Years later (when could afford a dentist), my dentist could see from x-rays that I had had an abscess and was surprised that it had resolved on its own.
I still remember the pain.
During the same period of time, my ex-husband who was not paying child support, would berate me for not providing the necessities for our children like cable TV and HBO, needless to say, he was providing those things for himself. He would even joke to his friends that our only TV was a 13 incher.
I realize that it is difficult to comprehend that in the midst of plenty, some people really do without, but they do.
I remember a sermon I heard about judgment. The pastor said that we can look at someone who is down and out and think, "what a loser" and still if we knew all the facts of his life we might stand in awe that he has managed to do so well.
In the article at the head of this thread we are given few facts. We don't know anything at all about this mother except that she is poor and had two children, one of which has died for lack of treatment; the rest is conjecture.
I realize that it is difficult to comprehend that in the midst of plenty, some people really do without, but they do.
Who are you to assume ignorance about poverty? The above comment really made me angry. For the record, I was a single parent of an 18 month old and no I wasn't getting child support I was repaying the bills my ex created. (Yes, I am the dad) At the time I was initially homeless. The first night we slept in my car. When we could get housing we only had one bed to sleep on and kept our clothes in clothes baskets for the first several months. At some point, I too recall getting a small B&W TV (after I could afford a used 50 refrigerator) to us that could get two channels if I was lucky.
So no, it is not difficult to comprehend that some do without but it may be difficult to comprehend that those like me who have done without cannot for one second understand how this woman could let her child go through the pain (and death) because of the lack of $80.
And BTW, even today when I can afford HBO I rather use my money to give to God's kingdom or those in need. I would have paid for this child's care if I was asked.