67 replies to this topic

[sagesmum]

I think being childless is why this doesn't impact you. Before I became a Dad, this sort of news didn't hit me the same way it does now. My feelings of sadness for John & his wife are not because he is a celibrity, but because they are parents.

Well said. . .

[ChipShot]

Perhaps the 'It doesn't effect me....' attitude, or statements is in a way some sort of coping response. Some folks harden their shells a little, to avoid (put off) the feeling of pain, loss, and remorse. But in their own way, they too, feel the sense of loss that any person has in losing a loved one, whether they knew them or not. Especially when a child dies.

I feel bad for the Travoltas.

I never implied that I didn't.

But I also feel bad for the anonymous parents in Springfield that lost a child today.

Ahhh, now they "get it".

[chris v]

I think being childless is why this doesn't impact you. Before I became a Dad, this sort of news didn't hit me the same way it does now. My feelings of sadness for John & his wife are not because he is a celibrity, but because they are parents.

I'm a parent and frankly I think it's stupid when people get all emotional about this sort of crap... unless you actually knew them, get over it. It happens all the time.

[OceanGirl]

Ah....this discussion of feeling sad or not feeling sad comes up all the time on here....but anyway, as a parent, losing a child would be one of the worst things imaginable.

On another note, I have a friend who's son was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in 2008. It's been a very scary time for them as they try to figure out what side effects he has, what he can and cannot do, etc. I hope this case sheds more light on the disease and maybe inspires more research- whether that was the actual cause of death or not.

RIP Jett.

[Lauren]

Ah....this discussion of feeling sad or not feeling sad comes up all the time on here....but anyway, as a parent, losing a child would be one of the worst things imaginable.

On another note, I have a friend who's son was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in 2008. It's been a very scary time for them as they try to figure out what side effects he has, what he can and cannot do, etc. I hope this case sheds more light on the disease and maybe inspires more research- whether that was the actual cause of death or not.

RIP Jett.

My daughter was diagnosed with Kawasaki's disease this year.... 4 days of in and out of the hospital and the doctors telling me that nothing was with her. 105.2 temperature, rash all over her body, bloodshot eyes... and they told me it was the flu. She was finally hospitalized for 3 days on an IV. Kawasaki's disease is an extremely rare (but very serious!) condition and I hope your friends son is doing okay now.

[mando]

My daughter was diagnosed with Kawasaki's disease this year.... 4 days of in and out of the hospital and the doctors telling me that nothing was with her. 105.2 temperature, rash all over her body, bloodshot eyes... and they told me it was the flu. She was finally hospitalized for 3 days on an IV. Kawasaki's disease is an extremely rare (but very serious!) condition and I hope your friends son is doing okay now.

Sounds like my son's experience with the disease also. It's been several years now. If it's any comfort, there are no lingering effects so far. He still gets a regular heart check-up to ensure things are ok.

[Chad Vander Veen]

I agree with Chip and I'm a parent. This pseudo-sympathy is just a symptom of our celebrity-obsessed culture. This child's passing really doesn't matter to any of you and if it does really affect you there may be some other issues you need to address.

[Bill Z]

I'm a parent and frankly I think it's stupid when people get all emotional about this sort of crap... unless you actually knew them, get over it. It happens all the time.

I am "over" it. What's your problem?!

[james1]

I agree with Chip and I'm a parent. This pseudo-sympathy is just a symptom of our celebrity-obsessed culture. This child's passing really doesn't matter to any of you and if it does really affect you there may be some other issues you need to address.

Maybe you and Chip need to get a heart! A child died and you are rambling on about "pseudo-sympathy"...look in the mirror and you will see issues that need addressing

[ChipShot]

Maybe you and Chip need to get a heart! A child died and you are rambling on about "pseudo-sympathy"...look in the mirror and you will see issues that need addressing

Irish, that's bunk.

I've already said it's tragic for the Travoltas...is it also tragic for you ??...It's not tragic for me. I am not "sad". Life throws everyone a nasty curveball once in awhile. The Travoltas will deal with their grief.

The fact that many/most of you live vicariously thru celebrities is disturbing.

[OceanGirl]

My daughter was diagnosed with Kawasaki's disease this year.... 4 days of in and out of the hospital and the doctors telling me that nothing was with her. 105.2 temperature, rash all over her body, bloodshot eyes... and they told me it was the flu. She was finally hospitalized for 3 days on an IV. Kawasaki's disease is an extremely rare (but very serious!) condition and I hope your friends son is doing okay now.

Thanks Lauren- I hope your daughter is okay as well. My friend's son, Ben, is currently stable. Like Mando's son, he just gets regular check-ups for his heart so far. He has an anuerysm that appears to be "self-resolving" (getting smaller on it's own). I guess they rarely start to shrink and then enlarge again, so it could continue to shrink or just stay the same size. He has to take daily aspirin therapies and they have to watch him for signs of distress when he is doing anything active (he's only 3 years old).