I assumed that the information was for the guy standing outside the door, who seemed to be waiting for the child. She did go and tell him something, but then came back in for some clarification. I knew the area that was in question, so I added my thoughts, and asked her something about 'her dad' (figuring that the guy outside needs to know the how-to-get-there's).
"oh, thats not my daddy", she said.
Hmmmm .... the gas station attendant and I exchange these looks. I told her that perhaps that I should take this child to where she was going... The lady behind the cash register nodded.
I asked the girl who she was with and she responded, "Oh, I am on my own".
As the story progresses, she had permission from her mother to go to her friend's home. The mother did not even find out just where this friend lived. It was blocks and blocks away from where the girl lived! I could not believe my ears. This cold outside, and a child of her size was 'on her own'?? Scary.
I offered her a ride to the destination in question, and the gas station attendant (I am a regular there) seconded my suggestion to the little one, as it was so very bitter outside. So the child did agree to come into my warm car and I did take her to the destination. She was polite and animated, even though she was with a total stranger -- this is scary.... what are kids thinking? What are parents thinking?
When we got to the place in question, I watched to see that she got in safe and sound (out of that bitter chill), after she thanked me so very much for all my kindness (her words). What a kid! I never described her -- she had strawberry blonde hair that was curly and had been wind tossed, her cheeks were red like little round apples, and she had these blue blue eyes that seemed to be very self-assertive. She almost reminded me of that Campbell's Soup girl?
I worry about kids that are left to their own devices like this. Where indeed was this mom...
So, thought that I'd unload this story here. I am glad that I was at that gas station at that time. I don't want to be morose, but now-a-days, who knows....
Till next time,
Kizzo
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