This is just so sad,,and makes me ask WHY would someone do this?? I don't call it 'playing'??

[mjkacmom]

Exactly. My kids are adults now, but this is the sort of thing I had nightmares about when they were small. They rarely stayed with people other than DH or I. For a reason. No one cares about your kids the way you do. No one.

I disagree, my parents loved and adored my children and my sister’s children, would’ve jumped in front of a train for them. While they did love my sister and I, their love for their grandkids was greater.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I see several people saying he blocked it out. I think any reasonable, sensitive person would hope for, and give him a kind, compassionate excuse/explanation. While I don't believe he let her drop deliberately, maybe he's just lying his butt of, after the fact. While he says there is nothing worse that can be done to him now, actually sitting, rotting in prison would be worse. Then he'd be on suicidal watch every day.

How does an adult NOT KNOW to protect a child by an open window 11 stories up???

There is a part of me that would like to believe he is a bit autistic. (Not to take a swipe at people who have autism or that they go around accidentally killing people.) Sounds like, the way he bent over, out the window, that he hadn't even thought of any danger to himself. It didn't occur to him. Maybe some part of his brain just thought in a straight line: Open window, bring Chloe over to look out. (No thought to the danger. It didn't enter his brain.) Now hide the truth and say what lawyer is telling me to say. (And he lacks the emotion to properly cry about her. So he does what he knows is expected, or has been coached to do by his lawyer.)

When I first heard of the event, I thought maybe both sets of grandparents were on the cruise with the family as they had not spent much time with 18 mo old Chloe. That this is pretty much their first real time seeing her and getting to know her. But, the grandfather's lawyer posted many pics of them together, how they did have an ongoing relationship. The grandfather knew Chloe liked to bang on the glass at hockey games. I'd think by then, he'd have to have a reasonable knowledge that she's young, small, fragile.

Heck, I'd even take an explaination of autism in a 51 yr old adult over this blaming of RC over an unfathomable, unforeseeable situation. Especially, now having seen the side angle video. Normal, average adults do not do this. A teen yes, "Watch your little sister from going into the road." Then after a couple times they remember. But, by the time someone gets to be 51, and has had many interactions with the little girl. No.

I had wondered about this as well. My mind didn't go to autism--I have a son with Asperger's, he's almost TOO careful, but every person on the spectrum is different. My thinking was: this was actually a step-grandfather. I wonder if he actually had/raised children himself. He clearly loved little Chloe, but to be that irresponsible, it's like he had no clue of the potential danger. If he hadn't parented through the toddler phase himself (which is possible, since he's not Chloe's bio-grandparent), then maybe he was less aware of how quickly things can turn bad.

 

[fly girl]

I disagree, my parents loved and adored my children and my sister’s children, would’ve jumped in front of a train for them. While they did love my sister and I, their love for their grandkids was greater.

Same here. I never worry when my mom watches my daughter or my nephews. The love she has for them surpasses the love she has for her daughters. Not to say she doesn't love us, but it is definitely more.

I had wondered about this as well. My mind didn't go to autism--I have a son with Asperger's, he's almost TOO careful, but every person on the spectrum is different. My thinking was: this was actually a step-grandfather. I wonder if he actually had/raised children himself. He clearly loved little Chloe, but to be that irresponsible, it's like he had no clue of the potential danger. If he hadn't parented through the toddler phase himself (which is possible, since he's not Chloe's bio-grandparent), then maybe he was less aware of how quickly things can turn bad.

I had wondered that too. I believed he loved her like any grandparent (biological or not) but if you never raised kids you may not be so "mother hen" on potential dangers. I didn't even like that he followed so far behind when she went over to the windows. He was just so nonchalant. Lacking all common sense.

 

[mjkacmom]

What is wrong with some of you? Seeking out video of a toddler falling to her death? Why? To go through the trauma of watching a horrific video so you feel you can better judge a total stranger when no one on earth cares one bit about your opinion? It’s sick, it really is. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch it.

 

[fly girl]

What is wrong with some of you? Seeking out video of a toddler falling to her death? Why? To go through the trauma of watching a horrific video so you feel you can better judge a total stranger when no one on earth cares one bit about your opinion? It’s sick, it really is. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch it.

Normally, I would never in a million years seek these out. I was so angry when the news showed the death of Neda years ago. And again when NBC aired the footage of the luge Olympian hitting the pole and dying. It was gratuitous. Served no purpose. I remember writing to NBC I was so mad.

Yet, here I am admitting I watched both videos. I even asked myself what is wrong with me, why do I want to see this? I think it is because our worst fear is the death of our own children, so on some level we are trying to make sure we won't make the same mistake. Is it rational? No. I wouldn't put my kid on a cruise ship rail. However, the logical side makes you want to think the grandpa really did nothing wrong. Did that window really look closed? Was the cruise ship truly at fault? Could this tragedy happen again? And if so, could it happen to MY kid?

Yes, my opinion and everyone's opinion on here means nothing. Yet, internally it does. On some morbid and twisted level I know know that this couldn't happen to me because I wouldn't place our child on a railing 11 stories up.

I don't think anyone on here who has watched the videos did so with grotesque intent. I think it for the same reason why I did it. Your brain is trying to comprehend what occurred so it won't happen to you.

 

[mnrose]

Ok, first of all, the video DOES NOT SHOW the child falling to her death. What it shows, and what I wanted to see, was the grandfather LEANING out the window. I was interested in HIS version of events, and was hoping to see that. It clearly does not. It shows instead the exact opposite of his version of events. There's nothing gruesome about that video, IMO. You know, of course, what happens that is not shown, but it shows nothing at all gruesome. I hate gruesome videos. This isn't one. And, honestly, with or without the video, my mind is playing that child's death over and over from the time I heard about it. This video, which does not show that at all, changes nothing about what we all imagine. That being said, I get that some people may find it disturbing because it brings up images in their mind (because it's not shown in any way that I can discern), but it's not the video itself showing it. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What is wrong with some of you? Seeking out video of a toddler falling to her death? Why? To go through the trauma of watching a horrific video so you feel you can better judge a total stranger when no one on earth cares one bit about your opinion? It’s sick, it really is. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch it.

One reason: the truth

 

[ronandannette]

One reason: the truth

This incident and "the narrative" has nagged at some of us, especially those who have been on cruises and just know it couldn't have happened the way the family has made it out. Are we crazy ourselves? Have we completely misinterpreted our own perceptions and experiences? I think many of us appreciate the clarity the video provided - NOT to enjoy the spectacle or necessarily vilify the man, but to confirm our own understanding of reality. FTR, I closed the video immediately the split-second he lifted Chloe beyond the window ledge. That was all I needed to understand completely. If there was anything more graphic, I didn't see it, nor would I want to.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

What is wrong with some of you? Seeking out video of a toddler falling to her death? Why? To go through the trauma of watching a horrific video so you feel you can better judge a total stranger when no one on earth cares one bit about your opinion? It’s sick, it really is. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch it.

Somebody is certainly in the Christmas-y spirit this morning.

Personally I watched the original video shown, as grainy as it was, it gave me context into something that has been quite muddled from the beginning in what transpired. This whole thread, which you've participated in, contains lots of specific details going on throughout the thread,articles, etc. I certainly understand if the idea of watching anything related to this horrific event is the last thing you'd want to do and I can respect that viewpoint. Hopefully you can respect those who watched it in the interest of understanding the events. And as mentioned there was no actual video showing the actual fall, just the events that led up to the moment.

 

[sam_gordon]

FTR, I closed the window immediately the split-second he lifted Chloe beyond the window ledge.

I don't understand this comment.

 

[ronandannette]

I don't understand this comment.

The computer window the video was running in. I’ve gone back and edited my post for clarity.

 

[gwynne]

I don't understand this comment.

I think she was referencing the computer page.

 

[sam_gordon]

The computer window the video was running in. I’ve gone back and edited my post for clarity.

Thanks. I was relating to the window she fell out of.

 

[JaxDad]

Thanks. I was relating to the window she fell out of.

We all wish we could go back in time and close THAT window. And have a serious conversation with the grandfather.

 

[gwynne]

Same here. I never worry when my mom watches my daughter or my nephews. The love she has for them surpasses the love she has for her daughters. Not to say she doesn't love us, but it is definitely more.





I had wondered that too. I believed he loved her like any grandparent (biological or not) but if you never raised kids you may not be so "mother hen" on potential dangers. I didn't even like that he followed so far behind when she went over to the windows. He was just so nonchalant. Lacking all common sense.

I was always careful with our kids. That said, I feel so much more responsible with my grandchildren. Thankfully, my kids understand this. They trust me. I take that sacred trust seriously. And you can do that, and still have lots of fun with your grandchildren.

 

[mjkacmom]

I’ve cruised, I don’t think he thought the window was closed, until his attorney put that into his head. From the get go, I believed he lifted her up to see out of the window (definitely not a good idea), and lost his grip. I can’t even look at her photo, the one by the pool, without feeling like I’ve been sucker punched. Crocodile tears? Where is the empathy? Heck if I accidentally dropped a strangers cat from a window I’d never forgive myself (and I don’t like cats much), this was a toddler!

 

[luvsJack]

Somebody is certainly in the Christmas-y spirit this morning.

Personally I watched the original video shown, as grainy as it was, it gave me context into something that has been quite muddled from the beginning in what transpired. This whole thread, which you've participated in, contains lots of specific details going on throughout the thread,articles, etc. I certainly understand if the idea of watching anything related to this horrific event is the last thing you'd want to do and I can respect that viewpoint. Hopefully you can respect those who watched it in the interest of understanding the events. And as mentioned there was no actual video showing the actual fall, just the events that led up to the moment.

Because watching that video is within the Christmas spirit? Seriously?


Just some thoughts on other posts (not the pp I quoted):

I admit I watched the first one. And it does look like much, if not all, of what he says is untrue. But I don’t think it has anything to do with being a step grandparent or not having his own children or anything else that has been suggested.

This man made a horrible decision. Not unlike horrible decisions made by parents every single day that put their children at risk. Heck parents make bad decisions for years that put their children at risk. His decision unfortunately caused the horrible death of this child. No amount of court cases whether criminal or civil are going to bring this child back.

But if he doesn’t take the plea and this goes to trial, we don’t know how his attorney will present this or how they will answer to the video. If his attorney doesn’t advise him to take the plea, then he must have some strong ideas of how to spin it. Same with going forward with the lawsuit.

 

[KayKayJS]

What is wrong with some of you? Seeking out video of a toddler falling to her death? Why? To go through the trauma of watching a horrific video so you feel you can better judge a total stranger when no one on earth cares one bit about your opinion? It’s sick, it really is. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch it.

Funny you mention judging when you're doing exactly that. I wanted to watch it because I have a little one and I needed to know what really happened. My baby is very young and we want to take her on a cruise with grandparents when she gets a little older - I needed to know that this is not something that could happen if you're a watching your child in a reasonable manner.

 

[fly girl]

I admit I watched the first one. And it does look like much, if not all, of what he says is untrue. But I don’t think it has anything to do with being a step grandparent or not having his own children or anything else that has been suggested.

This man made a horrible decision. Not unlike horrible decisions made by parents every single day that put their children at risk. Heck parents make bad decisions for years that put their children at risk. His decision unfortunately caused the horrible death of this child. No amount of court cases whether criminal or civil are going to bring this child back.

I think when we brought up him not having children we are trying to rationalize his poor decision making. By no means do I think anyone here believes that is 100% the reason for this. Just another piece of the puzzle. I know I didn't realize all the potential safety hazards surrounding toddlers until I had one. Your mindset isn't there until you are responsible for one.

No doubt parents make bad choices. We are all human. I still can't believe some of the dumb things my parents let me do when I was kid. And I am sure I have made unsafe choices for my child too. That is EXACTLY why so many are invested in this case. To make sure we don't make the same mistake.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Because watching that video is within the Christmas spirit? Seriously?

Clearly you're not in the Christmas-y spirit either.

I was referring to the seemingly rude tone from the comments and calling people sick and saying something was wrong with them. That seemed extremely obvious but I guess you just couldn't help yourself could you from commenting (rhetorical comment here).

Thank you for also demonstrating what I was referring to (and yes at the moment I'm dipping into not being in the Christmas-y spirit).