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
Copyright © Angie Hott, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved
Angie, this touched me in more ways than you can imagine. First of all, Beckley is my hometown (it is where I grew up). Second, my son is in the shape he is in because of an unknown heart condition. (He still hasnt been diagnosed with a heart condition, but he went into cardiac arrest, so must be something wrong!) I often ask God “why” but some things just aren’t for us to understand!
Angie:
How devastating!
I thank God for your heart for this issue, Angie.
Please remind us of what/where we can write to urge action. I know I’ve sent an email before, but nagging politicians (or more politely, lobbying) really does work!
Angie;
No need to ask for my forgiveness. Rather, I failed to get the bill passed.
Your comment was ok. It showed the urgency and passion you have for providing access to AEDs.
The story of the Beckley girl is just heartbreaking. While this proposed new law could not have been in effect (even if passed) to help in this emergency, I will continue to push for the state wide access to AEDs. Since the introduction of HB4442 several others have shared their personal stories of similar tragedies – all heartbreaking. Perhaps with access to an AED a life can be saved – access to an AED is successful in 60% of the cases.
Please keep up your good work on this issue. It will make a difference.
Thanks,
Daryl Cowles
WV House of Delegates
Dear Robin,
Sending my prayers for your family and your son. My husband also has issues with his heart. It is believed to be a genetic “malfunction” which torments me daily. I never will forget when the cardiologist wheeled him off to install his ICD and telling me that our children must be monitored for the same crazy illness.
Funny, after that, while Dan was in surgery,… I tried to eat cocoa puffs for breakfast – one of my favorite cereals. They just got soggy.
A professor once told me that whenever you ask “why” you are asking a theological question. Brings God into just about every little thing for me — even the big things like this. But like you said, sometimes humans just aren’t always equipped to understand the answer to the “why”….
… at least I’m not; but my heart still hurts,… for this little girl from Beckley, for my Hotthubby, my personal situation, and also for your baby.
love, a
Isabella… you’re awesome! If I need to make a trip to the capitol, wanna come too?????? Thanks for reading,
love, a