Leaving children in a car

A note to the mother who left her two children unattended in the car in a bank parking lot in my neighborhood yesterday.  As I entered the bank to use the ATM machine, I noticed your two children strapped into their car seats in the back seat.  It was a hot day.  Upon exiting, they were still alone.  It was Sunday, you were not in the bank.  The children were interacting and appeared alive and well.  The engine was running. 

I asked your little daughter, through the closed window, if they were OK.  I did not want to scare them by opening the door yet.  She replied yes.  I asked if they were cool, as I had no way of knowing if the A/C was turned on.  She replied yes, but could have thought I meant "cool kids" rather than not too warm. Cartoons use this phrase a lot I understand.   As I had a tight time frame to catch my train, I had the urge to go about my business, but of course could not.  The next train was not due for another hour which would mean I missed my appointment.  However, I still could not leave your children. 

Then an older woman approached from the donut shop next door, and I eagerly hoped she was your children's grandma.  No such luck.  I explained the situation to her, hoping she'd take over watching your children so that I could catch my train, but her response was that since the engine was running the A/C was probably on so they'd be OK.  And she drove away.  Darn!  I was debating whether to go into the donut shop to make an announcement if anyone owned your kids, or dial 911. 

I asked your daughter for your name, but she could not understand what I'd said.  Plus, I had no idea if you, their father, a grandparent, or friend, had left them unsupervised on this hot day.  I could feel my train slipping away, but I just could not leave your children. 

Then you appeared!  Coming from the busy donut shop with your coffee in hand.  Connection at last.  When I mentioned that I'd been concerned, especially with the current news regarding child deaths in cars, you testily replied that you'd left the air conditioning on for them.  I did mention that I had no way of knowing that.  You insincerely thanked me for my concern, and drove away.  I am relieved that your children were OK.  This time.

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One or two more things I'd like to mention.  A passerby has no way of knowing if you left the a/c on for your children, unless they open your door, if not locked.  Do you want strangers opening your car door to approach your little ones?  What if, by chance, you faint in the donut shop - maybe overcome by the heat - and are taken to the hospital by ambulance.  Your little ones are still in the car.  What if, by chance, the car stalls and there is no a/c.  Do you know how long it would take for your children to asphyxiate?   One might believe that these are extreme and unlikely scenarios, but all of them went through my mind as I waited by your car to protect your children. 

Please, please, do not leave , children or animals in cars unattended, in any weather.  It is actually a crime in most states, even if your children do not die.