Identified! GA - LIVING BlkMale, 14, Special Needs & Non-verbal, left at Grady Hospital, Dec 2019 *name withheld

[AzPistonsGirl]

This story broke me. I am sobbing. Nine years ago last week, I dropped my 14 year old developmentally delayed son, and his 16 year old sister off at my parents house, then drove to a Starbucks, bought a frappuccino, then swallowed a few handfuls of different meds. I was at the end of my rope. I was struggling financially, emotionally, and was physically exhausted. I was lonely. Every relationship I had since my divorce 10 years prior ended due to those men not being able to "handle" a child with severe disabilities. I was facing eviction. I honestly thought my children would be better off without me. I WORKED AT A CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AND STILL WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE HELP AND SUPPORT I NEEDED. I don't know the particular circumstances that led this mother to leave her son alone, at the hospital; she could very well have had a pattern of cps involvement, prior abuse, etc. She may be without excuse. But I will tell you, people have an emotional breaking point, when the pain of the struggle outweighs the hope. Whether that looks like giving up on your child, or giving up on yourself, it is absolutely the rock bottom of the depths of despair. Everyone posting here has so far been kind and giving this mom the benefit of the doubt, but she will suffer for the rest of her life for this decision. It will haunt her forever, and I feel so crushed for her, and for him, and for the rest of her children. Moo.

And your story broke me! Thank you for sharing, thank you for the reminder, thank you for the hope... Big hugs to you mamma!

 

[ChatteringBirds]

I'm so very glad you are here, too, @GoneGoldfishin' and sharing with the world. I want to say, I hear you.

 

[GoneGoldfishin']

Thank you @azure , @annemc2 , @Melt71 , @Bit of hope , @AzPistonsGirl , and @ChatteringBirds for your kind words. I feel awkward going off topic, so I will just say yes I am still fighting to be able to continue to have visits with my son. My next hearing is December 17.
I have been checking in all day, I know that the mother, DE, had a hearing today. I don't know if we will get many more updates due to the nature of this case; I thought about reaching out to the advocates mentioned in the article I posted, to see if there were any more details known. Like everyone here, I am hoping this cry for help is heard, and that this boy and his siblings, and DE, are able to get the help they need. Moo.

 

[Catmommy]

There are so very many people forced to be caregivers these days and so little support. I fear it is only going to worsen as we age and the population continues to grow. There is no easy answer. People deserve care, especially the often and chronically overwhelmed caregivers themselves. Our concern and consideration should be extended to ALL. Unless we've walked in their shoes we won't know their individual Hell. JMO

 

[GoneGoldfishin']

Judge grants bond for woman who abandoned special-needs son at hospital
"The judge based her decision on the fact that Elliott had no prior record and also because both the prosecution and defense agreed that Elliott needs parenting assistance, not jail time, following the Dec. 4 incident."

 

[Bit of hope]

Judge grants bond for woman who abandoned special-needs son at hospital
"The judge based her decision on the fact that Elliott had no prior record and also because both the prosecution and defense agreed that Elliott needs parenting assistance, not jail time, following the Dec. 4 incident."

Thanks for sharing...a wise decision if you ask me.

 

[dyannaON]

She has a whole army behind her now!! Warms my heart. I hope everyone gets the care they need right now. Sounds like an amazing lawyer she has as well.