I had heard the Walsh story many times, but saw a much aired TV Biography of John Walsh a year or so ago, and they talked about that horrible day. I started crying when they said the mother was looking around the store and mall in a panic and knew right away that something was seriously wrong. What a terrible feeling when they are out of sight just for a minute--I can only imagine the fear she felt after searching the whole store and mall. Of course the mom was not to blame, but I can see how you would blame yourself. If only... If only I had kept him with me. If only I had left 15 minutes earlier or later. If only I had stayed at home. It's must be the worst thing to have a child of any age die in any manner but a little boy and to die like that--it's too horrible to think about.
It is too horrible. It would be so hard not to think of all the things that, if done differently, would have prevented the tragedy. The security guard kind of urkes me, but I think I read that she was only seventeen. I imagine they have a better procedure for dealing with unattended children now. You don't send 6 year olds outside to wait for their parents. This was 1981 though.