The whole funeral scene reminded me of something that happened when I was 19...long story...
I was doing daycare for an infant whose mom lived in the same apartment complex as we did, a couple of times she even left the baby over the weekend (the baby was only 3 months old -- mom did not leave enough diapers, clothing or formula, and we paid out of own pocket to get extra stuff) -- a few weeks later mom didn't show up one Monday, and didn't call...I figured maybe she was really sick...turns out that over the weekend mom had gone to visit her boyfriend, and left the baby out in the car while they "fooled around" -- the temperature was over 100 degrees and the baby died...mom didn't even tell me, one of the other neighbors did
anyway--when they had the funeral for the baby -- it was "scripted" in the same way the Yates funeral was (alltho'--thank the Lord-- the casket was kept closed)-- Mom and Dad had written cute little poems, they talked about the stuffed animals and blankets they had in the coffin, but they never really showed a hint of grief -- they seemed almost relieved
I took one look at that tiny coffin and felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me -- I could barely drive to the cemetery, and all I kept thinking was "I wish she had left the baby with me -- I would have taken care of her"
after the funeral mom and dad had a "gathering" at their apartment, and people were passing around pictures of the baby, including pictures of her mom nursing her, and I started crying, then looked across the room and saw "mom" was laughing and having a good old time -- I got up and left and never spoke to her again (I did find out later that she was charged with negligence, did a plea bargin and served probation only)
This mom (and the dad to a lesser degree) had the same attitude that Rusty Yates had, they took no blame upon themselves and showed no emotion. I hoped it was because she was in denial and shock, but I know in my heart that the death of her baby meant more to me than it did to her -- hard lesson to learn at only 19, and newly married
But I did keep the baby bottle that was accidentally left at our house, and I used it for all 3 of my kids -- it reminded me of how precious and important the gift of a child is -- and how quickly it can be taken away
That reminds me of a case here with a 25 year old mother with 4 kids by 4 different boyfriends. Her boyfriend at the time was 'babysitting', before she went out for the night her 4 year old begged her not to leave because Beto hurts them when she's not there. Sure enough he killed the 18 year old ---in front of the 4 year old. When she went to court, all she could claim was what a good mother she is and how much she loves her kids. There's a big disconnect with some people and their kids.