29 June 2008

Hug Your Children!

Yesterday we attended a pool party given by one of the families that has a daughter in my Drew's class. They have done this for each of their daughters, inviting each student's entire family every summer. It was a lot of fun to see many of the kids from Drew's class and their families. When we arrived, storms were passing through, and we thought we would be spending the entire time indoors. The rain relented, and the kids were able to have a good time.

I would like to say that this story has a happy ending. Shortly after we left, the younger sister of one of Drew's classmates was found at the bottom of the pool. She was 3. They attempted to resuscitate her for 1 1/2 hours to no avail.

Initially, I thought I was going to write something about pool safety, but you know, nothing could have prevented this tragedy. Her Mom was so vigilant the entire time we were there. The family who hosted the party were also vigilant about having all of the kids watched. There were adults both inside and outside the pool. When this happened, everyone was done swimming. She had slipped away. She was found by the hosts' 10 year old daughter.

So, I write this with great sadness. This week, we will be attending the funeral of a 3 year-old girl who was taken home to Jesus much before her time. Please keep the families involved in your prayers. Please hug your children and tell them you love them because life is just too short.

11 comments:

TheMama said...

Oh, my. I just can't think of one single thing to say that might even remotely be appropriate.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Amy said...

How Terrible! I am crying, this is so sad!!! My heart and prayers go out to everyone!

Candid Carrie said...

Thak you, I don't know what to say. My daughter died twelve years ago and there are no words that are appropriate. Just hugs and prayers are all that matter right now. And Faith.

Susie said...

Oh my! That is terrible. My heart goes out to those parents! That poor family. My heart goes out to them.

Anonymous said...

What a horrible, horrible tragedy. My prayers go out to them.

Gramma 2 Many said...

Therese, I sit here with tears in my eyes. This is so sad. The very same thing happened to my mothers' neighbor. They hosted a couple of little girls and their mommy for a swim date. Sadly, both of the little girls slipped away and drowned. We think one may have fallen in and the other tried to help her. Life is so fragile and no one knows when the Lord will call one of us or ours home. My prayers to this family. Thanks for the reminder to hug our little ones.

Anonymous said...

This is awful. My heart goes out to that family! I keep imagining how the parents must be beating themselves (and each other) up over letting her slip away. Everyone who attended the party must be devastated. I'm so sorry.

Ellen said...

Oh my goodness, what a terrible tragedy. Prayers to the family and all those affected.

Unknown said...

Ug... my heart hurts... My mothers neighbor lost their 3 year old the same way... so scary... sending my prayers to you all!

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for the family, for the classmates who can probably barely comprehend what's going on. What a tragedy. Even more proof that life is too short, and not always fair, and so very very precious.

One Crazy Chick! said...

I came after your comment on Candid Carrie's blog wondering what happened and my heart stopped when I read.