Chimney Rock Tragedy

We visited Chimney Rock 48 hours after 2 year old Giovani Chavez fell to his death from the upper trail. My heart and prayers are with the Chavez family.
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I've been an overprotective mom, always imagining what horrific tragedy could happen in any situation. My nature is bent that way; I expect the worst. I've had to rely on my husband's positive, adventurous nature to balance us out and raise our kids the best we could.
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That's what parenting is all about -- doing the best that you can. Regardless of education, nationality, wealth, or societal and cultural comprehension, we all have accidents, some unspeakably more tragic than others. Steven Curtis Chapman's family is a very recent example. Did anyone suggest he had too many children and couldn't keep an eye on them all? Heaven forbid. Yet that is one of many comments I've read about the Chavis' tragedy. How can we be so heartless?
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Of course we must learn from tragedies and work towards prevention. I understand the value of investigating and debating over tragedies in an unbiased, balanced fashion, but while doing so, don't forfeit our humanity and lose sight of the pain of loss. We must aim for a balance of safety and adventure. We must take precautions. We must educate each other. We also must refrain from carelessly tossing around blame, shame and guilt. Sometimes, there is no one to blame. Accidents are just that.

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My family took that same hike just 48 hours later. My daughter did not let her 3 year old daughter accompany her. I took my granddaughter down to the children's trail to hike. The park has provided a children's trail. Had we not heard about the Chavez death, would we have taken Eva on that same trail? I honestly don't know. Would Patti have understood the true danger and possibilities? Do we understand the possible danger every time we take this 3 year old in her carseat on country roads at 55 mph, skimming past complete strangers who are also going 55 mph, in whom we put our complete trust to drive responsibly? We face decisions every day that could have tragic results.

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I believe in personal responsibility. I believe we have to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I believe we have to protect children from neglect or abuse. I also believe our society is just a pinch too litigious. I believe these parents made a bad decision that will haunt them the rest of their lives. I have made some bad decisions which only by the grace of God didn't result in tragedy. I believe this family needs to be lifted up in prayer and love. Please lift them up in prayer. Please be grateful and thankful for all God's mercies in your life today. We have a whole country praying for the Chapman family, who will pray for the Chavez family?