Is it sad 'there is an app for that'?

I was heartbroken to hear of the loss of an infant's life -- and the serious injury to another -- during the triple digit heat wave last week.

As temperatures busted the 100-degree mark, the temps in cars were increased by at least another 20 degrees.

The 4-month-old and 16-month-old babies were allegedly left in vehicles for extended amounts of time, on two separate occasions on the same day.

A local television station reported on the events, and made a few suggestions on how not to forget your children.

First of all, if there is a chance you could forget your child for more than a half-second you might want to re-analyze the important things in life.

One of these suggestions was a free application available in the iTunes App Store.

Titled "Baby Reminder." the app description says it "reminds you not to forget your baby in the car."

You just type in your suspected arrival times and you get a reminder a few minutes after you hit your destination, that hey, there is a human in your back seat!

My first response was, "WHAT??"

Do we really live in a world where we won't forget our cell phones, but might just forget the screaming -- or sleeping -- bundle of joy in the backseat?

There have been plenty of times where my 14-month-old nephew has been quiet in the backseat as he took in the scenery or dozed, but I have not actually forgotten he was there.

My 2-year-old nephew and 5-year-old niece are both good at ensuring I know they are in the backseat. Usually with "Hey, Brina" every five seconds and the occasional argument.

What does it say about our society that more than one review was posted in favor of the application, saying the application has helped them out?

Groceries, phone calls, sodas and personal stops have no bearing on the life of an innocent child, especially one so young they probably can't even speak to call out to you.

I was talking to a friend about how it shocked me, and her reply was, "Maybe they need an app that reads whether you should be a parent. Geez!"

Stop. Take a breath. Forget all those things that can be replaced.

A child's life is more important than your pack of cigarettes or a pop at the gas station.

The beautiful, smiling face of your child means so much more than an "important," distracting work phone call.

Put your phone down, hug your child and really consider your priorities.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World and can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.