I almost killed my child

[nishchav]

Last night I was getting everybody (my 4 kids and my 15y/o nephew) ready to go mini-golfing. I carried my 16m/o twins out to the car one in each arm. I opened the back left door sat KiKi in her seat then shut the door so she didn't fall out of the car. I walked to the other side opened the door put Nia in her seat strapped her in then got my older 2 in the back row made sure they buckled in walked around to KiKi's side noticed she kicked off her shoe. I put on her shoe shut the door went on my porch locked the door and got in the car. Everything was going fine we were about 3 miles down the road and a car right in front of me slammed on there brakes and stopped in the middle of the road for no reason so I had to slam on my brakes (we were going about 35mph). That's  when I realized I NEVER STRAPPED KIKI IN!!!!!! I realized this as my kids were screaming and my 16m/o was being thrown from her seat into the back of mine then falling to the floor!!!  My nephew turned around faster then I have ever seen him move and scooped her up and put her in his lap and hugged her as I pulled off the road. I ran to the other side of the car grabbed her carefully because I was terrified that she had broken bones. She was crying as I looked her over she was moving all body parts she was alert and by the grace of GOD didn't even get a scratch on her. I feel like the worst mother in the world how could I have possibly let this happen. I have replayed this over and over in my mind and I still can't figure out how I could have done this to my baby.  We get so caught up with all the things in life we sometimes overlook the most important. Bash me all you want but nothing you can say can make me feel worse then I already do. 

[r_gallegos74]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 2:39 PM

The fact that you are upset about it already means you are not the worse mother in the world.

Don't be so hard on yourself.  I'm so glad she's ok.

Anyone who says they (especially me) haven't forgotten to strap their child in once, is lying. 

99% is all we can ask of ourselves.

[nishchav]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 2:41 PM

thanks r gallegos74 I just can't believe I over looked something that important

(Original Poster)

[evwsquared]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 2:41 PM

No bashing! You've just given us all a reminder to take a breath and slow down.

[nishchav]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 2:47 PM

thanks!

(Original Poster)

[Kpep]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 3:40 PM

I have forgotten to buckle my kids before too.  God was watching over ya'll and I am so glad everyone is ok.

[nishchav]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Thanks hun! I would have never forgiven myself had she been hurt I can barely forgive myself as it is

(Original Poster)

[knagsmom]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 3:58 PM

thank the lord and god bless u all. give her extra kisses today.

[Fordmomma]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 4:03 PM

Yeah I have done it and felt horrible I'm sure I'll do it again someday, but not today I'll slow down just a little and check the buckle twice. Thanks for sharing

[Cynthia38]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 4:04 PM

God bless you and your family, I am so grateful that you are all fine.  Thanks for reminding us to be careful and be grateful ourselves.  Have a blessed week.  Cynthia

[tyme4me2day]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 4:10 PM

Thats one lesson you will never forget.....we all have been there sweetie...its all a part of motherhood...its amazing our children survive us, but they do :)