‘Most Hated Mom’ Who Accidentally Left Baby In Hot Car Is Back On TV

Brenda Slaby used to be a hardworking mother of two, a wife, and a dedicated assistant principal. However, her life changed forever on August 23, 2007.

Brenda always tries her very best to be a “supermom” to her children. Her attempts to be the perfect and loving mother, however, often left her stressed out. On that tragic day in August, Brenda did not expect that she would become “the most hated mom in America.”

It was a hectic day for Brenda because it was the first day back at school. However, her husband, Gary, had a dentist appointment. This threw off their normal daily routine. Gary typically handles the preschool and daycare drop-offs for their kids.

That day, Brenda’s plate is full. She has a staff meeting and needs to pick up some snacks for her co-workers. She also has to take Cecilia, her 2-year-old daughter, to the house of her babysitter.

Everything went well that day until 4 p.m. when Brenda was getting ready to go home. A fellow teacher ran into her office and screamed, “Brenda, your baby’s in the car.” Brenda frantically ran to the parking lot and found Cecilia strapped into her car seat.

Brenda had accidentally left her child in the car for almost eight hours! The temperature that summer day reached 100 degrees. The toddler died of heatstroke. It was a mother’s worst nightmare. Brenda knew that very moment that her life is over.

Brenda was not charged in her daughter’s death. However, she admitted to Oprah Winfrey that the people in her community were furious by what happened. “I was the most hated mom,” she told Oprah.

Seven years later, Brenda appeared on Oprah: Where Are They Now?. The TV host checked on her to see how she’s been doing since that fatal day.

Brenda confessed that a lot had changed in her life including in her marriage. She and Gary got separated. Brenda said couldn’t see herself the same way after that tragic day. She also shared a warning to her fellow parents.

“It’s your wake-up call to slow down,” Oprah added. “What happened to my guest today could so easily happen to any of you.”

Source: Little Things