It’s been just over two years since Nebraska couple Matt and Melissa Graves took a family trip to Disney World that would forever change their lives.
While vacationing at “the happiest place on earth,” the couple’s 2-year-old son, Lane, was snatched by an alligator at a beach area near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
His parents watched the horror unfold, as the animal dragged Lane underwater. Matt even tried to wrestle his son away from the alligator, but to no avail.
The little boy’s body was found in the water the following day after relentless searching.
Lane Thomas Foundation
But just this week, the couple announced in a press release some exciting news that has been a light amidst their grief over losing Lane.
“We are happy to announce the birth of our son, Christian Lane Graves,” they wrote. “Although we know the pain of losing Lane will never go away, we feel God has blessed our family with this precious miracle of life.”
Matt and Melissa, who also have a daughter, Ella, continued in saying Lane’s spirit is watching over his brother and sister:
“We know Ella and Christian have their brother, Lane, watching over them as their guardian angel.”
Though the last two years have been devastating for the Graves family, they have done everything in their power to keep the memory of their precious son alive, particularly by starting the Lane Thomas Foundation.
“The Lane Thomas Foundation was founded to give honor and light to Lane’s life,” according to the organization’s Facebook page. “The Foundation is dedicated to supporting families of children needing life-saving organ transplants. The Foundation fulfills this mission by funding non-medical expenses borne by the families; promoting public awareness; and sponsoring clinical research.”
Last year, Disney World also unveiled a gold and blue lighthouse sculpture near the Seven Seas Lagoon beach, announcing that it has been constructed in Lane’s honor.
Lane Thomas Foundation
“We find comfort that so many people continue to remember our sweet boy, Lane,” his parents told TODAY, “and we believe the lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and support for families in the depths of despair.”
“LT, we love you up to heaven and down to the grass. Hug, kiss, ugga mugga,” the couple wrote on Lane’s Facebook page earlier this summer. “We will fight every day to keep your memory alive and make a positive difference in your name.”
While the parents are ecstatic at the arrival of their new baby boy, they have asked well-wishers for privacy at this time.
Please join us in praying for the health and healing of this sweet, growing family, and share their story to help keep Lane’s spirit alive.
