"I don’t know who this lady is... she waved at him and he made his way up to her. I thought their interaction would be the same as last time but I was wrong. "
"I felt the tug on my sleeve and looked down to find him standing motionless. His mouth was moving but I couldn’t make out his words. His quiet body in the noisy room caught me off guard. I bent down to find his voice."
Amy Saunders and her husband Randy know better than most the struggles of having to build their child’s self-confidence when it seems like the world is against them. Their son, Austin, is in 8th grade this year, which is easily one of the most awkward times of any person’s life. In addition to navigating middle school, Austin has a laundry list of mental health struggles including everything from autism to anxiety.
Upon seeing a writing prompt that her son brought home from school, Amy took to Facebook to share the struggles that Austin faces on a daily basis—in his own words.
“Our son wrote this for his English writing prompt this year, 8th grade. Austin has Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Fine Motor Skill Delay and Anxiety Disorder. The prompt was to write 3 things that he wishes his teachers knew about him. It broke our hearts to read this, and to hear/read from him on how he struggles daily.
Photo via Amy Preslar Saunders on Facebook
Austin wrote:
‘I wish that they knew that I am autistic. I wish that my teacher knew that I need help on a lot of things like my handwriting. I wish that my teacher know that I have a depressed life sometimes. I wish my teacher knew that I am not being defiant I am overwhelmed shutting down. I wish that my teacher knew that I am very good at bottling up anger and having outbursts.’
“These are our sons feelings, struggles and everyday challenges,” Amy wrote with the post.
At the bottom of the writing prompt, Austin’s teacher wrote, “You are doing great so far! Glad you’re in my class!”
She completed the small but highly encouraging note with a huge smiley face for her student.
“We love what his teacher wrote to him and she has been great for Austin,” Amy wrote. “We hope this encourages other parents, teachers and kids to keep fighting!”
Amy’s words are encouraging, and seeing Austin articulate his feelings is absolutely inspiring. This is one strong young man. Our prayer is that his teachers and those around him can see him for the blessing that he is, and not for the struggles that he faces.
Tyrese Gibson, a multifaceted personality known for his achievements in acting, singing, and rapping, has garnered attention not just for his artistic talents but for his vocal expressions of faith and spirituality. Beyond the glare of Hollywood, Gibson has embarked on a personal journey, exploring and sharing his religious beliefs and understanding of Jesus Christ through various platforms.
Tyrese Gibson’s Public Declarations of Faith
Tyrese Gibson has taken to social media and public platforms to express his deep-rooted faith in God and his dedication to Jesus Christ. His posts and videos are not just mere declarations but profound expressions of a man seeking to reconcile his fame with his faith. In a world where celebrity endorsements are often seen with skepticism, Gibson’s sincere and heartfelt messages stand out, offering a glimpse into his spiritual journey.
Challenging Misconceptions
One of the significant themes in Tyrese’s discourse is the challenge against common misconceptions surrounding Jesus Christ. In his video titled “Tyrese Gibson is SICK of promoting the DEVIL #jesus,” he highlights the dangers of misinformation and the importance of returning to the biblical Jesus. This video, among others, showcases his commitment to addressing and correcting the distorted images of Jesus that prevail in popular culture and media.
Gibson’s approach is not one of condemnation but of enlightenment. He urges his followers and viewers to delve deeper into the scriptures, to seek the real teachings of Jesus as documented in the Bible, rather than settling for the diluted or skewed versions often portrayed.
The Role of Faith in Personal Life
Beyond his public declarations, Tyrese’s faith has been a guiding force in his personal life. He openly discusses how Christianity has provided answers to many of the challenges he faces. His transformation and commitment to a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle are testament to the grounding effect his faith in Jesus Christhas had on him.
In his posts and discussions, Gibson does not shy away from sharing the positive impacts of his faith journey, hoping to inspire others to seek solace and guidance in the teachings of Christianity.
Throughout history, God’s presence has been a source of inspiration, comfort, and guidance for countless individuals. Quotes about God, drawn from scripture, influential thinkers, and everyday believers, encapsulate the profound relationship between humanity and the divine. These expressions of faith, love, and awe offer a glimpse into the vastness of God’s presence in our lives. Here is a selection of powerful and thought-provoking quotes about God, reflecting on their significance and the lessons they impart.
Short Powerful Quotes About God
“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power.” – Psalms 147:5 This quote from Psalms emphasizes the immense power and greatness of God. It reminds us that, in His presence, we find the strength and majesty beyond our understanding, encouraging believers to trust in His infinite capabilities.
“God is my everything, My lover, my light, my salvation.” – Inspired by Psalms A personal declaration of God’s all-encompassing role in one’s life, this quote speaks to the deep, intimate relationship one can have with the divine. It highlights God as the source of love, guidance, and rescue.
Short Quotes About God
“A better morning, better night, and a better life start with God first.” – Inspired This quote suggests that prioritizing God in one’s life can lead to improved well-being and fulfillment. It speaks to the idea that a life aligned with divine principles is a life enhanced in every aspect.
“The word of God is quick, and powerful, commissioned to the oracles of God, for the new testament from the living word of God.” – Inspired by Hebrews Here, the transformative and dynamic nature of God’s word is highlighted. This quote underlines the idea that scripture is not static but alive, capable of changing lives and hearts.
God Quotes on Life
“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.” – Inspired This profound analogy emphasizes the unchangeable nature of God’s glory, regardless of human belief or disbelief. It illustrates that God’s magnificence is as constant as the sun.
“The principal aim of scripture is to guard and cultivate the Christian faith.” – Inspired This quote speaks to the purpose of the holy scriptures: to protect and nurture one’s faith. It serves as a reminder that the Bibleis a tool for spiritual growth and understanding.
A Cleveland woman who left her toddler home alone in her crib while she went on a 10-day vacation was sentenced to life in prison without parole Monday.
32-year-old Kristel Candelario pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in what a judge called “the ultimate act of betrayal,” when she left her 16-month-old daughter Jailyn “trapped in a tiny prison,” while she traveled to Puerto Rico and Detroit last June.
“Just as you didn’t let Jailyn out of her confinement, so too you should spend the rest of your life in a cell without freedom,” Judge Brendan Sheehan told Candelario while delivering the sentence Monday.
Candilario also pleaded guilty to child endangerment.
According to forensic pathologist Elizabeth Mooney, Jailyn died of starvation and severe dehydration due to pediatric neglect. She ruled the toddler’s death as a homicide.
In Monday’s hearing, prosecutors played security footage from neighbors’ cameras that showed Candelario leaving her home on June 6 with a suitcase. The video then shows her returning the morning of June 16th. About 10 minutes after her return home, Candelario called 911, saying that her daughter was dying.
Prosecutors say Candelario changed her daughter into clean clothes before first responders arrived.
The former substitute teacher initially told investigators that she had been home caring for her daughter, who had been sick and vomiting before she found her unresponsive on June 16.
What investigators originally believed to be dirt on the toddler, Mooney told the court was actually feces on Jailyn’s hands and feet, under her fingernails and on her mouth and teeth.
Mooney delivered an emotional description of the “terrifying” circumstances of Jailyn’s death, telling the court that Jailyn experienced extreme and prolonged suffering for as long as a week before she died.
“The feeling of abandonment for days on end, coupled with the pain of starvation and extreme thirst is a type of suffering I don’t think any of us could ever fully have,” Mooney told the court.
The judge said Candelario’s attempts to cover up her crime showed to him that she wasn’t remorseful.
She had many opportunities to save her daughter, he said, who probably lived for a week while she was gone.
“Despite all of her suffering, that little baby persevered, waiting for someone to save her. And you could have done that with a simple phone call,” he said.
The defense pointed to Candelario’s history with depression and anxiety, however even her own attorney said her illness was :no justification: for her actions.
“They were narcissistic, selfish, abhorrent — absolutely worst parenting imaginable,” he said.
In Monday’s hearing, Cleveland Police Sgt. Teresa Gomez was “a voice for Jailyn,” as she described the “horrific” results of the investigation.
“Candelario placed more importance on a vacation in Puerto Rico with her boyfriend than the health, safety and well-being of her own daughter,” Gomez said.
“Jailyn died a long and painful death, afraid and alone, while her mother enjoyed the beach and sun,” Gomez said.
Once upon a time I was in my early twenties, no children, a job I could leave at work for the most part, a full night’s sleep and a partridge in a pear tree. When a friend would have a baby or someone got really sick I would show up with my arms loaded full of home baked goodies, thoughtful cards, meals to their exact liking and honestly I really thought this is what service to the people in my life should look like.
Then I had my first baby. Then another, this time the first one was only two and the second had colic. It was the hardest transition of my life. During this period, I completely stopped showing up with meals and loving my tribe in this way, not because I wasn’t able to but because I didn’t feel I could do the job justice. I felt that what I would be able to offer wasn’t good enough to bother with. I was so wrong.
Now, I have three little boys, we live in a tiny house (like an actual tiny house, not just a small house), our lives are full but so very happy. I’m in my thirties now, I’m older, more tired and I’ve been through enough in my life to learn the truth I wish I’d known then, are you ready? It’s really profound… Just show up.
That’s it, really. Just show up. When your friend’s husband dies unexpectedly, when she has a baby, when she is going through a divorce, when her life is unraveling, she doesn’t care if you baked the cookies from scratch and perfectly placed them in a platter. Show up (call first) in your socks with pizza. Honestly, I think showing up without your act perfectly together is probably more kind to the person who is going through hell.
Courtesy Katie Bryant
A friend went through some of the hardest life changes you can go through last year, I got the call at 6pm, left my kids with my husband and drove the 15 minutes to her house with my socks beautifully crammed into the Birkenstocks I’d found near the door. My hair needed to be washed and I probably had a coffee stain on my sweatshirt. I got to the door and let myself in (we’re close). I held her, loaded her dishwasher, read her kids a story and tucked them in, switched the laundry and cleaned the front bathroom for guests. You see earlier in my life I wouldn’t have made it there for an hour because I felt it was important to make myself presentable and bring a Pinterest-worthy meal. She didn’t need Pinterest, she needed me, in all my socks with Birkenstocks imperfection. She needed me to meet her in the middle of her nightmare, to stand in the Gap and to sit at her table at 9:30 drinking hot tea and listening.
Loving the people around you shouldn’t wait until you can do it perfectly and beautifully. There’s no trophy for best baked good drop off. There’s nothing to be gained by keeping people from your realness. Somewhere in the social media age we lost touch with the people close to us. We started comparing our private lives to everyone else’s Instagram feed. We stopped being the village. We started fending for ourselves. Enough is enough. Life is beautiful but it can be so hard, we need people in our lives to show up and to love us in the midst of our tragedy. We need human interaction and we need pizza in our socks with good friends.
Posted by Summer Break on Tuesday, August 23, 2016
“If I get a text, I look at my phone.”
“Instagram. Twitter. Facebook.”
“Snapchat.”
“Boredom.”
“The passenger has a pretty important role driving now.”
“Texting is my main form of communication.”
“If someone you like texts you, you can’t just like let it sit there without just knowing.”
“Because what if something exciting is happening or something happened?”
These were just a few of the responses given when this group of teens was asked the question:
“What are your reasons for using a phone while driving?”
It’s just a quick peek. We have it all under control. I know I shouldn’t be doing it, but it’s too hard to stop. What’s the harm, right?
That seemed to be the general consensus—that is, before Jacy walked in the room. As she sat face-to-face with each of them, she told them her story in a video sponsored by It Can Wait:
“When I was 21 years old driving home from my college graduation ceremony, a driver on his phone was so distracted he turned left into the intersection at a red light. Another car, an 18-wheeler, swerved to miss him and hit my family’s car. And the resulting collision actually killed both of my parents.
I spent two months in the hospital fighting for my own life and then two more months in a rehab hospital learning how to walk again, learning how to speak again, learning how to dress myself and how to feed myself.
I live with a partially paralyzed body. I didn’t have my daddy to walk me down the aisle when I got married.”
The teens were in shock over her story. They wept openly as they saw the brutal reality of the effects of distracted driving.
When asked if they could look at Jacy and give her those same reasons, the chatter about texting and Snapchat was replaced with silence and tears.
“I’m not gonna look at my phone ever again,” remarked one.
When it comes right down to it, There are no good reasons.
Over 10 million people have taken the pledge. Will you join them?
Please SHARE this important message with your friends and family. This isn’t just a teen problem. It’s everyone’s problem.
In the vastness of human experience, amidst the ebbs and flows of joy and despair, the promises of God stand as beacons of hope and certainty. These divine assurances, scattered throughout the Bible, are not mere words but commitments from God to humanity, offering solace, direction, and strength in our most tumultuous moments. The many promises of God are deep and wide, and offer solace to believers for every situation they may face.
Understanding the Promises of God
The promises of God are multifaceted and encompass various aspects of human life and spiritual well-being. They are divine assurances given to believers, providing a foundation of hope and faith. These promises address our needs, fears, and desires, reassuring us of God’s omnipresence, guidance, and unwavering support.
Examples of God’s Promises
2 Corinthians 1:3–4: Here, God promises His grace and strength, reminding us that His support is all-encompassing and sufficient, especially in times of weakness or hardship.
Psalm 23:4: This verse assures us of God’s guidance and provision, symbolizing His role as a shepherd who leads and protects His flock.
Jeremiah 29:11: Perhaps one of the most quoted verses, it reassures us of God’s plans for our welfare and future, emphasizing hope even in uncertainty.
James 1:17: This passage reminds us of the purity and consistency of God’s gifts, highlighting His unchanging nature and the purity of His intentions.
The Impact of God’s Promises God’s promises serve multiple purposes in the life of a believer:
Source of Comfort: In times of sorrow or distress, God’s words offer solace and peace, reminding us of His presence and care.
Guidance: During moments of decision-making or confusion, these promises act as a compass, guiding our steps according to His will.
Reassurance: They remind us of God’s omnipotence and the fact that our lives are in the hands of a sovereign, loving creator.
Call to Action: Many of God’s promises come with conditions that encourage us to live righteously and walk in faith.
God’s Promises vs. Human Circumstances While God’s promises are eternal and unchanging, our understanding and acceptance of them can be influenced by our circumstances. It is crucial to remember that God’s timeframe and ways are different from ours. Trusting in His promises means believing in them even when our current situations suggest otherwise.
In our journey through life, we encounter various seasons – some filled with joy and others with challenges that test our faith and resilience. During these times, prayer can be a powerful tool, offering solace and strength. This comprehensive guide explores different prayers for strength, tailored to various circumstances, from seeking comfort for the family to finding courage in personal battles. Whether you’re facing difficulties or supporting a friend through trials, these prayers aim to fortify your spirit and deepen your faith.
Prayers for Strength
Families can face numerous challenges – health crises, financial difficulties, or relational strains. In these times, praying for collective strength can be a source of communal healing and support.
Prayer for Family Strength: “Heavenly Father, we come before You as a family, seeking Your strength in this time of need. Bind us together with Your love and guide us through this challenge. Grant us the courage and wisdom to support one another and emerge stronger, united in faith and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times Individual struggles can often feel overwhelming, and it’s in these moments that we need divine fortitude the most.
Prayer for Personal Resilience: “Lord, in these trying times, I seek Your presence and strength. Help me to navigate this storm with grace and perseverance, trusting in Your plan for my life. Provide me with the resilience to face each day and the peace to rest in Your loving arms. Amen.”
Prayer for Strength andProtection In a world filled with uncertainties, praying for protection and strength is a way to cloak ourselves and our loved ones in God’s enduring safety.
Prayer for Divine Safeguarding: “Almighty God, I pray for Your protective hand over my life and those I hold dear. Shield us from harm, guide our steps away from danger, and imbue us with the strength to face the challenges ahead. In Your name, we trust. Amen.”
Short Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times Sometimes, we need a concise prayer that can be whispered in moments of immediate distress.
Brief Prayer for Immediate Strength: “Lord, grant me strength now, in this moment of need. Uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Amen.”
Prayers for Strength for a Friend Witnessing a friend in pain can be heart-wrenching. Offering a prayer on their behalf can be a powerful act of love and support.
Prayer for a Friend’s Fortitude: “Dear Lord, I lift up my friend [name] to You. In their time of struggle, be their rock and refuge. Fill them with strength, hope, and the assurance of Your unfailing love. Amen.”
Prayers for Strength and Healing Physical, emotional, or spiritual healing is a journey that requires patience and strength. These prayers focus on the restoration of the whole person.
Prayer for Comprehensive Healing: “Merciful God, bring healing and strength to those in pain. Restore their bodies, soothe their minds, and mend their spirits. May they feel Your presence and find peace in Your care. Amen.”
Prayer for Strength and Guidance Life’s decisions can often leave us feeling lost. Seeking God’s direction can provide clarity and fortitude.
Prayer for Divine Direction: “Heavenly Father, in my decisions, big and small, I seek Your guidance. Grant me the strength to follow Your path and the wisdom to discern Your will. Lead me in Your ways, O Lord. Amen.”
Irish sayings, steeped in centuries of history and tradition, encapsulate the wisdom, humor, and spirit of the Emerald Isle. From the windswept cliffs of Moher to the bustling streets of Dublin, these phrases echo the voices of past generations, offering insight, comfort, and laughter. This article delves into the heart of Irish culture through its famous sayings, exploring their meanings, origins, and the universal themes that resonate even beyond the shores of Ireland.
The Heart of Ireland – Famous Irish Sayings and Their Meanings
Ireland’s rich tapestry of history and folklore is vividly reflected in its sayings. Phrases like “May the road rise up to meet you” convey blessings and well-wishes, encapsulating the Irish people’s innate connection to their land and their hopeful outlook on life. Another beloved saying, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures,” highlights the Irish value placed on joy and rest as fundamental elements of well-being. These sayings are not just words; they are lifelines passed down through generations, offering wisdom and solace in times of need.
Wisdom Passed Down – Traditional Irish Proverbs
Irish proverbs serve as guides to the principles and priorities of Irish life. “Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin” translates to “There’s no fireplace like your own fireplace,” emphasizing the importance of home and family. Such proverbs are nuggets of ancestral wisdom, reminding us of the values that have sustained the Irish through hardships and famines. They reflect a communal knowledge of the natural world, human nature, and the transient beauty of life.
Blessings from the Emerald Isle – Irish Blessings for Different Occasions
Irish blessings are integral to the country’s cultural expressions, offering words of hope, protection, and good fortune. Used in various life events from weddings to farewells, these blessings, like “May the sun shine warm upon your face,” carry the weight of genuine care and well-wishing. They often reflect the Irish connection to nature and the divine, serving as reminders of the beauty and transience of life.
Laughter and Mirth – Funny Irish Sayings
Irish wit is renowned worldwide, a blend of humor and wisdom that cuts to the heart of life’s absurdities. Sayings like, “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead,” showcase the Irish knack for combining mirth and mortality, reflecting a culture that laughs freely at both life and death. Another gem, “Don’t be breaking your shin on a stool that’s not in your way,” teaches the importance of not creating unnecessary problems, highlighting the pragmatic humor that is a hallmark of Irish advice.
Love and Kinship – Irish Sayings About Love and Family
In Irish culture, family and community hold central places. Sayings such as, “A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest,” reveal the deep bonds and complex dynamics within families. These expressions convey respect, affection, and the intricate nature of human relationships, serving as a reminder of the values that bind families and communities together.
Micah Andrew Wilder’s story is a compelling testimony of transformation from devout Mormonism to a profound Christian faith. Born in 1985 in Muncie, Indiana, into a devout Mormon family, Wilder was the third of four children. Raised on the banks of the White River, Micah’s childhood was marked by a deep yearning for an intimate relationship with God. Despite being deeply entwined with the teachings and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there remained within him an unfulfilled longing for a connection with God that was deeper and more personal than what he experienced within Mormonism.
Early Life and Increased Mormon Devotion
The Wilder family’s move to Alpine, Utah, after Micah’s mother, Lynn, was hired as a professor at the LDS university BYU, marked a significant turning point in Micah’s life. Immersed in the heart of Mormonism, Micah’s devotion to his faith deepened. Throughout his teenage years, he held numerous leadership positions within the Church and strived tirelessly to achieve righteousness through its laws, ordinances, and works. Despite his efforts, Micah felt a growing dissatisfaction, unable to quench the thirst within his soul for true assurance and forgiveness of sins.
Missionary Work and a Fateful Encounter
After attending BYU for a semester, Micah embarked on what was supposed to be the most important two-year mission of his life in Orlando, Florida. It was here, just months into his mission, that Micah’s path took a dramatic turn during a confrontation with Pastor Benson, a Baptist minister. This encounter exposed Micah to the biblical gospel of grace for the first time, challenging him to read the Biblewithout the lens of Mormon doctrine. This challenge sparked a relentless quest, leading Micah to read the New Testament a dozen times over twenty months, ultimately guiding him to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The Turning Point: Embracing the Light of Christ
Facing immense personal and spiritual turmoil, Micah came to a profound realization: salvation is not earned through religious merits but is a gift through faith in Christ alone. This epiphany led to a stark alienation from his Mormon community and intense scrutiny from Church leaders, culminating in an early return from his mission. Despite the backlash, Micah’s newfound faith in Jesus Christ as his savior remained unshaken.
Rebuilding Life on New Foundations: Finding Identity in Christ
Upon returning to Utah, Micah faced the daunting task of redefining his life and relationships in light of his new faith. He began ministering the gospel to those closest to him, starting with his high school sweetheart, Alicia, whom he married shortly after his mission ended. Together, they have faced the challenges and joys of building a life founded on Christian beliefs, blessed with three sons: Jacob, Benjamin, and Timothy.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the first date and now you’re onto the second. But what’s next? Second dates are crucial for building a deeper connection and exploring each other’s interests further. It’s an opportunity to have fun, be creative, and see if there’s potential for something more meaningful. Want to give that first-date-feeling another go? Let’s explore a variety of second date ideas tailored to different preferences and seasons, including winter-friendly options and cozy at-home activities. Here’s what a good second date looks like.
20 Second Date Ideas
Picnics: Enjoy the simplicity and intimacy of a picnic in the park or by the beach. Pack some delicious snacks, a cozy blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine. It’s a relaxed setting that allows for easy conversation and connection.
Wine Tasting: Explore your local wineries or wine bars and indulge in some wine tasting. It’s a sophisticated and enjoyable activity that allows you to learn about different wines while getting to know each other better.
Attend a Comedy Night: Laughter is a great way to bond, so why not spend your second date at a comedy club or improv show? Enjoy some good laughs together and create lasting memories.
Bowling: Have some friendly competition with a game of bowling. It’s a fun and casual activity that allows you to let loose and show off your playful side.
Karaoke: Embrace your inner rock star and hit up a karaoke bar together. Singing your favorite songs can be a hilarious and entertaining way to break the ice and bond with your date.
Cook Dinner Together: Stay in and cook a delicious meal together. Whether you opt for a fancy recipe or keep it simple with homemade pizza, cooking together can be a fun and romantic experience.
Hiking: If you both enjoy the great outdoors, go for a hike together. It’s a refreshing and active way to spend time together while enjoying nature and getting some exercise.
Visit a Museum: Explore art, history, or science at a local museum. It’s a cultural and educational experience that can spark interesting conversations and deepen your connection.
Rent Bikes: Explore your city or town on two wheels by renting bikes for the day. It’s a fun and adventurous way to see new sights and enjoy each other’s company.
Ice Skating: Take advantage of the winter season by going ice skating together. It’s a classic and romantic activity that allows you to hold hands and glide across the ice together.
While vacationing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last month, Jason and Terese Mattingly suffered every parent’s worst nightmare when their daughter, Sloan Mattingly, was tragically buried alive by a sand hole that collapsed on top of her and her brother.
Their 7-year-old daughter Sloan Mattingly and 9-year-old son Maddox were digging in the sand when the hole they were digging collapsed on both of them.
In a frantic 911 call from a bystander on the beach, emergency services were alerted that there’s a child buried in the sand and a “bunch of people were trying to dig.”
Cellphone video from a witness showed desperate beachgoers using their hands to dig sand out of the hole as they tried to rescue the kids trapped underneath.
The bystander told the operator that the girl’s father was “yelling for help” and that his daughter was “caught in a hole in the sand”.
“The mom’s yelling, ‘My daughter is in there,’” the caller added. “Everybody’s screaming.” Shouting from other people can be heard throughout the duration of the 911 call.
Sloan’s “whole body” was under the sand, and the bystander could not see her head.
With help, Jason was able to pull Maddox out of the sand with injuries.
When emergency crews arrived, they continued to scramble to pull her out of the sand. Sloan was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale where she was pronounced dead. She was buried for roughly 20 minutes.
When the 5-to-6ft-deep hole collapsed, the weight of the sand buried Sloan completely while her brother was buried up to his chest.
Sloan Mattingly and Beach Safety
Now, just mere weeks after losing their daughter in this horrific tragedy, the family is speaking out, hoping to spread awareness about beach safety ahead of spring break and the busy beach season.
“When we go to the beach, we think of water safety. And this never, ever once crossed my mind,” Terese Mattingly told ABC News.
Jason Mattingly told “Good Morning America” that the day had been “perfect” up until then.
“We were just relaxing,” Jason said. “We were just getting ready to end our day there. And then that’s when the incident happened.”
Terese said the collapse happened “really fast.”
“That part just hurts really bad because it didn’t matter that we were literally right there,” she said. “It was just a hole, and then there’s nothing.”
