Terrible, Terrible, Terrible

Yes.  Terrible.  What I am about to share with y’all here on “Hott Flashes” is terrible, terrible news.  In fact, it has taken me nearly a week just to be able to consider this post.  This subject is something I wish could have been avoided; actually, this story is recently one of my worst fears.  What happened makes my very heart ache with grief, a pain reaching right to the depths of my soul.  I really thought I was going to throw up.

I’m not sure exactly where to begin.  So… I will share with you the following news story.  It was posted on our Delegate’s site on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.  The following clip comes from The Register-Herald paper in Beckley, West Virginia.  It was reported by Kara Van Pelt.

“A Park Middle School student suddenly died Monday during gym class, according to Beckley Police.

The victim was a 12-year-old female student and cheerleader, who police believe may have had a preexisting heart condition, Capt. Jeff Shumate said.

Raleigh County Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Hutchens said the girl suddenly collapsed in gym class. CPR was performed, paramedics were alerted and the student was transported to Raleigh General Hospital.

Hutchens said she was unable to confirm if the student did have preexisting medical problems.

Shumate said at this point, no foul play is expected and the girl’s body has been sent to the medical examiner for autopsy. Once results are back, it is hoped that a clearer reason for the girl’s sudden death will be revealed, Shumate added.

“What can I say? This is one of those things that you never, ever want to happen,” Hutchens said, emotionally. “I don’t think there are any words that can comfort the family, or make them feel any better during this difficult time.”

However, she extended her sympathies to the family and classmates.

Police are not releasing the victim’s name at this time.”

Due to the medical issues my family personally experienced, I have been an advocate to have AEDs, or Automated External Defibrillators, become available in all public schools in  West Virginia, or House Bill 4442.  Recently, I realized that my hopes and prayers for HB 4442 was going to “die in committee”.   In my frustration, I fired off an email to Delegate Cowles, sponsor of the bill, something to the effect of “What’s it going to take?  Is someone going to have to die before this bill is approved?”

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was not available.  My Violet, is also 12, healthy, and athletic.

As I ask for Delegate Cowles’ forgiveness, I also find myself asking God one simple question;  “Why?”

Why?  Why, God, did this have to happen?  Why was this precious little girl, whom I don’t even know, taken so early?  Please, God, comfort her parents, for I can’t even imagine how they feel right now.  Today, more than likely, some parents not unlike me had to burry their baby girl.  God,…. they had to give up their baby, their child.  God replied:

I know.  Really, I know.  ‘Because I love you so much, I gave up my only son.’  -John 3:16

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