The Worst Possible Thing
— William Wordsworth
I first attended the funeral of a child many years ago when hubby’s cousin died as an infant due to a birth defect. I wasn’t a mother then but it still hit hard. I remember virtually every detail of that funeral all these years later.
Tonight, I attended another funeral for another child. This sweet little boy was only 4 years old. He did not die of natural causes. He was mauled to death by dogs while in a foster home. His name was Alex Angulo. The details can be found in the following article if you’re interested…
I went to the funeral angry. Every single adult in this child’s short and tragic life failed him. Every single one. I warned hubby that if either his biological parents or foster parents were there, I could not be held responsible for what I might say. I flat out refused to even bring a sympathy card. The only person I had any sympathy for was Alex and what good would a sympathy card do him now?
That all changed as we walked into the funeral home, I said hello to people, signed the guest book, etc. I didn’t see any of Alex’s “parents” and I didn’t feel angry anymore either. I was scared. I knew I’d have to walk into that room eventually. As we made our way back to the coatroom, I saw it. That tiny little casket with stuffed animals on top of it. I lost it. It is the most unnatural and horrifying sight that I have ever seen.
I could drive myself crazy asking why his “parents” had so many children, why his uncle didn’t adopt him, why DCFS put him in that home, on and on and on with the “whys”. None of that will bring Alex back. I do hope the investigations result in the adults in his life being held accountable and also for changes within the foster care system. Only time will tell.
Rest In Peace
Alexander Antonio Angulo
August 20, 2004 – January 11, 2009
oh my god, how horribly tragic. i hope that the people responsible are appropriately dealt with. i can’t even put into words the horror i felt reading your post. who can know why such terrible things happen in the world, and why innocent children die untimely deaths as a result of the actions (or inactions) of humans.
my prayers go with this young boy…..
It’s just awful.
So sad. Especially when there are so many loving couples looking to adopt that would have gladly taken care of that child.
I pause in reflection of the words of Joseph Chilton Pearce who wrote the book Magical Child … “the hope for children arises from the integrity and dignity of man and woman.”
I hold the same candle of hope for humanity to awaken before it’s too late for these little ones who slip through the cracks.
Words cannot express how tragic this is.
I am so sorry Alex, that the system and responsible parties failed you. You deserved better. Every child does.
This is gut-wrenching. The stuffed toys on the tiny casket is just too vivid for me.
For me too.