It could have been us.
I have stood on that exact shore.
I have watched the Disney fireworks while my kiddos played in the sand, late at night as we waited for the day’s end after hours of fun at the Magic Kingdom.
I have lived in Florida for 25 years. I have seen alligators in almost every body of water, including swimming pools. My family has done dozens of triathlons all over the state and many of them in the lakes of central Florida.
Alligators are everywhere. And while we are wary, and there are definitely lakes everyone KNOWS are full of gators, I can tell you that at Disney World, I would never have expected this tragedy.
This is another one of those horrible incidents where it could have been anyone. Parents who live in Florida and especially those who have visited Disney’s Grand Floridian and played on that beach, are all thinking of the many times this could have been their child.
[bctt tweet=”This is one of those horrible incidents where it could have been anyone.” username=”lyettereback”]
To the parents: I am so very sorry for your loss. In your heartbreak now there will be added the sting of ignorant fools who blame you for this tragedy. Please know that I am not one of them. We’ve lived in Florida all these years and even been on that very same beach and a loss like this just takes my breath away.
[bctt tweet=”To the parents: In your heartbreak there will be the added sting of ignorant fools who blame you. I am not one of them.” username=”lyettereback”]
To the fools who think this was an easily avoidable tragedy: People like you make me so angry because you’ll troll websites and social media blaming and saying the most thoughtless, horrific comments about REAL PEOPLE with a REAL LOSS. The worst is that you honestly believe that this COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU. Just like with the Austin and Perry tragedy last summer, you are all the Perfect Parents who would never place your child in danger. Danger is everywhere. Accidents and tragedies befall the innocent. And I hope to God you never experience the kind of pain these parents are now forced to walk through made even worse by the “Perfect Parents” of the world.
RoddyandJenny Wagner says
Roddy and I had the same conversation about never expecting such a thing at Disney. He thinks maybe people have fed those gators and they lost their fear of man. My heart breaks for the family.
Mignon Baucom says
Very well stated, so sorry for their loss
Jean Uffalussy says
I am soo sorry for their loss. I will be saying prayers for the family.
Rachel Walls Godin says
I cannot even begin to imagine the pain that the parents most be feeling. And the images that will forever stay in their minds. My heart just breaks for them.
Christine Peterson says
I can’t begin to imagine the pain these poor parents are experiencing. The beating they are giving theirselves thinking they could of, should of, would of, beatings. Why must we induce more pain by blaming them! They are wonderful parents sharing time with their children. Do people really think they would of placed their child in such danger. I am greving with them, praying for them. May God bless them in their sorrow. May they know He is there walking by their side, holding their dead so. In His arms.
Lyette Reback says
So tragic. That beach looks like a place to play.