If it truly does take a village to raise a child, where were the other villagers in this case?
Today I wish to revisit a story of parents who kept their little girl trapped in a crib - basically using the crib as a cage. The crib had a piece of wood over the top preventing the little girl the ability to get out of the crib. The age of the little girl was questionable. There was also another infant, two months old, in the home. Both were removed and placed in protective services. I think it only fair to mention that the younger child, a son, was in excellent condition.
It was later determined that this little girl was born with Downs Syndrome and was not even able to walk on her own. The parents tried to claim she was locked in a cage for her own protection. No birth certificate even exists for this little angel - the parents claim she was born at home and no records were ever filed on her behalf. Let us not forget, a pregnancy is nine months long. Someone had to see this woman when she was carrying. Which leads me to believe that this little one, most assuredly, would have died eventually.
Brian and Shannon Gore of Gloucester County, Virginia, were arrested in May of 2011 for said abuse. But what investigators didn't expect to find, on a return trip to their home after their arrest, was the body of another child buried on their property, in a shallow grave. The couple was also charged with murder in the death of said child found.
The child in the crib was fed one pop tart in the morning and one pop tart in the evening. As we all know, growing children need far more nutrition, and hydration, than two pop tarts could ever wish to afford.
First of all, this woman, for lack of a better word, Shannon Gore, had stolen some items from a neighbors home. Those items, namely gold bullion, had been sold to an auction house. And that auction house gave police the name of the seller of the gold, Shannon Gore. She was a thief, as well as, an abuser. The police showed up at Shannon's door with a search warrant and came across the little angel caged in her crib.
Secondly, why didn't anyone notice that the child who was found buried on their property was missing in the first place? Apparently, the child had a grandmother who was aware of her grandchildren. Not to mention, co-workers, friends and neighbors. How could this kind of treatment, and death of a child, go completely unnoticed?!
Third point, looking at the pictures provided of the parents, it appears they had no problem finding nutrition, for themselves. Making me believe they did have access to a supply of food. Food for themselves yet none for their starving daughter.
If it wasn't for the fact that this woman was also a thief, this little angel would have been left for dead. I am thankful that she stole that property. Thankful that she was connected to the theft and police showed up. It was because of that stolen property, this little girl's life was spared.
Another interesting point was that the trailer they resided in was owned by Brian Gore's father. Another person/relative that should have been aware of what was going on inside that trailer. Did he not see his daughter in law during any of the three pregnancies?
What I wish to share here is that if you happen to give birth to a child who is born with Downs Syndrome and feel you cannot deal with it. It's okay. You have options! Not everyone has the capacity to deal with such. It's a huge responsibility. I know from personal experience. You don't have to lock that child away and rob him/her of a life that could be filled with love and affection. Love and affection that every child deserves and is entitled to. It is the right of every child!
Even if the child is not born with a birth defect, you have options. Not everyone is cut out to be a parent. I think we all need to accept that it's okay that some of us aren't able to be parents, for whatever reasons. And we need to face these realities and stop the unwanted angels from being abused, neglected or murdered. We have countless locations around this entire country where you can drop off your child, without one question being asked - without having to leave your name. It can't get any easier than that, folks.
So why do we continue to have such horror stories? Is it because some feel somewhat ashamed because of their inability to be a decent, good, loving parent? Is it because they are afraid others will think something is horribly wrong with them because they can't be responsible for another human being? I say, to hell with such sentiments! You know darn well what you are capable of. You also know that there are places you can get help. Places you can leave your child if you can't take care of it, or if you feel you may harm that child in any way.
In my opinion, there simply is no excuse for this kind of abuse - none.
Obviously, this woman was able, and willing, to take care of her infant son without any problems. She was able to hold down a job. She was able to plan a robbery - although she lacked any brains in later selling the stolen goods, and using her real name. She wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what she was doing. And any excuse she may attempt to use in her defense, just won't wash. An animal treats it's young better than she did.
And what about the father, Brian Gore? He is just as responsible as the mother. If he thought she was losing it and not caring for those children in a manner befitting a mother's love - surely there were many clues slapping him in the face on a daily basis - than he was obligated to protect those children from her. But I think they were both abusive and therefore no red flags went flying. They abused that little angel, together, willingly, without regard. Just as they killed their other baby, together.
Think about having to see that little one locked in that crib every single day. Didn't the stench of what she was forced to sit in make them sick? Didn't the condition of her golden hair, matted down with her own filth and feces stir their collective conscience in the least bit? While they gorged themselves with food and drink didn't it bother them to know that little angel was in that cage starving and dying of thirst? How many days, that added up to years, did they attempt to ignore what they were doing to her? What justifications did they use when they closed their eyes at night and had the comforts of a good night's sleep - a clean bed, clean bodies, and a belly satisfied?
There is no defense for this kind of brutality visited upon a little, defenseless angel, who's wings have been clipped, by those who brought her into this existence. Those who had choices. Those who certainly knew what they were capable of doing, and not doing. So what does society do with the likes of the Gore couple? What kind of punishment should be awarded to those who harm little ones who cannot possibly defend themselves? Little ones who are raised in a crippling fear of their abusers. Abusers who use their size, power and control over ones who don't stand a chance fighting them.
And what lies in store for these angels future? Will their age and abuse be washed away with enough time? I don't think the son will have an issue, as far as, any physical residual affects. But I'm not so convinced with the daughter who was imprisoned and neglected so horrifically. What I do know is that should she be blessed enough to find ones to love her and teach her what kindness and tenderness is, it will help to heal her.
Personally, I'm looking for justice to be served upon the Gore couple. Once they are sentenced, and locked away, where they won't have the ability to ever harm another living creature, than the world will be better off just a little bit more. There's many more abusers, neglectors and child murderers out there - we need to find them, remove them, and rescue the children from them.
Please be vigilant. Pay attention to your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. If you suspect something, by all means, and for God's sake, investigate your feelings further. Get involved. You may just be saving a life.
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