My heart is heavy today. I can’t stop thinking about the latest tragedy in Florida – the horrific and unthinkable death of a toddler who was drowned by an alligator while on a family vacation at Disney World. No. Just no.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain this family is experiencing right now. It is too hard to think about. This could have been my family. It could have been any of us.

I know that I would have let my toddler put their feet in the edge of the water at a family vacation resort. My family does this on vacation at the Jersey shore every year. Usually we set up camp on the beach where it is less crowded, often in the “no swimming zone” away from lifeguards. If we want to get our feet wet in the ocean, we do. Just our feet and ankles. We have always let our daughter do this, as well, as long as we are with her. This is exactly what this family from Nebraska was doing that night on their vacation.

There is no room for criticism here. I honestly cannot even fathom where judgement would come from. I am full of emotion about this situation, and anything other than compassion and empathy for these parents is nonexistent. That family could have been any of us. That dad could have been my husband. That mom could have been me. That baby could have been mine. No. Just no.

My thoughts are with this family. I hope that they know they are not alone and that the world is grieving right along with them. I hope that they find peace during this terribly difficult time. My heart is heavy for them today.