Comments on: A Mothers Heart break: Water Safety

By: theboss

theboss — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:29:39 +0000

Peter, Im so sorry to read about your Son James. James sounds like he had a wonderful father in you. This sort of tragedy certainly takes its toll on a family. I would love to hear more about James when you are ready to share more of him. Im glad you found my blog, although I have been so busy with Samuel and my Daughter so I have neglected my Blog a bit too much but I will be back writing again soon…..there is Sooo much to say. Anytime you need to chat, Im here to talk or now that we are friends on FB, we can chat there. Thanks Jo-ann XXX

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:19:49 +0000

Hi Jo-ann,
I came across your amazing blog as I thought this morning about my son who had a similar life as your Samuel. My son James walked into a neighbors unprotected pool on a beautiful sunny day in October (1987) and our world, my son, my family was swept away into the river of events you so vividly describe in your writing. I couldn’t read or view the images but to capture a phrase, a few threads of words and fleeting pics of you and Samuel. He is beautiful. I felt very much like the Dad you gazed at in the rehab facility. My path turned to becoming a single dad caring for James until he walked through the door of eternity at 13 years. It’s been 11 years this October…and he is ever present. I’m so encouraged to see you and your husband working together with Samuel’s care. Thanks for your writing. I’m sure its a tremendous resource for those of us who share and shared this life. All the best to you and your family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers for strength, a greater love and passion for your son. Peter

By: theboss

theboss — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:52:01 +0000

Betsy, thank you….XXXX
I to have a fabulous strong friend out of our shared tragedy, I just wish you didnt live in America. Claire highlights that no 2 drownings are the same and each outcome can vary greatly. I am so thankful that Claire is ok, and Betsy you are going to have to stop having guilt that Claire has survived unscathed. I know those images will be with you for a long time but they will fade over time.
XXXXXXXX
Jo-ann XXX

By: Betsy

Betsy — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Hey Jo-ann,
As you already know, we met because we share a similar exp. My Claire came out of her accident ok, and I am still amazed everyday by ur strength. I have read ur story before and yet is still so powerful. I too will never forget the image of my baby after I pulled her from tub, I also yelled at my son who was in the tub with her. Images and words spoken that I have had a hard time coming to terms with, but if someone can say anything good can come from this tragedy, it is that I have acquired a fabulous, strong woman as a friend!

By: theboss

theboss — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:02:42 +0000

Hi Serena, Thanks for reading my blog.

Im so sorry that you had to lose your Son Nathan. Thank you for being one of my support friends. I wish our tragedies were not the reason of our friendship.

Jo-ann XXX

By: Serena

Serena — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:55:31 +0000

This is such a powerful story. Words can’t begin to describe it. It brings back memories of losing my little boy to drowning, such a horrible horrible thing. My heart goes out to you and to all those whose comments I have just read who know this too xx

By: theboss

theboss — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:06:01 +0000

Hi Debbie, After 34 years its about time you give yourself a break.

Hopefully commenting on my blog will help you relieve your guilt.

No matter how good or careful you are as a Mother accidents DO and WILL happen.

Jo-ann XXX

By: theboss

theboss — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Hi Lee, thank you for reading my blog.

Sorry to hear about your nephew.

I think a Mother will never get over losing a child. I hope she isnt too hard on herself though.

Jo-ann XXX

By: lee

lee — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:51:48 +0000

Jo-ann
I know this was probably not an easy story to blog about. I lost a nephew to a pool drowning when he was Samuels age. We called him Goober. To this day I don’t think his Mother has gotten over it. I know it’s not something you just get over, but I mean she has been hard on herself ever since. I wish she had the courage to blog about it or something. Keep up the good work. I know that this has to help not only you but will helps tons of others in similar situations not just in a drowning.
I found another site very similar to this story a few weeks ago. I pray I can find it again. I will look diligently so as to share the link with you. I think you’ll find so much similarity that both could benefit from.
Lee

By: Debbie H

Debbie H — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:51:08 +0000

My heart goes out to you as you share your Familie’s story with us. Yours is a tragic accident, so unfair as you were taking all percautions with your family. I can feel your grief as I read, but no matter how hard your story gets for me to read, I intend to keep reading. I am aware that you need to share, to let others know how silent drowning can be, so I am here for you when you feel the need to continue your story.
My daughter was 2 when she tried to drown herself in 6 inches of water in Council wading pool. It happened right before my eyes. I was lying on my stomach watching her like a Hawk, put my head down for a second to light my cigarette, looked up and she was GONE. My Panic was mind blowing as I raced to the side of the wading pool. She was face down in the water. Toddlers were frollocing in the pool, parents were sitting on the side of the wading pool, but NO ONE tried to rescue my child. I snatched her up by the hair as she coughed and spluttered in my arms. The whole thing felt so Surreal and still does. This happened 34 years ago and yet still today I search my head to make sure there was nothing I could have done better to watch her. I know I was being a good mother, but still today, I carry soooooo much guilt about what happened to my Daughter. God blessed me that day, as today my Daughter is a beautiful, very happy, successful young business woman now. Life sucks some times, but accidents do happen. Your courage inspires me Jo-ann, thank you so much for sharing. Hugs XOXOXO