I’d like to share a tragic story of shaken baby syndrome, which killed my grandson on Dec. 18, 2009.

Ayven was 7 months old when he was taken to a baby sitter, a healthy, happy baby.

The baby sitter left to go shopping with her mother, leaving her boyfriend to watch Ayven, his sister and the baby sitter’s children.

When the baby sitter returned that afternoon, she could not wake Ayven. She waited one hour before calling his mother and then 911.

Ayven was airlifted to a hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., where he lay in a coma until he died on Feb. 4.

The baby sitter’s boyfriend was later arrested and is currently facing charges for shaking Ayven and hitting him against the wall.

The baby had reportedly been crying because he had not been fed or changed since he arrived at the sitter’s house.

The man is charged with murder, the baby sitter with neglect and endangerment to a child.

The boyfriend reportedly has a history with alcohol and drugs.

My granddaughter is 20 years old, and she has a 2-year-old.

Our lives have been changed forever. It will take time, but God’s love will help us survive this tragedy.

Please know who is taking care of your child.

Jo Martin

Ferriday resident