David
05-09-2008, 02:13 PM
Noah remembered
Editor:
I feel compelled to respond to an issue that Katie Harriot’s opinion letter (R-J, 5/9, “Unsafe new play area”) raises. Her statement, “What also upsets me is that this playscape was in the memory of a child that died while playing on one. Why would they choose such a dangerous play area for other children after such a tragedy?”
I, along with my husband, are two of the “they’s” she refers to. Her insinuation that we, or the playground professionals, were reckless or thoughtless in the selection of the site or structure is without merit.
Letter-writer Harriot infers that the loss of Noah, was not enough of a tragedy to ensure a safe and secure project. These untrue comments were very hurtful to us and our families. Every professional has treated us with the utmost respect and decorum when planning and building the playground. It is a public space and is up for debate and critique. My family, however, is not! We continue to live a parent’s nightmare – one that we would not wish on anyone.
We have asked Meriden citizens to respect us — a grieving couple trying to create something positive out of tragedy but, more importantly, to respect the life and the memory of our young son, Noah. Most do, but clearly Harriot does not.
He was our life – the most important thing to us. Now, I feel forced to not only defend ourselves, but also Noah’s worth. No family should ever be put in that position. Sunday is Mothers’ Day. I hope that Katie Harriot and moms everywhere will stop and think of moms who no longer get to celebrate this special day, give their own children an extra hug and remember that the only thing separating them from moms like me is one devastating, split-second.
SARAH BOGDANSKI-BOURDON, MERIDEN
Editor:
I feel compelled to respond to an issue that Katie Harriot’s opinion letter (R-J, 5/9, “Unsafe new play area”) raises. Her statement, “What also upsets me is that this playscape was in the memory of a child that died while playing on one. Why would they choose such a dangerous play area for other children after such a tragedy?”
I, along with my husband, are two of the “they’s” she refers to. Her insinuation that we, or the playground professionals, were reckless or thoughtless in the selection of the site or structure is without merit.
Letter-writer Harriot infers that the loss of Noah, was not enough of a tragedy to ensure a safe and secure project. These untrue comments were very hurtful to us and our families. Every professional has treated us with the utmost respect and decorum when planning and building the playground. It is a public space and is up for debate and critique. My family, however, is not! We continue to live a parent’s nightmare – one that we would not wish on anyone.
We have asked Meriden citizens to respect us — a grieving couple trying to create something positive out of tragedy but, more importantly, to respect the life and the memory of our young son, Noah. Most do, but clearly Harriot does not.
He was our life – the most important thing to us. Now, I feel forced to not only defend ourselves, but also Noah’s worth. No family should ever be put in that position. Sunday is Mothers’ Day. I hope that Katie Harriot and moms everywhere will stop and think of moms who no longer get to celebrate this special day, give their own children an extra hug and remember that the only thing separating them from moms like me is one devastating, split-second.
SARAH BOGDANSKI-BOURDON, MERIDEN