Seven years ago today,

my beautiful baby cousin was left in a vehicle.

It was July, and she was 22 months old.  She was in a car seat, buckled for safety.

She never had a chance.

Camille was loved and cherished for her whole life.  She wasn’t abused or neglected.  She came from a good family and was visiting her grandmother.  It was a tragic accident.  It could be your tragic accident, next.

Do not ever leave your babies in the car.  Do whatever you have to do.

Keep your purse in the backseat so you always turn around and check for empty carseats.

Put a sticker on your mirror to remind you. 

“Look before you lock”.  Always look. Get in the habit.   And keep your vehicles locked always, so little ones can’t climb inside to hide or play.

Don’t leave them even for five minutes, to “just return something real quick” or “just drop this off”.

Don’t leave them even if “it’s not that hot out, they’ll be OK.”  They won’t be OK.  If it’s in the 60s, your car can reach 110 degrees.  And babies can’t cool themselves like adults can.  Often they are strapped securely into a seat, and can’t escape the heat even if they tried.

Last year, 33 babies died because they were left in a hot car.  33 families have a hole in them, forever.

By the way, did you know it is illegal to leave your child alone in a vehicle in Texas?  They can only be left for 5 minutes unless there is someone over the age of 14 in the car.

Spread the word.

Tweet it out right now. Maybe a mom with her phone will see it and double check.

Thank you to Suzanne Morales and CouponKristin for the photos.

Linking up!

Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family