Abandoned in the Parking Garage

It was November of 2011.  Misael had just been born and all the Paraguayan family was visiting Pittsburgh for the first time.  We tossed the baby in the car, tied him down, and headed to the airport for Linda's arrival.

Misael's little sister Cesia.

I was just the chauffeur so Mom and sisters were jabbering away, catching up on time apart and remembering adventures in Paraguay.  We talked and slowly walked the small part of the terminal now accessible as we awaited the little sister to complete the reunion.  Since the flight was late and we were early, there was plenty of time to reminisce and lots of giggles going 'round.  

Then my stomach dropped and my heart leaped creating that internal vacuum of fear.

Wasn't Misael supposed to be with us?

Did we just leave him in the car?

Did somebody find him already and call the police?

Will we be arrested?

Are they going to take away our kids?

Visions of TV interviews of the irresponsible parents of our baby danced in my head as I ran to the parking garage. 

Entirely unconcerned for the welfare of my child and completely focused on the potential consequences for his parents, I reached the car.  The tightness in my chest quickly dissipated since there were no emergency vehicles or news vans and the baby was sleeping contentedly in his comfy seat in the warm car.

There was no real drama.  Our baby was never in any real danger.  Now, however, I have a touch of compassion for those TV interview parents who do dumb things with their kids.  

I abandoned my sleeping baby in a parking garage.