Collectively, I think we are 1 degree from separation from everything.

It was California news, and the baby was a newborn (or the bit with the still-attached umbilical cord is extra gross), and I know the ER I go to is safe haven. I wonder if it's a lack of knowledge that makes you abandon the child at a gas station, or a lack of concern, or what?

I mean, who wants the option with a search? Which is coincidentally the option less safe for the baby, but I'm guessing they don't really care about that.

There was a situation here a year or two ago when someone left a newborn at a church, which is not considered a safe haven. And I can see why - the others are pretty much all 24/7 and populated with first responders, so it's a degree of magnitude less risky to the infant.

But I can also see why someone might assume a church would count. I think they did find the mother, but I don't recall what happened from there. Hopefully not treated the same as a freaking gas station.

I wonder if it's a lack of knowledge that makes you abandon the child at a gas station, or a lack of concern, or what?

You're freaking the fuck out and the gas station is closer than a hospital and you aren't thinking clearly?

yeah, better than a garbage can or something. despite the fact that the mother could have gone to a hospital or fire station or police station, I feel really sorry for her.

Every year, when the subject of Paczki comes up, I Google for a place in Atlanta that sells them. Every year, all I find is people googling the same thing.

I think the thing is, too, even in this town, which is pretty walkable, if I had given birth right here in my house, any of the local safe havens would have been really far to walk to. Especially after, you know, giving birth, when walking down the hall can really take everything you've got.

Downton Abbey trading cards

You're freaking the fuck out and the gas station is closer than a hospital and you aren't thinking clearly?

I guess I'm thinking too much about getting away with it. I understand the moment is pretty much textbook hormonal, but it's also not probably a surprise--so there's a balance there somewhere. The idea that I'm going to be all over the news and the cops are going to be hunting me down and ITS NOT OVER (inasmuch as you can ever get a clean break with childbirth)...I guess it just seems like this means you keep freaking the fuck out.

My heart breaks for anyone who's going through this alone and doesn't at least have someone not biologically confused at the time, even if the someone else is the father who doesn't have any better ideas.

Up until a few years ago, you could abandon a child under 18 years old in Nebraska. After someone actually abandoned a teenager, the law was changed.

Ugh, it's all so sad. No one should have to figure out what to do with a baby they don't want alone.

Is there a cutesy J thing in your family, Jesse?

I am not related to these people! I mean, I guess we may be related, but distantly. Or not at all. Also, I think J is one of the most popular first initials, in general?