Dear Editor
Tuesday, Aug. 14 found me preparing dinner shortly after 5 p.m. As I looked out my kitchen window, I saw a small child playing in the mud puddle that formed after the recent rain.
As I mused at how children find the simplest things to amuse themselves, I heard the first car horn. The little guy was playing on 2nd Avenue. He wasn't more than two years old and his fearless movements into the middle of the road alarmed me.
After waiting a few minutes, expecting a parent to put a stop to the mud puddle fun, I realized there was nobody around. I made my way out to the street. As I approached, another car horn sounded. I just couldn't ignore this, and tried to get the attention of the little guy. After a few seconds, and some smiles and a little splash with my foot in his mud puddle, he came to me.
I asked him his name and my only response was some happy baby talk. I decided I would take a walk with him down our street. My hope was that a parent would see us and claim the little guy. This was not the case, so we made our way back to my house.
After about 10 minutes, which felt like an hour, I knew I had to call the RCMP. As busy as our officers are, an officer showed up in an acceptable amount of time. After the officer evaluated the situation he called in Social Services. The RCMP and Social Services workers worked with professionalism and were effective and efficient. Thank you for protecting the children and families of our community.
The drama that unfolded Tuesday has left me shaken. I could not imagine a parent finding that one of their children had gone missing. It must be so frightening. I hope the little guy has been reunited with his family, whom I am sure loves him very much.
Later in the evening, after giving my grandchildren an extra hug goodnight, my thoughts drifted and with them came another concern. I realized how easy it would be for someone with bad intentions to scoop up our children. Keep your children safe.
Cheryl Stewart
Battleford,SK.
