PLEASE NOTE: This post was originally written as the drama of "balloon boy" was still unfolding on television. The boy had not yet been found and had not yet made the now notorious statement that this was done "for a show." I think it's unfortunate that what first seemed like a teachable moment about the role of vigilance in child safety -- the subject of this post -- has degenerated into a spectacle over whether we've all been had by an elaborate hoax. But that's life.

A lot of us watching the riveting coverage of the Colorado balloon flight are asking ourselves how something like this could happen.

The answer: very easily. Too easily. And here in South Florida, that should come as no suprise.

Only with us, it's not 6-year-olds in experimental balloons. It's toddlers in backyard swimming pools, coupled with parents going about their daily lives and looking away for just one second.

Tragedy strikes when responsible people aren't looking. And while it's tempting to cast blame on parents who look away, it is unrealistic to expect anyone to have both eyes on all children at all times.

So while we shake our heads in disbelief at a little boy climbing into a balloon and untying the rope, let's not pretend this is much different than the kinds of tragic stories we read about all too often.

Any close calls in your family while you looked away?

UPDATE: The kid's been found alive at his home, a fortunate ending to a fascinating story. And thankfully, we can learn the lesson of constant vigilance without having to hear a eulogy.