Blame misses the point

I share the pain and outrage that Jeanie Smith referred to in her letter to the editor (“Take a lesson from nature,” Jan. 2) in regards to the loss of another child’s life. It often seems like we are more concerned about animal abuse than child abuse.

Unfortunately, I find much in Jeanie’s letter presumptuous and objectionable.

There is nothing I’ve read or heard that indicates that this infant’s mother had reason not to trust the man she shared her home and life with. And Jeanie presumes that had the infant been left with a family member he would have been safe. Shaken baby syndrome can happen when a stressed, tired, and/or scared parent or caregiver loses it for one split instant.

This is not meant to minimize the event and the tragic outcome. But to blame this mom takes the focus away from what really happened, adds to the pain and suffering I am sure she and her family are already experiencing, and blocks the conversations that really should be happening in our community – how to support families and keep our children safe. For it does take a village.

Peggy Slider

Spokane