Miranda

These people just lost all 7 of their children, what could the state possibly officially do to these people that could "punish" them more than what they've already been dealt? As far as their "poor parenting" is concerned, that's your opinion and of course different people have different ideas on how to raise children. What makes your "parenting skills" the standard by which all others should be judged? Do you even have children? If you don't, then you can't possibly understand the pain this family is dealing with. If you do, then you should understand their grief and offer a little compassion and sympathy. But then, that's just my opinion. How does it possibly allow for others to make foolish decisions? No one allows anyone else to make a decision. Decisions are made by individuals regardless of what punishment has been dealt to someone else. We as a society need to stop blaming others for our "foolish decisions", after all, they are our decisions. I'm gonna call bull shit on the cycle continues comment.

Do you really want your children to fear you? Respect you and your authority I can understand, but fear is something different. Not that I'm questioning/doubting your parenting skills, but I personally don't want my daughters to fear me. I believe that could only cause it's own set of problems. My parents were very strict with me, but I respected, not feared them. I also was the oldest child and spent much of my time babysitting my younger siblings. At 15 I believe I was very responsible for my age. Also, you stated how things would be for your son at age 16, like that you were going to teach him to drive in various situations, not driving around with friends in the car unless you or his father were with him.....but that confuses me because I thought that was what having a learners permit at age 15 was for. So that during that year, before they turn 16, they can "learn" how to respond to those different situations and also what you expect of them when they are indeed "behind the wheel and on their own". I don't want to start an argument of any sort, obviously different people have different ideas about raising children, but it just seems like you're looking for someone (the parents) to blame for this senseless accident, and therefore judging their parenting skills. The only person to possibly blame in this situation is the driver of the truck. As for the reasons why this 15 year old was driving her siblings around, you may never know that answer and in fact are not entitled to it. That information belongs to the family and only those they choose to share it with. IMHO, it seems the only questions that anyone should be seeking answers to are those involving the driver of the truck. At this point, those are the only pertinent answers.

This seems a little unrealistic...out of curiosity, how many children do you currently have and how old are they?

I love it! What's funny to me about this is that I aspire to one day be "Just a mom"

While I agree that this is a good point, I feel it may need a little further explanation...you see, sometimes when a person has been hurt deeply, they tend to "keep up the safety net" as a self-protection type thing. It has nothing to do with the person they are involved with currently, but rather someone they may have been involved with previously. (Speaking only from personal experience) However, (also speaking from personal experience), with time, if the person you love is truly worthy, those safety nets will take care of themselves and disappear. Just my .02

Like so many things in life, sometimes-you are just not meant to understand. Accept that, then pray for God's peace for the family and community.

The Passion--those scenes haunted me for days and even now if I think about it. The Notebook--One of the best love stories ever, but heartbreaking near the end.

At 17 I thought I knew more than my parents, now that I'm 30, I'm realizing that I still don't know shit.

Just a thought....maybe this could be better discussed in the incidents forum? maybe?.... you know, so that this thread could be about William's progress.....just wondering.....

Aggressive therapy can make all the difference in the world~ I've seen it first hand. You have a long and difficult road ahead of you and I pray that God will give you the strength you need. As soon as his eyes open, start talking to someone about getting him into a good rehab center (sometimes it can literally take a few weeks to get everything lined up.) Time is so precious right now, every day counts. I don't know all of the details of his injury, but if he has any damage to his brain requiring therapy, try to get him into Shepherd Center in Atlanta. You can research it for yourself at www.shepherdcenter.org, but believe me, I've already done the research when I went through a similar situation with a loved one in November 2002 ~ they are the best! I've seen miracles there and they've seen/treated skydivers and can therefore somewhat understand the passion for the sport. William should have already been assigned a case manager at the hospital who can help with getting him into a good facility. Sending prayers and healing vibes your way for a quicker than normal, complete recovery. Miranda

yes they can, we have just as many altar girls as boys in my church.

I haven't been to New Orleans in several years, but I used spend my summers there visiting my dad. I particularly liked a small restaurant in Jackson Square called Cafe Pontalba (sp?). They have exceptional gumbo!

www.joecartoon.com joefish is the best one