Left in a Hot Car… We’ve All Done It

Lipstick. Deodorant. Chocolate candy. Carryout plate. Pepsi Max. CRAYONS!!! <<<*UGH* These are all things I've left in my vehicle that succumbed to the southern sun. I can't imagine leaving my child in a car all day. However, I can relate to the plight of Justin R. Harris.

Have you ever been on your way somewhere, got caught up thinking about something else, and drove in the direction of the place you were thinking about rather than where you intended to go?  I just did it yesterday. My sister and I were en route to one place and while in conversation, I missed my turn because in my mind, I was going to the place we were discussing, not the place we'd set out to go.

Then, there are those times that I make it to work and accidentally leave my phone in the car.  Yes, I know that I brought it into the car with me, but once I get CLOSE to work, my mind automatically goes into work mode and all of the tasks I have to complete for the day, meetings I need to schedule for later in the week, events that must be attended later in the week that might mean I need to do a little extra on THIS day so I'll be able to do THAT, etc.  We live in a day and age where there are fewer workers but increased work loads.  We should never underestimate the seriousness of an overworked mind. That's one of the reasons vacations are so important.  It gives you a chance to rest and "reboot."

Now, let's factor in a hypothetical.  Suppose Mr. Harris wasn't the one that normally drops off the child.  I'm not saying this is the case, since these details have not yet been released.  But let's just say his wife usually drops off their son, but the task was added to his day for some reason.  It's easy for people to forget things that aren't a part of their daily routines. I have a cousin that attends a class every week.  Although this would be deemed a regular routine, because it's not a DAILY activity, her parents often forget about the class.  It happens.

Conversely, one of the first things I did as a parent was purchased a mirror to go on the headrest of the rear seat on the passenger side.  I did this because I wanted to be able to look into my rear view mirror and see my child's face.  I put her on the passenger side for a few reasons:

1. It was easier to reach her if she wasn't directly behind me.
2. Simple geometry- It was easier for me to see a mirror that is at an angle rather than directly behind me.
3. As I checked my blind spot, my peripheral vision made me constantly aware that I had my child in the car, causing me to drive more carefully.

However, even if Mr. Harris didn't think along the same lines and had the car seat directly behind him, I don't know of ANYBODY that leaves his/her vehicle and doesn't give it a glance back whether it be to see the lights flash as the doors lock, to see how he/she parked, or whatever.

But here's one thing I do know: Until the facts come out, Mr. Harris is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Not enough details have even been released for many to say what we would have done or wouldn't have done in his case because we don't even know the conditions of his case. Instead of passing judgment on Mr. Harris, our time might be better spent praying for his family that has lost a loved one and is facing the displacement of another.