Ever since the news broke of the 2-year-old being dragged from the beach at the Disney resort, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this moment from our first trip to Disney World. The moment when I let my 2 year old put his feet in the water along the shores at the Polynesian Village Resort at dusk. As we waited on the fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant.
I am Kristin and by society’s current standards, I am a bad parent.
See, I read the sign. I saw the word swimming and thought okay. We won’t submerge ourselves in the water and swim. You know…something that most 2-year-olds aren’t capable of. I didn’t read the sign and think “STAY AWAY! DON’T COME NEAR THIS WATER THAT SPLASHES ALONG THE BEACHES.”
See, I am a bad parent.
I sat on a lounge chair while my child happily carried water to build his sand castle. While I thought I was watching him, I was also watching the horizon waiting on the fireworks to start. I can’t say that my eyes were on him 100% of time and he was within arms reach.
See, I am a bad parent.
We were having a good time. We had just had a fabulous day at the Magic Kingdom full of magic and great memories. We had dinner at 1900 Park Fare and my oldest danced with Prince Charming. I was so happy, so full of magic and so content with my life in those moments on our very first trip to Disney World.
See, I am a bad parent.
My child ‘broke the rules’ and I allowed him to do so. I guess I should have known better. I should have known that an alligator could be lurking just feet away. I should have known that if there is a body of water in Florida, it might have an alligator in it.
See, I am a bad parent.
I am from Alabama. We don’t have alligators in our lakes around my neck of the woods. We’ve played along the beaches of lakes without fear because we don’t have alligators. I didn’t know that I should assume an alligator was lurking.
See, I am a bad parent.
My son was safe that day. We had a fabulous view of Wishes. I enjoyed the moment. My family had so much fun.
See, I am a bad parent.
Crucify me if you must. But please stop crucifying the mother of Lane Graves. She has had her heart ripped from her chest. I will gladly stand up for her and say attack me instead.
I am a bad parent.
It turns out that my loving parents who always put my needs first and theirs second, who (in my mind) have always been there for me whenever I needed them, were bad too. I have memories of playing in the water up to my knees with my brother while waiting for the electric light parade at Fort Wilderness Campground while they sat on at least 20 feet away half chatting with each other, half paying attention to us.
No judgment from me and my family, only love and our sincerest of sympathy. God bless this heartbroken family.
I live in FL (pretty close to Disney) and have for my whole life. We just made a trip down to our local playground that sits right across from a large lake. I let my girls (2 & 4) walk ahead of me and play on the rocks at the end of the sidewalk, along the waters edge.
It’s so easy to get distracted and assume as long as you’re close by they will be ok.
A sobering reminder of how fast life can change.
My heart breaks for this mother who will relive this nightmare every day of her natural life. I have also buried a child
While there have been some commenters online bashing the parents, I have seen just as many, if not more, offer support adn no judgment. The people passing judgment are usually looking for a guarantee that they, and their children and loved ones, will be safe. If it’s the parents’ fault and not just a freak, unpredictable accident, then these commenters feel they will be safe. They will make better choices. Watch their children closer. Never make bad choices.
I’m glad you realize it’s not that simple. We can love children and watch them and teach them, but things still happen.As scary as it is, that’s life. Instead of passing judgment, we need to offer support. Be there for each other during the good and bad times.
I love this!!
God Bless you Kristin for sharing this difficult example ~ we are all human and do the best we can as parents ❤️❤️❤️❤️
when I saw the signs I assumed there was some nasty bacteria in the water, but never imagined gators. WHen you think about it of course there are gators in the water in Florida, but I just assumed Disney had Disneyfied things – when you are in that Disney bubble you just can;t believe anything could harm you or your children.
I stand with you for I am also a bad parent, I have made mistakes. I pray for peace and strength for the Graves family. I cant imagine what they are feeling. My heart aches for them.
People need to put their pitch forks away and know that this poor family has been devastated!!! They did nothing different than hundreds of other families have done before them. The only difference is that now that poor mother had to pack up poor Lane’s tiny little clothes and make arrangements for his remains to be flown back home and now this poor family will have to pick out his tiny little casket and learn how to say goodbye to their precious little boy. Parents should be surrounding these people with love and understanding and not judging them let the first person who was a perfect parent throw the stone because you know what I’m not a perfect parent and I probably would not have done anything different before this happened
i stand with you. I did not let my child in the water to get water for his sand castle- but I got water- didnt go in but stood at the edge most certainly. And I have, along with every other parent in the world, have made errors or lost 100% focus on a child. We should not judge and I can’t imagine the pain that family is going through. Prayers for understanding and compassion from the public and prayers for this family.
nope not a bad parent! kids get hurt or killed. yes I have buried my son and my God daughter, I let one get in a car and I let the other ride a bike with a helmet. my friend laid her baby down in a met all safety standards crib. people grieved with us. I grieve with the family of the two year old. instead of pointing fingers of blame, I will fold my hands and bow my head and cry for this family. other than putting kids in bubbles and never letting them be kids, there is no way to prevent all tragedies. just as our grandkids must sit in car seats because we learn to adapt so must society learn. one more lesson to be studied and changes made to prevent another death. but I would never thought about an animal being that close to disney with its noise and crowds. kiss your babies tonight. and blow my baby a kiss in heaven ty
Amen
Well ssid Kristen! I am a bad parent also! My thoughts and prayers are with the Graves family!
You and me both!