It would be hard to think of a more tragic or heartbreaking story than the grisly events that led to the dragging death of a 6-year-old boy from the Kansas City area. News folks are used to tales of tragedy, but the mark of a truly horrendous tale can be gauged by the somber atmosphere -- and a few tears -- when a story like this comes along.

But there's a warning for all of us in this terrible story. All over the Cape Girardeau area, motorists are far too trusting when they drop off children at day-care centers or run into convenience stores, as was the case in Independence last week. In far too many instances, the motor is left running with children left in the car.

You would like to think it just couldn't happen here. But it could. If the grieving parents of Jake Robel could change history, there is little doubt what they would do. For the rest of us, we only have the future to worry about. Don't leave your children in the car. Don't leave your motor running.

Please.