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Logan James

I was meeting up with my friend at the local Walmart to shop for the youth group Christmas party. It was the first time my husband and I had ever split up the children; it was either I had both boys with me running errands or I left them with him at home. This time was different, I took my 6-month-old son while he had my 2-year-old at home.

When I arrived at the parking lot, I saw my friend and immediately wanted to get to her before I lost her in the store, this particular store didn’t get cell reception and I didn’t want to have to track her down. I grabbed my phone, wallet, keys and ran to her.

I successfully shopped around with my friend and her two girls. It wasn’t until I was in the checkout line and my friend had said to me “it’s so nice your husband took both of the boys today.” My stomach immediately sunk; it was then I remembered what I had forgotten.

I ran to the car to find my son hysterically crying in his car seat. How could I have just left my baby! What was wrong with me. Thankfully it was a 45-degree day. He was upset and hoarse from crying but safe. I am thankful every day that I am one of the fortunate parents who didn’t have to face extreme temperatures that day. I can’t imagine what the outcome would have been on a colder or hot day.  I am thankful every day for my son who wasn’t harmed. I can’t imagine the grief those parents have that had a tragic outcome when returning back to their car to find their precious child had passed on.

No one is exempt, tragedy can happen when you least expect it. No one intends to leave their child behind. It was simply a mistake, a very preventable mistake. I told my husband and no one else for months. I was so embarrassed, mad, disappointed and some days hated myself that I had done this.

I started to think of a way to help parents. I got online and started researching products and resources to help me never do this again. I wasn’t able to find anything simple and affordable that I would use.  I am currently working on a product to help remind parents and caregivers of their loved ones in the back seat. I am hoping to make this available to parents in 2022.

We are human beings. Parents need help, we set reminders in our phones to help us remember things all the time. I am hoping to help aid parents in reminding them of their most precious item being behind them.

Written by: Emily Sardano

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