This story just makes my heart hurt. On October 31st, 1955, Steven Craig Damman was two years old. His mother left him and his younger sister Pamela alone outside a supermarket while she went inside to shop. When she re-emerged about 10 minutes later, the stroller was blocks away; Pamela was still there, but Steven was gone.
Although a wide net was spread, and thousands of volunteers were on the lookout for the missing toddler, he was never found. Now, 54 years later, a man, whose name has been unreleased at this time, has contacted Pamela out of the blue, claiming to be her long-lost brother, though it’s not known how he tracked her down. Jerry Damman, the father, is hopeful that the man could be his missing son.
The FBI is currently evaluating the man’s DNA, and it’s hoped that the results will come sooner, rather than later.
I have to say that I’m appalled that these two children were left alone for even one minute, let alone ten. I understand that the world of 1955 may have been a much more innocent place than the world we inhabit today, but look at what happened. My five year old is intelligent, very cautious around those he doesn’t know, and able to communicate at a high level. I still never leave him alone in public, and probably never will until he’s able to display a readiness for that responsibility.
There is nothing more tragic in this world than what might have been. I’m sorrowful for the Damman family if this man turns out not to be the missing Steven. Parents, keep your children close to you at all times. Though they may chafe and squirm, at least they will be safe.
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