Having children definitely changed the way I do my job. Working in news, I hear a lot of tragic stories… many involving kids. I always thought those stories were sad, but now that I have children of my own… certain stories take on a whole new meaning.
He is a 2 year old named James, who loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I have never met this sweet boy in person. But that doesn’t stop me from sitting awake at night, wondering how he is doing. Or from checking Facebook as soon as I wake up to see if there is an update.
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| Picture from the Facebook page: Turtle Power for James Edwards |
James nearly drowned in his family pool this past Friday. They had a pool gate up, but somehow the toddler managed to find his way into that water. He was being cared for by his grandfather, since his parents were at the hospital. Just one day before, James’ mom had given birth to his little brother.
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It could happen to anyone. When I had my daughter, my in-laws took care of my oldest. He slept there and they were amazing, bringing him to and from the hospital to meet his baby sister. Family was in town, so after leaving the hospital… they would all go back to their house for lunch, or to hang out… whatever. It’s east to see how it could happen. One person is playing with the kids… then another… then a distraction…. and a toddler can easily slip away. Which is why this story resonates with so many parents.
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| Picture from the Facebook page: Turtle Power for James Edwards |
I can’t imagine what this family is going through… while sitting in the hospital with their newest baby… getting the news that the unthinkable has happened to their first sweet boy.
Now there is a Facebook page for him, Turtle Power For James Edwards. His family posts updates about his condition and his fan base of praying supporters is growing. Yesterday, they spoke to our news station… to say how the messages on this page and the social media support in general is giving them strength and helping them through this. Which is why I am writing about them.
Check out their page, pray for this family & for James. Share it with your friends. Let’s support this family until James is fully recovered and back home with his family.
Here are some news articles about the family and James’ current condition:
http://www.local10.com/news/parents-of-boy-pulled-from-coral-springs-pool-thankful-for-support/26312700
http://www.local10.com/news/2yearold-pulled-from-water-in-coral-springs/26250148
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Thank you for sharing Lauren. I'm tears eyed reading this and will keep James and his family in my prayers. Stories like this hit home
Yes, its a crazy story… working in news sometimes we get immune to these sad stories, but not this one. We are all pulling for this sweet boy!
I found your blog today from Top Mommy Blogs (working mothers) and when this post popped up under "You Might Also Be interested in" I just couldn't believe my eyes. I went to school with James' mother and her siblings so of course have been following the families progress daily. It is so great to see how this story reaches people both near and far. Thank you for sharing!
I check that Facebook page everyday! It is the one story in the newsroom that we still talk about all the time. Jenna is so so positive, her posts are inspiring! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! Have a wonderful week!