Glimpsing behind the Headlines

 Hello Everyone, I know it's been a week or so since my last post but as all of us in the UK know, it's been a very difficult week. The horrifying news about the nurse who has been found guilty of murdering several premature babies has dominated our headlines and made us all stop and think, as it seemed so completely unbelievable. That a highly trained professional, within a hospital, working in the neo-natal unit could do such an evil thing is almost beyond our comprehension. As no doubt there will be appeals etc, I cannot comment on whether or not those legalities will change anything. All I can say is, that for now, she has begun the rest of her life in prison. But my post is not about her, frankly, there have been more than enough editorials within the media regarding the possible motivations behind the crime. I wanted to focus more on those she has left behind.

Mass media attention

It seems the nurse was an only child, raised by adoring parents in a comfortable home. There has been no mention of anything other than an ordinary upbringing and so, it's fair to assume, she did not witness any terrible behaviour during her childhood. Both parents worked and provided for their daughter as much as anyone can, supporting her throughout her studies and frequently publicly congratulated on her triumphs. They probably had dreams that one day she would marry and maybe have children of her own, giving them the opportunity to be doting grandparents. So, what must it be like when the sole object of their affection is suddenly accused of the most heinous crimes? We can only guess but my first thought would be, that they couldn't believe it was happening. Perhaps throughout the investigation process, they comforted each other with the thought that it was all some terrible mistake, the truth would come out and life would go back to normal. But when she was charged, and the court case was being reported on a daily basis, how did they feel then? Bearing in mind the fact they temporarily moved house so they could attend the trial every single day, it's safe to assume, they were still utterly convinced of her innocence. And then she was found guilty. 

Every inch of the media was covered with her picture and the harrowing details of the crimes, her parents were pictured and, I think it's reasonable to say, have probably been hounded by the press, offering vast sums of money to tell their story. But away from the headlines, what are those two people going to do now? Their lives have been shattered and once the dust settles, where do they go from here? As they have stood by their daughter, will it now be all about trying to secure visitation rights? While trying to keep their everyday life going. Knowing that even a simple trip to the supermarket is likely to be problematic, as there might be a degree of hostility towards them, or even outright abuse hurled in their direction. I suppose it would be tempting just to pack up and move away but then, by doing that it might feel as if they are abandoning their daughter.

I don't think any of us can truly understand the awful dilemma they are facing and what an uncertain future-all because of the dreadful actions of their own child. But instead of showing a degree of empathy, they have now been unceremoniously thrown into the spotlight and numerous speculative articles written about them. Alleged 'professionals' have nodded a great deal and labelled them in all kinds of ways, without ever having spoken a single word to either parent. For the media, it seems this is just an incredible story with so many angles that it can be spun in countless different ways to keep the readership/viewers 'entertained.' But for this couple, it's their life and long after the circus has left town, they will be left to clear up the mess as best they can.

That's the point of the title of my post today, too often we only truly absorb the story of the main character and choose to forget the supporting cast. I honestly believe, that needs to change. To make it clear to the media that, of course, report on the case and interview the relevant people but when it becomes almost a feeding frenzy, when parents and friends are being routinely pursued, that's a step too far. Perhaps there is an argument that when a celebrity does anything, the very nature of their chosen profession means they are considered 'fair game' and their lives are therefore considered public property. I have to say, this is definitely NOT my opinion! But we are talking about ordinary people who have done nothing to court attention and yet have been thrust into the unforgiving glare of the media.

Finally, rightly so, the parents of those children who were murdered are being shown enormous degrees of kindness and understanding, their level of grief cannot be measured by anyone other than perhaps those who have lost a child. As a mother myself, I cannot even begin to comprehend their level of devastation. The evil actions of the nurse are abhorrent and no punishment she receives can relieve the agonising pain of those families who were affected. It goes without saying, my heart goes out to them, and I hope they get all the help they need.  As for her parents? I simply hope they are left alone now, to try and come to terms with everything that's happened without being endlessly harassed by some eager reporter who is only showing interest in them to get a story. 

Well, with all that said, I hope you can all get on with your days and not get too enmeshed in wondering 'what if' too much, although I know how difficult that can be with such an emotive story. So, look after yourselves, ok?  As always, I wish you nothing but well and..until the next time...

Take care out there xx