protecting the littlest ones

Rough night. I had to run to the store tonight and headed out about 8pm. There was a lady walking by the front of my house, carrying a young girl. I glanced at her, got in my car and then thought 'i should have offered her a ride'. I was hesitant and ended up just getting in my car and driving away. I drove a few blocks away and when i was sitting there at the stoplight i knew i needed to go back and at least offer her a ride. The mom (assuming she was the mom) didn't have a coat and she was carrying the young girl (about 2 yrs. old). I caught up with them a way down the road and pulled over, rolled down my window and offered her a ride. It took me a few tries to get her attention and then she refused 'no, we're alright'. As i pulled away i did not have a good feeling about leaving her walking without having someone check it out. The mom seemed to slur her words and she was staggering as she walked. I called the police department. Then i drove around and around and around the block to make sure the police found her. They did. Then i broke down. Bawling. That little girl had a pink coat, brown hair and she just reminded me of my lil' love bug. I could just picture it being my girl dragged around by her biomom wherever she feels the need to go at night in 40 degree weather. It breaks my heart to think about what my girl has to deal with when she is not in my home. I pray that if lovebug is ever in a dangerous situation, someone will have the strength to protect her or call the police and make sure they protect her. I pray that someone will care enough to protect a little girl they don't know. I hate it when lovebug is not in my home. I hate it when she has overnights. I hate it when she is gone for weeks. I am sad thinking about what she has seen, what she has to deal with and how scared she must be at times. I still cry thinking about that little girl being carried around by her mom. Was she drunk? on drugs? in trouble? I am just happy the police were able to find her and i at least know i did what i could. It just makes me sad to think about what these little kids have to deal with when their parents do drugs, are immature, fight with each other or are in some kind of trouble. They are so helpless and i just hope there are people out there who will keep an eye out for strange or dangerous situations. Follow your instincts, and if you don't want to get involved or confront someone. Call the authorities, let them check it out. If nothing is wrong, then nothing will happen...but you just might save someone.