[Note: for those of you looking for the website, you can now find Laurie and Brooke's creations at www.brookesangelwings.com.]
Grab a cup of coffee and some tissues and then whatever you do, please read this entire post…it could very well save a child’s life and that is no exaggeration by any stretch of the word. The words you are about to read (and the images you are about to see) are powerful, emotional, at times graphic, but above all, inspirational. I cry each time Laurie relays the details of this story to me. I cried trying to write this post. Even my husband couldn’t hold back his tears upon reading her words. I’m extremely proud of my friend for being so brave as to write it all out for you (and I think somewhat for herself) here.
Before you begin, some background:
Two years ago, I was going through my son’s folder from preschool when I stumbled across a slip of paper. It was an urgent call for prayers. A 3-year-old girl had suffered a life-threatening injury to her head when a dresser fell on top of her. The prognosis was uncertain and the preschool was asking for any help anyone could provide this family…groceries, meals, prayers…lots of prayers. I was dumbfounded. A dresser? Really? I mean I had always read those little warning tabs about strapping down furniture, but as I walked around my house that afternoon, I just could not even begin to fathom how a dresser could cause that kind of harm to a 3-year-old. It scared me. A lot. I quickly stuffed some money into an envelope and sent it to the family and then I ran to hug each of my three children, tightly.
And then eventually, I forgot all about it…
This fall, I took my daughter to her preschool to meet her new teacher. The teacher greeted us with a huge smile when we walked into the classroom and she exclaimed, “I’m so excited to have your daughter this year!!! And, oh, I’ve been meaning to thank you. You sent us something after the accident and I never got a chance to thank you.”
I was really confused, “What accident?”
“That’s my daughter, Brooke,” and she pointed to a little girl in the next room. “Remember…when the dresser fell?”
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Brooke’s story, in Laurie’s words:
Not a single day goes by that I don’t think about our daughter’s accident. She’s ok and safe and beautiful, but I still think about how lucky we are that she came out on the other side….perfect. She could have died due to infection, had major brain damage, been blind, deaf or deformed. And she is so absolutely perfect. She has a tendency to fall down a lot, but we can deal with that. She is our little princess that should be wrapped in a bubble. It started at 9 months when she chipped a front tooth. I thought that was the end of the world. I remember calling my mother just balling. Then it happened…the day that would forever change my life and the way that I lived it.
It happened 3 days after Thanksgiving. It was a Saturday. Brooke and I had just taken a nap in our bedroom. We both woke up and crawled out of bed. She walked across the living room floor (my husband was in the recliner watching a football game) and continued into her brother’s room. I was following right behind her, but I stopped at the computer desk in between the living room and our son Bradley’s room and began to log in to the computer. As I was doing that I said, “Don’t go into your brother’s room.” He was playing at his friends, and he did not like his little sister to play with his toys. Before I could even type my password, I heard the crash.
It was really loud. I just remember looking into the doorway and seeing the bottom of the dresser, but not Brooke. I panicked when I realized she was underneath the dresser. I was only able to partially lift the dresser myself because I had just had a major back surgery. My effort had gotten the weight of the dresser off of her head, and I was hanging on with all my strength. I was screaming for my husband, Matt. He was there instantly and literally threw the dresser from her into the corner of Bradley’s room. I saw her reaction…she shuttered or jerked a little and then I saw the blood coming from her left ear.
I was afraid she was having a seizure of some sort. Around her eyes it was already puffing. Matt was shouting, “Brooke, baby, oh My God are you ok?” He had her in his arms…she was conscious. I was racing for the phone to call 911. I literally felt that I was viewing the accident from outside of my body. I could hear him saying, “No Brooke, no Brooke…you’re ok Brooke.”
I was trying to talk to the 911 operator. At first, she said I called the wrong number. Talk about panic. I said you have to help me this is major…she is hurt really bad. So, I guess she began connecting our call to the proper department. Meanwhile, she was telling me what to do and to not move her. Of course, your first reaction is to move your child into your arms…and Matt was already holding her. I was just frantic and so scared. I still to this day think did I do enough? I just watched as my husband was holding her…why did I not grab her into my arms? I would have never forgiven myself if we had lost her and I had not held her. She looked so fragile laying there in my husband’s arms. She was awake, but I knew she was not ok.
It seemed like no more than 2 minutes and the fire department was there. They began to work on her. Then the police arrived and then EMS. Matt was with her in the living room and the police were asking me what had happened in our son’s room. I was trying to tell them and breaking into tears. I wanted to just leave the bedroom and run to her and hold her. I felt like my heart was ripping from my chest. The police officer said, ”You need to focus and tell me what happened. You need to remain calm to help your child.” They said only one of us could ride in the ambulance. I don’t know how it was decided, but I did. I know had I drove, I would have wrecked on the way. The whole trip to Dell Children’s Hospital is a blur. I remember trying to call my Mom and my cell phone was dead. I just wanted to call my mom. I needed her at that very moment. The ambulance driver let me use his phone. I remember the ambulance driver saying, “I’m not going to lie to you, your child is very sick. This is really bad.”
When we got to the hospital there was a very nice, calm girl who intercepted me as they were taking Brooke in. I remember looking in the room and there must have been 20 different doctors. They cut her clothes off…I tried to say something and one of the doctors said, “ Mom, we will talk to you later.” I felt so hopeless and so scared. Each doctor was checking her for something. I wanted to just burst into the room…again, I felt like I was watching outside of my own body from outside the window.
Matt had arrived. I still don’t know how he made it so quickly; I just know I would have died trying to get myself there. Brooke had thrown up at that point. They were afraid her condition was getting worse, so they were going to get the cat scans done as quickly as possible. Matt was talking to the neurologist. I was trying to explain to family what had happened. Matt came into the room saying he had asked the doctor if we would get our baby girl back and the doctor had said he did not know….there was just no way to know. I remember him saying over and over again, “He does not know.”
I had to remove myself from the room. I was throwing up in the bathroom beside the family room. I felt like my life was draining out of me…it was such an intense fear. The thought of losing her just tore into my entire self….it was overwhelming. The guilt…why did we not have that dresser strapped to the wall? It was such a simple thing. We could lose our baby.
Brooke had tried to climb up her brother’s dresser to get a Barbie doll from the top. At least that was the explanation she had given us. We would not know that until much later when she was responding to our questions. We think the bottom drawer was already open. The dresser fell on top of mainly her head. Her body was actually not under the dresser. It was from the chest up that the dresser was covering. I don’t know if she tried jumping off in the process and somehow turned her body, but the entire force hit her in that one spot. Her head was turned to the side and we think the dresser knob crushed into the left ear area.
The dresser was from a reputable company–a really good brand–and no, it was not strapped to the wall. Something we have beat ourselves up for over and over. The night of the accident, I raced home to frantically grab us items and let the dogs out. I walked into the room. There was still blood on the floor. I walked up to that dresser and put my foot in the bottom of it. It tipped so easily…so easy. At that moment, in frustration I pushed at the dresser with all my might, as if I could transfer my pain to the source. I took my hands and hit it anger, until they were turning red and trembling with pain. I knew it was not the dresser’s fault but ours. That first night in intensive a doctor said to us, “You know, you could have strapped the dresser to the wall.” I remember looking at her and crumbling, “You know, you are so right. Why did we not do that?” Tears were freshly flowing and I think she realized we were human. She was right. A simple attachment of the dresser to the wall would have prevented what our family went through. We all know that we should attach dressers to the wall, but do we?
Brooke had air in her brain, but the initial prognosis was that the brain looked good. We were given a window of 72 hours. The air in her brain was due to 3 different skull fractures. With the skull fractures they were concerned about fluid leakage which could cause an infection of cerebral fluid….causing meningitis. She had shattered the orbital bones above her eyes and had broken a bone very close to the auditory nerve in her ear. Despite all of this, she seemed to be doing well according to the doctors. She looked so tiny lying on that table–how I just wanted to change places with her.
The window of 72 hours was simply to see if she would make it. To see if Brooke would live or die. Once all of the doctors had checked off on each major body part they began to leave. They had determined she did not need to have immediate surgery–there was air in her brain but not blood. They said her body could re-absorb the air, but again, no guarantee. So my husband and I sat there for 72 hours in her hospital room–every noise, every beep, every doctor opening the door, stirring a huge fear inside of us. A fear that was eating away at my heart. We could lose our sweet precious angel. She was not really responding to us, so of course in the back of our minds despite the fact she was alive and doing well we were scared of brain damage. They did have her sedated to try to let the swelling go down and keep her calm and we were warned that this could keep her from acting like herself.
On day two, we met with a neurosurgeon and a plastic surgeon. We found out if all went well with her brain, we would still have to have surgery to repair the tear in her dura (the membrane around her brain) and reconstruct the bones above her eyes. The only way to perform this surgery would be a craniotomy–an ear to ear incision to enter through the top of the skull. The neurosurgeon would protect her brain and repair the torn membrane and the plastic surgeon would repair her orbital bones. Without the surgery she could lose her eye sight or suffer from double vision and/or be facially deformed or even die from infection. We had no choice. They would actually remove a portion of her skull to get to her brain. They would re-attach the skull with dissolvable plates. I remember the level of confidence the doctors projected to be comforting, but I was terrified. I heard brain and skull, and I lost it.
My husband and I talked in between doctors, standing over the bed our little girl was laying in. Her eyes had started to turn purple and pink around them. She was so swollen around her eyes. We both talked about what we would do if we lost her. Even though we also had a son to care for, we both said we would just die. That is the frame of mind we had reached—no sleep and exhaustion was setting in. We had been listening to each beep, each breath, just waiting. That is when my husband said, “No…I will go to be with her and you would stay with our son.”
I know it sounds bad, but I think he meant it. I looked into his eyes and swallowed hard, knowing that simply could not be an option. On the other side of the equation, how could we live without her? I just kept saying she’s going to be ok. I knew in my heart we had to be strong for not only our son, but also our family. Being faced with the prospect of losing her, we both felt defeated, scared, empty and hopeless. Family was coming and going saying how it would be ok they thought (even though they would tear up and I could see the concern in their faces). I just kept saying to myself, “God don’t take her…take me instead. She’s innocent, this was our fault.”
On the third day of her recovery, there was a breakthrough. Since she was a little baby, my husband had always said to her, “Who is the prettiest girl ever?” She would respond with a huge grin and say, “ME!” When she would open her sleepy eyes, and find him standing above her, that is what he would ask her. Up until now, nothing….not even an answer. On the third day, he asked this question and she said, “ME!” Just like the Brooke we knew…just like our sweet angel. I remember looking at the tears in his eyes. He said to me at that moment, “I think she’s going to make it…I think she is going to be ok. She’s still with us.” This answer came from the little girl that we knew….she was back. Brookie was back!
That was the turning point for Brooke. She did so well that they sent us home on day four to let the swelling go down prior to surgery. Our only instructions were to not let her hit her head. We were so scared! We actually did not want to leave. How could they send us home without performing the surgery she needed? We really struggled with that. What if something happened at home? It was terrifying.
The next days, up until the surgery, would pass slowly, minute by minute. However, once we all got home–and after building a pillow tower around Brooke and each of us on either side with our son at the end of the bed his feet pointing toward me–we all slept. Sleep that each and every one of us needed.
After a good day of sleep, we began to function again. She was timid and she knew something major had happened, but her spirit was not broken. It would be a Friday that we returned to have her surgery. The morning of her surgery I prayed. Brooke and I went into the Chapel at Dell Children’s Hospital and prayed. She rubbed the holy water on the swelling and bruises around her eyes. Going into the surgery we knew that the hope was for things to go as planned but there could always be complications. I don’t think I have ever prayed so hard.
Brooke did really well in surgery. It turned out that she did have a complicated tear to the dura membrane around her brain and the surgery lasted much longer than expected, but they were able to repair everything. She did amazing. They had told me to expect not to be able recognize my child upon waking due to swelling, but Brooke looked just a beautiful as before she started surgery. Before the surgery the nurse asked us if they could shave her head to avoid the possibility of infection. I remember saying to Brooke, “Is it ok if they take your hair?” The nurse had brought a picture of another little girl who had a craniotomy scar with her little bare head. I remember gasping to see what the scar would look like for the first time. But it was actually as if Brooke was at peace before the surgery and she just calmly said to the nurse, “Ok.” I was so proud of her. When it was time for her to go back for surgery, we gave our hugs and kisses. I did not want to let go out of fear. I firmly believed she had been touched by God and had angels around her protecting her. She walked away unafraid, with a smile on her face. I wanted to run and grab her, but she turned around and waved goodbye. She looked so peaceful.
After the surgery her swelling was minimal, truly a miracle. Her bruising became her “pink and purple” eye shadow. She was quite the beauty queen among the most awesome staff at Dell Children’s, the only difference…she did not have her hair. She was such a sport about that. It was like it did not even phase her. I would almost say she was even more beautiful with her “princess crown.” That is what we called her zigzag, ear to ear incision….her princess crown. I told her how special and lucky she was to have a “princess crown” that other little girls did not have. She was such a trooper. Even when I knew she was not feeling her best, she would always smile. God, how lucky am I? I don’t know if luck is the word–how grateful am I? How eternally grateful am I that God let my angel stay on earth. I truly believe Brooke has been touched by God. It was not her time yet. I believe he held her hand and led her back to us. She was meant to be here for other things.
I pray to God each night to widen her halo, to protect her Princess Crown, to keep her safe, for we love her so much. I feel as though our family was given a second chance, one to have our angel stay. The purpose of her accident is still not fully known to me, but I know that it has touched our lives. I feel like if I can tell her story, I can possibly save another child’s life. I tell everyone I can to be sure to strap their dressers to the wall. It could save their child’s life or their grandchild’s life. I do not want any other family to have to go through what our family went through…ever.
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When Laurie pointed out Brooke to me in the classroom that day, I would never have imagined that she had just survived something this significant only two years ago. She is the most vibrant, bright, energetic, happy child and her recovery is nothing short of a miracle!
But I think what breaks my heart the most is that while Brooke’s physical scars are healed and she seems to have bounced back, this event is still very raw to her family. They are diligently trying to recover from a huge financial toll and there is a lot of healing that still needs to take place in their hearts…guilt to be released…forgiveness to be granted…of themselves. Upon hearing the details of Brooke’s accident, I knew immediately that this story needed to be passed along. An atonement. A not-so-gentle reminder to check your furniture, the furniture at friends’ homes, grandparents’ homes, aunts, uncles, cousins…any place that a small child may be playing. I will admit to assuming something like this couldn’t happen in our family (don’t we all?), but surprisingly, this is not an uncommon occurrence. In 2009, it was estimated that 15,000 children are injured each year from furniture falling on them (source). Yes, I put the comma in the right place. Fifteen thousand.
Side-by-side, Laurie and Brooke (now 5) make jewelry together, “Brooke’s Angel Wings.” The sale of these necklaces (like the one pictured above and the very first image in this post) is not only helping them move forward toward that financial recovery, but the creative process is a huge part of their emotional recovery. If you are interested in having a necklace designed by Laurie and Brooke, please visit their website at www.brookesangelwings.com.
Meanwhile, when I met up with Brooke and her mommy to take pictures for this article, Brooke selected a necklace that she’d like to give away to one our The Creative Mama readers:
To enter to win the necklace, here’s what you need to do:
Help share Brooke’s story. Re-post, Tweet, or share a link to this story on Facebook and then provide a link to where you posted in a comment. That’s all. We’ll accept entries until midnight (central time) on Friday, 10/21/11. I will draw the winner at random and then announce on this post.
Added 10.24.11 – We have a winner! Congrats to Arden of Ft. Worth, TX. She shared Brooke’s story on her Facebook page and her number was the lucky one drawn from Random.org. Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to read and share Brooke’s story and we still encourage everyone to continue passing this along in hopes of preventing more of these kinds of accidents. Thank you again, Laurie, for baring your soul and re-living the most painful day of your life in an effort to prevent this from happening to another child. Thank you, Brooke, for being such an amazing and brave little girl and especially, for helping your mommy mend her own angel wings.
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[Added 10:00 p.m. 10/18/11: Laurie has been completely overwhelmed with the response to her story. Her e-mail inbox is flooded with letters of support and encouragement. Seeing the posts all over Twitter and Facebook today just blew us away. Hearing that this story has encouraged so many to check their homes and secure their furniture has been--well, I'm at a loss for words.
From Laurie:
The response to Brooke’s story has been truly amazing. To know that some of you are thinking of strapping your child’s dresser to the wall or spreading the word speaks volumes. Brooke is an amazing little girl, and I thank God each day for her. My mission is to not let this be forgotten, and to prevent this from happening to another child. Thank you to each and everyone of you for your comments…my heart is overflowing. Brooke's mommy, Laurie
Thank you ALL again. Wow!]
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Michele Anderson
Michele is a former marketing guru turned child and family photographer in Austin, TX. She is surrounded by three energetic kids at home and a husband who works tirelessly to keep them all educated and fed. Michele is the owner and photographer of Pinkle Toes Photography and she also provides resources and templates for photographers all over the world via Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers.
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Nancy - Thank you Michele and Laurie & Brooke for being so brave & sharing this store. Such a scary reality. https://www.facebook.com/nancy.lary
Priscilla Hedlin - I’m trying so hard not to cry right now. this is a sad but beautifully written story of recovery. don’t count me in the drawing. I tweeted and shared but plan to BUY , so if my name is chosen, please pick another.
Kimberli Sulk Nelson - Reposted to facebook…
http://www.facebook.com/kimberli.nelson
I’ve always been the one to tell everyone they need to do it, but in my new home – a rental – I’ve put it off for a multitude of reasons. Thank you for the reminder… I’ve already added straps to today’s shopping list and I’ll be attaching our dressers when we return home…
Biscottof - e-mailed to friends and posted on facebook….this is so scary.Glad little Brooke is doing great.
Julie Wenning Niederhoff - Wow. Thank you for your story; we’ll be doing our shelves and dressers this week. http://www.facebook.com/julieniederhoff
Barbie - Wow!!! This is incredible!!!! The conversation that Mom and Dad had about who would stay and who would go! I’m sure I would feel the same! The thought of losing a child has to be one of the most painful thimgs to experience!!!!
Praying for this family for continued healing!
http://www.facebook.com/barbie.plankenhorn
Amymize - God is good! I’m so thankful this baby girl is okay!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1384066098
Heather - Everyone should be aware of everyday dangers that are not 100% obvious.
http://www.facebook.com/heather.verde
denise - WOW!!! thanks for sharing.
https://www.facebook.com/dsalcedo
Susan T Coonan - A truly amazing story of strength from such a small child. Thank you for sharing your story- and your family.
Daniele S. - Amazing. Thank you for sharing.
http://www.facebook.com/danispringett/posts/182868148459062
Anonymous - Thank You for sharing this very emotional story with me.
I am a grandmother of three & can’t imagine what you & your family must of gone thru. You truly are Blessed with an angel watching over you & your family.
Mjohnson0321 - Wow! What an incredible story – and how blessed that she is still with her family. I am off to check our dressers right now!
https://www.facebook.com/majohnson01
Katharinethegreat1 - The timing of this is just amazing… as something similar happened last week, but my 5 year old held up the dresser until I got there.. it started to tip and she stood there – arms out-stretched – screaming.
It is a hazard.. an accident waiting to happen. Thanks for sharing your story.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1035600258
Wendi Schoffstall Nunez - I needed this kick in the arse. Thank you Laurie for sharing your story!
http://www.facebook.com/wendi23
Crystalyn Roberts - What a powerful story. And, a good reminder. We’ll secure our taller furniture this week. Thank you so very much for telling Brooke’s story.
Posted to FB here: https://www.facebook.com/crystalyn
Evin - I tweeted here http://twitter.com/#!/evinschmevin/status/126306255118663680 but I also posted to my FB and shared with all my mama friends. Best of luck to this family, it’s an amazing story. I’m so glad Brooke is okay!!
I’ve already texted Daddy at work to stop at Home Depot on the way home and get stuff to attach our bookcases and dressers to the wall!
Kelly @ Dancing with Chaos - Oh god.
I’m crying.
Thank you for sharing this story. I am “blessed” with two climbers and while we don’t have any dressers, I live in fear of them climbing and falling the wrong way when my back is turned.
I am so glad there is a happy ending.
Your photography is beautiful.
I am passing this on at http://www.facebook.com/DancingWithChaos
Mending wings. – layingofhandsblogs - [...] EXCERPTED FROM Laying Of Hands source http://thecreativemama.com/mending-wings/ [...]
Jamie Wheeler - Thank you for sharing, luckily I do not have many pieces of furniture to climb on but my son is getting to that stage! What a wonderful idea to make the jewelry as such a creative and emotional outlet, beautiful work! I also shared your story on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000414026742
Desiree - https://www.facebook.com/#!/true.desire88
This had me in tears
Dana - Wow, what an incredible story. I have had similar serious things happen with my children–my 24 year old was in a terrible accident last year and could have died and my second of five experienced a “botched” tonsilectomy a few years ago…he lived, but only by the grace of God. We said the same thing, it just wasn’t “his time” yet. I hated those words, but I truly think it fit all that we experienced because by all counts he shouldn’t be here today. It’s awful to be afraid of a child dying and although we never really know why we face those challenges they really do help build and shape us. Thank goodness Brooke is doing well! I have learned we can not blame ourselves, we know we truly are trying the best we know how.
I def shared this story to challenge others to anchor their furniture.
http://www.facebook.com/danahertrichrampolla
connie - thank you for sharing your story..praying for recovery for their family!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=713866744
Terri Hall - Such a horrifying experience………thank you for the reminder to secure our furniture!
terri hall - https://www.facebook.com/terri.b.hall
Told all my friends!!
Jaymi - wow, this story just had me literally sobbing. it is so beautiful written. i am so happy this family is ok.
Melanie - Wow. My dressers aren’t strapped to the wall, and I’m so ashamed. We’ll be strapping them down this week. I shared on FB, but did it not for the giveaway, but to spread the word! Thank you.
Audrey M. Gabourel - I posted on FB. Not sure how to get you a link because my profile is private.
Grab a cup of coffee and some tissues and then whatever you do, please read this entire post…it could very well save a child’s life and that is no exaggeration by any stretch of the word. The story you are about to read is powerful, emotional, at times graphic, but above all, inspirational. I cry ea…
Like · · Share ·
Audrey M. Gabourel
Audrey M. Gabourel - Tweeted the link here. So sad. http://twitter.com/#!/Liv_Luv_Diamond/status/126350747171426305
Amy - I’m having a hard time finding words to express how this precious family’s story has affected me. Thanks so much for posting it, & I happily shared it at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1567196864
Sabrinakoogler - I’ve thought about doing this a million times but have justified it away as many. Just reposted on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/sabrina.koogler
Such a compelling story. Thank you for sharing. And praise God Brooke is okay!
Samara - Thank you for sharing this story. And for reminding me about this very real danger. A dresser fell over whenI was very little. I do not remember who was climbing it but it was because there was a little record player on top that my brother did not want us to play with. The injuries were minimal. I have always checked my furniture so see if it would easily tip but must confess I haven’t anchored everything down. My bookcases are anchored but not the dressers. I also know my inlaws have a television (an old big monster of a thing) on top their dresser and my kids are always in there watching cartoons. I’m definitely going to talk to them and have it anchored. It doesn’t pay to ignore these things! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mikensamara
Angela king - Facebooked here.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1352113375
Also tweeted here.
http://twitter.com/#!/AngelaMKing
Kevin S - Wow… That was tough to read, but I am glad I did. With a 2 year old girl at home, and no safety straps on my dressers, this is more than enough to motivate a change. Thanks for sharing, and it’s good to see the beautiful photos of her at the end.
Ashley O - Beautifully written story, it has truely touched my hearts and I can only hope it touches the hearts of others.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=529880450
Sonjachapel - Posted here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/sonja.chapel
Stacy H - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1218469068
I shared as well, I do not have children but many of my friends do and their children come to my house. Thanks for sharing this story!
Jessica Cardwell - I tweeted about it here:
http://twitter.com/#!/jessicacardwell Thank you so much for sharing this family’s story!
Vanessa Vila - Thank God that little girl is OK! What a horrible accident! I will pray for the family’s continued healing (and go check the dressers in my home!)
Shared on facebook.
Leah Cook - many thanks to Laurie and Brooke for their story! we have two dressers I need to secure. Michele, those pictures are beautiful…I can’t imagine how much they mean to them.
Erin Nesser - I tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/ErinNesser
What a touching story. I’m going to go home this evening and check my furniture. Thanks for sharing!
KerriHiggsPhotography - I read the beginning and thought for sure I would not be emotionally affected by what was to come- boy was I WRONG. I sat here and cried hysterically, then woke up all three of my boys and hugged and kissed them, and cried a little more. I cannot imagine how horrifying that moment must have been. What an amazing story of strength, courage and survival! And I will certainly be going to the store tomorrow to get latches to attach my furniture to the wall. Lesson learned!
annemarie - I will show this to my husband . My heart breaks for this beautiful child and family. My prayers to them.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/YLMBreadless/status/126390874480447488
facebooked
https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Leave-Me-Breadless-Autism-Blog/153986191362949 its just that important (and well written)
Hufret - Que historia tan bella y edificante.
judy bertoldi - Horrifying story, beautiful little girl, brave family surrounded by angels! awesome jewelry!
ashley sansone - Brooke you a strong little girl ! God has a beautiful plan for you and never lets things we cannot push thru happen to us. God bless you and your family! thank you for your story!
https://www.facebook.com/mayreidphotography
Danielle Solorzano - Oh so touching! Praying for healing for the family! I shared the link also http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2015534797873&id=1528924435&ref=notif¬if_t=feed_comment#!/profile.php?id=1528924435
Alexandra Andrews - Oh my goodness, we have 2 huge bookcases that were strapped to our walls in our previous home. We have now been here 5 1/2 years and it’s a job still not done ! I’m off to find the wall fixings right now. Beautiful pictures Michelle as usual … but then your 2 models were very beautiful to start with so they did make your job easy !
I’ve posted here https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.andrews1
Ocmomma47 - What an amazing story and amazing lil girl <3
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000080938281
Lauren Newman - I reposted this at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1462339882. I only hope my other friends with children read it and take warning. I only have 1 bookcase secured to the wall in my home because it’s our only tall piece of furniture… I never thought about our dressers. You can bet my husband will be securing these ASAP!
Suzi Olive Hansen - Heading to the hardware store after soccer practice, thanks for sharing this truly remarkable story.
http://www.facebook.com/suziolivehansen
Kayla Renckly - I reposted this http://www.facebook.com/kaylarenckly
I cried and cried thinking how this could be my little girl. Sending it to my dh and we’ll be doing this long put off project this week! Thank you for sharing your story.
Lesli Higgins - i seriously can’t believe that we haven’t done this yet. with 3 under 3 you can bet my husband is going to be fastening everything to the wall!
https://www.facebook.com/falonphotography/posts/235355349850890
Jaime York - Thank GOD up above that little one is okay! What a fighter!! <3 May God bless that entire family and all those affected by this tragedy. I will definitely be sharing this story with everyone i know!
<3
http://www.facebook.com/JaiNich23
Sarah Dupree - I had to share this on Facebook. Such a sad story. I’m so happy that she is OK and that the family is finding ways to get through this.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000087653761
Marladenney - I shared on fb. i dont tweet. Will pray for this family.
Stephanie Forschner Dancause - Thank you so much for sharing. I will be joining the previous commenters in a run to the hardware store this weekend to shore up our furniture. I have shared on facebook in hopes that the story with hit my friends as it did me. Your story will save lives. And when that website is up, I will surely be buying.
Melccollins - Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking story. What an important reminder to all of us (grandparents and parents) about anchoring heavy items to the wall. I was one of those children! I was 4 years old and used the drawers as steps on the dresser and it fell on top of me. Luckily I only am left with a small scar on top of my eyebrow, but it could have been much worse.
Laurel - shared on FB amazing story, amazing strength for a little princess <3
Vnitz - https://www.facebook.com/vnitz
shared on FB, FYI – my new IKEA shelf came with free wall bolts included, no excuse, i must go do it!
Amber Lauderbaugh - Wow. A powerful and well written article that can bring awareness and hopefully change the course of some families lives for the better. I thank God that he saved this precious baby girl and healed her family. I have posted in hopes of bringing awareness to my friends and family here https://www.facebook.com/CrashedAdirtbikeAndLivedToTellTheTale
Hannahmarie6406 - amazing story! sharing with everyone i can. Thanks for sharing with me!
https://twitter.com/#!/hannahharmon3
Blouwrens - Wow. Beautifully written, powerful reminder. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.facebook.com/blouwrens
Bri - Shared this on facebook. Amazing story and what a beautiful little girl.
Laurie Rahn - The response to Brooke’s story has been truly amazing. To know that some of you are thinking of strapping your child’s dresser to the wall or spreading the word speaks volumes. Brooke is an amazing little girl, and I thank God each day for her. My mission is to not let this be forgotten, and to prevent this from happening to another child. Thank you to each and everyone of you for your comments…my heart is overflowing. Brooke’s mommy, Laurie
Elyse - I am speechless and am so happy beyond happy to see you two smiling and healing in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your story. It is incredible of you. http://www.facebook.com/ecphotography
Wanda Harbison - This really hit home as my daughter tried climbing her dresser to get something off of the top and it fell. Praise God that she was unharmed, however it was still scary.
http://www.facebook.com/wandaharbison
Elizabeth Sweeney Wilhelm - this makes me want to go strap down every piece. and also grateful that while my son was one of those 15000, his was no where near as bad. I was able to catch the shelves, but not all the stuff on them. A train shaped piggie bank cut his head open in two places, but he healed (this was about 2 months ago now) http://www.facebook.com/#!/lizwilhelm i have reposted this on my Facebook page for every one of my friends to read.
Elizabeth Sweeney Wilhelm - when the website is up, i would like to know. it will not let me email her!!!
shelleyb - Posted to my Facebook. This story is so important for all parents to read.
Deanna J - Thank you Michelle for getting word out about Brooke and Laurie’s story. I immediately screwed the bookshelf to the wall after reading.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648354238
Michelle - To think so many parents don’t anchor the dressers to the wall (we never did when our son was growing up) I shared this on my facebook page so others can read and spread the word!!
http://www.facebook.com/michelle.mahlik
Aekyung21 - Something I have been meaning to do for too long. Only have done it to one dresser in our house and then it ended up on the to-do list. I needed to read this and have shared on my facebook wall so more can read it.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1349918897
Ann1983- Sarah L. - What a tragic event.. glad things turned out & she is doing great!
Brenda Norris Pidgeon - My niece was 18 months old when she reached into a 5 lb. basket weave toy chest to get her doll. The lid came down and broke her windpipe. Her Mom was only feet away. Katie died from the injury. It only takes an instant.
M. Ambrose - amazing story! So happy your baby girl is alright! I shared on my facebook…a must read!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1642335316
Kristihedberg - michele……such a story. When my oldest daughter was in kindergarten, one of her classmates, Luke, died due to such an accident…….such an easily overlooked and yet important thing to remember…..
Reposted on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1228908327
Thank you for sharing
Dacia Ringenberg - Wow. I just never could have imagined. I’m so grateful to see that this tragedy didn’t end up with the loss of such a precious life. Thank God for His peace, love, and comfort that He extends to us.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000812572401
Melissa - Our dresser has fallen on our daughter too…twice in 2 days, just recently. It is small and pretty much missed her both times. We are lucky. It’s now secure, but this is a serious concern for all parents. Thank you for posting. If you dont have your dresser secure…take everything off of it until you do so that your kids aren’t tempted to climb up!
Jen Turner - Yes, tears, wonderful & heartbreaking story. Wow…Reposted on FB and tweeted and shared on my blog http://www.simply-real.com
Thank you for sharing this!
Chrissy - What an amazing story! I just told my husband we’re strapping our furniture to the wall immediately. Praise God Brooke is alive and well!!
Reposted on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chrissy.deming
Sherry D - Thank you so much for sharing!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=751905850
Megan - My daughter is almost 3 and I am sad to say that none of our dressers are strapped to the wall. But they will be within the next 24 hrs. Thank you SO much for sharing your story!!
Knitcarr - Thanks for sharing!
Kristy - I tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/KristyELane
Thanks for sharing this story. Brooke is such a beautiful little princess! xo
Jen - Yeah, that made me cry. I remember seeing a family on TV (Oprah maybe) who lose their 3yo the day they moved into a new home and the previous owners left a armore behind and it fell on their child while they happily played in their new room. That story made me finally get the kids furniture all strapped down and even then I am scared b/c there is no way of knowing it will hold, so we still need to teach them that the dresser can fall.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/littlejen22
Jessica Cudzilo - What a brave set of parents! To turn a tragic moment into something positive is so beautiful. Emailing this article out to all of my friends and will be securing furniture to the wall immediately!
Almostbilingual - Wow, thank you so much for sharing this journey with us
Susiedawn88 - Amazing story of recovery! Praise God that He spared her life. Thank you for sharing this story.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/susie.vaughan
ten on tuesday. » The PigBear - [...] If you do nothing else today, read this article on The Creative Mama. Are your dressers and shelves secured to the wall? I can think of at least one of ours that needs [...]
Liz - So glad you shared your story and this beautiful jewelry!
http://www.facebook.com/#!
Elizabeth - Thank you for sharing. I reposted
http://Www.Facebook.com/maybrat
Burkeeyecare - thank you for sharing your incredible story!https://www.facebook.com/burkeeyecare
Allison - This story was touching. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.facebook.com/allisongunnink
Nicoly - Thanks for sharing this powerful story, I put it in my facebook feed
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707948634
Tiffany - I needed to hear this today. I’ve been putting this off for months even though I’ve been thinking I needed to do this, particularly in my toddler son’s room. I’m headed to the store to buy straps tomorrow. Thank you for sharing, you are likely saving a life!
Packagedeal00 - What an experience to go through and what a beautiful little girl! Please know, if you help keep even one child safe, you have done an amazing thing. May you have many love filled years to come to enjoy your family. Blessings to you all.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1612688762
Delia Antonia - Wow! This is sure the work of God. I found out about this article because my daughter posted it on her boyfriend’s page and mentioned it to me. Said, “you might cry mom, so be ready” she was right. I did cry. I want to thank you and this wonderful family for sharing this story, this will most certainly save many other children. I can’t wait to see the website with the necklaces.
I will make sure when I have grandchildren to have my house baby proof .
Ashley Leppek - This is an incredible story and so scary to even imagine happening to my daughter! I will definitely be checking all our dressers and furniture in our house and figuring out what to do with them! I’ll also be sharing with every family I can, including on facebook and twitter.
https://twitter.com/#!/AshAndRowe/status/126525178715963393
Tiff - Thank you SO much for sharing your story. My husband and I just strapped a new piece of furniture last week, but none of the rest in our house is secured. That will change tomorrow.
My 3 year old daughter was attacked by a dog 4 weeks ago and it, too, could have killed her. I thank God every day that we have second chances and can potentially save another’s life with our stories. That horror of looking at your sweet angel heading into emergency surgery is one that no parent should ever face.
Thank you again for a reminder and thank God that beautiful little girl is okay.
Heather - I read a similar story years before ever having children however the.boy in that.story didn’t survive. So when we became pregnant with our oldest daughter, we strapped everything imaginable to the walls, even things we didn’t think would be an issue. I wasn’t taking the risk, and it was all done before we ever brought her home. And FYI: your furniture straps must be.rated to hold the appropriate weight. Do not get plastic straps from Babies R Us rated to hold 100lbs and expect them to hold your wall unit to the wall. Google industrial furniture wall straps – they make ones that will hold back 400lbs.of furniture per strap. And you MUST secure it to a stud or industrial strength wall anchor. Setting a screw into drywall is the.same as not having a strap at all.
Annie2you - Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sure it will save lives. Bless you and your family.
Sharon Mills Spurlin shared a link.
Mending wings. | the creative mama
thecreativemama.com
Grab a cup of coffee and some tissues and then whatever you do, please read this entire post…it could very well save a child’s life and that is no exaggeration by any stretch of the word. The story you are about to read is powerful, emotional, at times graphic, but above all, inspirational. I cry ea…
LikeUnlike · · Unfollow PostFollow Post · Share · 51 seconds ago
Brooke - Wow! Powerful story! I have a 6 week old son, so I had not even thought about this. I know it’s early, but all furniture will be strapped this weekend. I know Blake won’t be mobile for a while, but the second he is – our home will be ready!
http://Www.facebook.com/brookie9184
Candice826 - WOW – that was so powerful! I’m an Auntie, Godmother and Friend to many “little ones” and it just broke my heart that something with such a simple fix could hurt them. I would have never thought of it. Thanks for sharing your story and bringing this to light so it doesn’t happen to someone else. God Bless your Family.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=836539139
Kelley Legler - Hi Michelle, I am working with Laurie to get her website up and running and offered my services for free of charge. Any chance you can send me hi res images for her site? kelleylegler@hotmail.com
facebook.com/babyjackblankets
Terra Martinez - Thank you for sharing this story. This definitely made me rethink every piece of furniture in my home. Shared on my FB wall.
http://www.facebook.com/tmartinez00
A Must Read. » The Southern Housewife - [...] If you haven’t already, please head over to The Creative Mama and read this post. [...]
Tci562 - i so needed to hear this today… i’m going to run home hug my babies and make some adjustments!!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/marie.havelka
teresa b - Thank you for sharing your story…
Kellie - https://www.facebook.com/kellie.spurgeon#!/kellie.spurgeon
Rwilson - What an incredible story! Such a reminder to check even the smallest things that most of us don’t even think of. This story actually reminded me of an incident that happened a couple of years ago to my daughter (at the time she was 3). She was playing at a friends house and a bookshelf fell on top of her. Luckily she only had a few bumps and bruises, no major injuries. As soon as it happened, they attached the bookshelves to the wall, but I honestly NEVER even thought to check the other heavy furniture. I don’t know why, but it just didn’t even cross my mind. So thank you for this post and the realization that it can happen…even to me.
Emmy - So glad a miracle occured and she was okay. Secureing everything now.
Stephanie - Thank you for sharing your story
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1382776398
Katrina Krauss Photography - Thanks so much for sharing this incredible story. Your jewelry is beautiful and I am ordering something very soon. I shared the link on my page listed below. Thanks.
https://www.facebook.com/katrinakraussphotography
Lyn Dahl - I will check out my home to protect my grandchildren and share this with my children.
http://www.facebook.com/lyn.dahl2
Lyn Dahl - A good lesson for all to learn. So sorry you had to learn the hard way but happy that all worked out well for your family.
http://www.facebook.com/lyn.dahlphotographics
Nwooten73 - Thank God Brooke is ok. Smiliar situation at my house, but no one was hurt so we did nothing. We will be strapping heavy furniture to the wall soon.
https://www.facebook.com/nina.boynton
Nataliesdawn - I pledge to strap our dressers today. Posting this on my FB
Melissavaughn34 - Thank you for sharing this with me I have had a very TRAUTMATIC event myself with my 8 month old back in 2006 he is now 7 years old but he fell down a flight of stairs GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Melissa Huskey - thank you for sharing this! this is actually not something I’ve ever thought about! Just the other day, my nearly 3 year old, cleared out the bottom drawer of my dresser and climbed in, and it NEVER occurred to me that it could topple over.
Reposted to help inform others of something I was ignorant of, and will be very interested when the website is up and running!!
https://www.facebook.com/melissahuskey
Sarah S. - So happy that Brooke is healthy and perfect. I tweeted about this story: http://twitter.com/#!/sarahsharp7/status/126747965829300224
Megan - I put on my facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MeganManueleRealty#!/MeganManueleRealty which feeds into twitter & linked in as well. Very touching story! Thank the Lord!
Linsey1028 - heading out to get wall mounts this week. Thank you so much for sharing your heartache and pain in order to help others!! Shared on facebook and probably will share a few more times!!!
https://www.facebook.com/linsey.hannum
LisaB - Thank you for sharing this story! I have a 3 year old daughter and I am definitely sharing this with all my friends and family!
Chris R. - As the owner of a baby furniture store, I often tell our mothers and fathers about the safety of strapping furniture. Of course, many of them (including myself), think it could never happen to us. I will be sharing this with all of our customers as well as my family and friends! Thank you for allowing us to know your story and showing the raw emotions that have followed with your journey.
Jennifer Underwood - This is such an amazing story! Things we just dont think of could save a life .What a beautiful little girl and how wonderful that her parents are doing something to see that this doesnt happen again .God bless this family
Donnasparks55 - This happened to my cousin, they were remodeling and had an old stove in back room, little girl got into room and it feel on her and killed her. It was terrible….Great advise, no one ever thinks it will happen to them….
annethompson - Your family is so very blessed! Thank you for sharing your story and feeling with all of us.
Kellykjersgaard - thank you for sharing your story
https://www.facebook.com/#!/k2hesq
Mckaylasmom8 - Thank you so much for sharing just how important this is! Going to make sure everything is strapped down in my house. I shared on facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=781835127 and tweeted hoping many people see this
Laurie Rahn - This is exactly what I had hoped would happen. Thank you!! I just want to spread this to as many as possible….we can save lives!! We all have to be proactive and protect our little ones. We don’t think it could happen, but it can. The fact that you will pass this on to your customers….that means the world! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Brooke’s Mommy, Laurie:)
Laurie Rahn - I like the way you said that…,”I pledge to strap our dressers today”. It really should be a law for us as parents…just like buckling our seat belt. I know that furniture company’s now sell the straps with their items, but how many of us actually install them? Thank you for your comment…Brooke’s Mommy, Laurie
Laurie Rahn - Thank you for this comment. I know that as parents we know we should strap our furniture…but young ones are at our parents house all the time. Grandparents, please consider strapping your furniture to the wall. If the furniture is older and did not come with the equipment, you can buy what you need at your local hardware store. It could save a life!!
Stacey - Beautiful and touching story of love and healing! I shared it on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsphotography
Teenabatten - Thank you for sharing your story….my family recently had a similar story except my 14 y/o daughter at the time sat up in bed and put her hand through her bedroom window….in June of 2011. She was asleep when this happen. By the time I heard her screaming for me, her bedroom was covered in blood and I thought I was going to loose her. To make a long story, much shorter, after almost loosing her at our home because of blood loose and again at the hospital, because of blood loose. A five hour emergency surgery, 3 months of intensive theraphy on her hand/arm, she is once again my beautiful teenage daughter. She still does not have full function of her hand/arm, they don’t know if she ever will but I have her and that is what counts and is so important to me and my family.
Kelly Grande - This story, and Brooke’s incredible glowing smile, literally took my breath away. I read it to my husband…we pledge to strap our furniture today. Thank you for making this near-tragedy into a way to save the children in our lives!!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001598877938
Amy - Thank you Laurie for sharing such a personal story!
I definitely passed this article on in hopes of helping other families from being faced with similar circumstances over something that we all know to do but most times don’t because “it’ll never happen to us”
Thank you !!
Kristina Kowalski Jolley - Thank you for sharing this story, it touched me in some many ways. I am glad she is fully recovered and she is very beautiful!
http://www.facebook.com/lilgreygirl
Laurie Rahn - Oh my gosh! Thank you for pledging to strap your furniture to the wall….a pledge that could save a life!! Thank you for your kind words as well for they mean so much! Brooke’s mommy, Laurie
Heidi baillargeon - Truely amazing, may godless you on the road to recovery and know you have made the difference in so many people’s lives by sharing this incredible story. Thank you and may god bless your family to keep them safe and healthy.
Lisa Dolliver - So glad things turned out as well as they did. Thank God! Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve heard of two others (and posted them as well) just last month or so. Sadly they did not end as well.
Your little girl and you have a purpose and who knows how many lives you will save now!! 
Thankfully most of our furniture has been anchored since the beginning, but I know there are a few more that still need to (and will) have it done to them. I remember before children wondering why IKEA furniture came with anchor kits. Now as a mom, it makes me realize that ALL furniture, TVs, etc. should come with the anchors automatically. (((HUGS))) to all of you and I wish you the best of luck with your business. The jewelry is beautiful. I also have a website, A Perfect Moment, and I’d be happy to link your site there when it’s ready. I can also post about it on my FB fan page. One of the purposes of the website/fan page is to raise awareness to causes that aren’t as widely known or paid attention to. I’d be honored to help you spread the word and hopefully boost your business in the process. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=709947171
Erinaliesphotography - thank you so much for sharing this story. It is so important, and Brooke and her family will save so many people from experiencing this trauma! I shared this on my facebook wall, believing in its importance, and praying for Brooke and her family.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=208702066
arenda - Thanks for sharing this moving story. Love that Brooke thought of her incision/scar as a “princess crown”!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/arenda
Amy C - Thank you so much for sharing your story! My husband used to say that our baby will never be strong enough. I read him Brook and Laurie’s story and we will be making changes in our house before our sweet baby can crawl. I’ll share this with as many people as I can! Thank you for your strength!
lori - thank you so much for sharing your story. though we are from pville, we are currently living in hong kong and have had major problems anchoring furniture in our apartment here because the walls are concrete and the floors are hardwood. my son’s dresser fell on him a few months ago…he was spared injury by the simple fact that his room here is so small that his dresser fell onto his bed instead of on his chest/neck, where it would have fallen if the room were larger. i consider this to be a HUGE blessing in disguise…when we feel cramped here, i remind myself of how this cramped space spared my son a major injury. when we return to texas and begin setting up our home again, we will anchor our furniture.
Erica Welsh McKnight - Thank you for the reminder to make our homes safer for our children! I don’t know what I would do if I lost one of my babies! I’m so glad Brooke is well and recovered!! I shared the story on my facebook profile! https://www.facebook.com/ericarmcknight
Krista Gibson - Thank you for this story. Thank you for reminding me that bad things don’t always happen to “other people”. Sometimes we ourselves are the “other people”. My husband and I will be strapping our furniture today! I shared your story on my facebook and I plan to share it with anyone who will listen. You and your beautiful daughter are an inspiration. God Bless (which I think he already has!) and again, thank you.
by the way.. the necklaces are lovely.
http://www.facebook.com/solokrista
Pamela Johnson - Posted to Facebook. Please relay my heart felt blessing. May they receive forgiveness and healing for the trauma they have experienced! May they received Christ as their Savior and protector. No one can keep our children perfectly safe all the time. I know! Life is risky, must be handled with prayer, faith and courage. amiraclestory.com No guilt just most grateful!
p
Kendall - http://midwest-horse.com/forum/index.php?board=15.0
Margarita DePaulis - Margarita Muñoz DePaulis shared a link.
Mending wings. | the creative mama
thecreativemama.com
Grab a cup of coffee and some tissues and then whatever you do, please read this entire post…it could very well save a child’s life and that is no exaggeration by any stretch of the word. The story you are about to read is powerful, emotional, at times graphic, but above all, inspirational. I cry ea….
Like · · Unfollow Post · Share · 2 minutes ago.
Chris R. - Laurie,
With your permisson, I would also like to print copies of the story to give to customers here. Have you done any TV spots with this before? I would love our local station to do a story and if you have done some for another station that could possibly get those clips. Please email me at kangaroopouchmb@gmail.com if you would prefer.
Chris
Michelle Hanway - Oh my lord, so scary. What a beautiful little girl – what a survivor!! Thank you for sharing BRooke’s story, we will be securing our furniture very soon, as our lil guy (9.5m) is on the verge of forward motion… http://twitter.com/#!/hanwayink/status/127010634335404032
Michelle Hanway - oh, and i tweeted the story.. http://twitter.com/#!/hanwayink/status/127010634335404032
Lmarievicente - Thank you for sharing your story. I know it has to be a day that ya’ll will never forget. I think that Brooke is destined for great things. God blessings upon her and all of your family.
Melissa Robinson - Thank you for sharing this. Such an eye-opener. I have never thought about making sure our furniture is strapped down. My husband I will be making sure our home is safer for our precious angel! http://www.facebook.com/melissarobinsoncookielee
Lmarievicente - I have shared this on my Facebook. If it helps just one family then consider your story as a deed will done. God bless you all.
Kristin Williamson - This story is nothing short of a miracle. A dear friend of mine just lost her 4 year old son 3 months ago due to a tv falling on him. This message is so important to pass on. Every parent needs to know that it really is the difference between life and death for your children. I had to post this on my Facebook. Thank you do much for sharing this miracle!
Kristin Williamson
Kellie Smith - This is truly an amazing story and an amazing child. Her smile can light up a room. I’m blessed to know this perrsonally. It is so important to spread the news and save a life.
Guest - Thank you for the reminder!
https://www.facebook.com/mcunard
Jolene Vanderlinde - Thank you for sharing your story.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/jolene.vanderlinde
Alicia Marek Akin - Hugs and Kisses Laurie!!! Miss you guys and hope to see you soon.
Holly P. Powell - I am in the process of putting a dresser in my two little girls rooms. I have a very busy 18 month old who likes to climb. Thank you for sharing this story. We will be buying straps to put in their room to keep them safe.
Jaa072503 - What a courageous amazing mother you are. Thank you for sharing so much….I have the brackets to attach my dresser and they are still sitting in the top drawer waiting for my husband because I couldn’t figure out how to attach them myself. They WILL be put on this weekend now. Thank YOU for helping to save my son from an injury.
http://www.facebook.com/jlamoureux I absolutely shared this story
Amy_ling - Wow. Such an amazing story! What a relief to hear that Brooke has recovered and is doing well! Thank you for sharing this difficult time with everyone. I know that I personally will be making sure all of our furniture is secure now!
https://www.facebook.com/AmyLingPhoto
Sarah - Praise God that your little girl is alive and well! My little girl is almost 3 and I’ve been putting off getting the straps for her dresser for to long. I’ll be getting some tonight hopefully! Thank you for sharing. (I shared this story on my fb page http://www.facebook.com/#!/keithsarahkatie)
Kristin Williamson - This story is nothing short of a miracle. A dear friend of mine just lost her 4 year old son 3 months ago due to a tv falling on him. This message is so important to pass on. Every parent needs to know that it really is the difference between life and death for your children. I had to post this on my Facebook. Thank you do much for sharing this miracle!
Kristin Williamson
Melissa Bieghler - So ready to invest in my childrens safety! With 3 kiddos under age 5, I can’t imagine the devestation it would be to lose one or even have one injured! Thank God Brooke is okay! Melissa
Sara - Wow, what an amazing story! I also have a 3 year old that climbs everything! Thanks for the reminder to strap my bookcases to the wall.
shared on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=561003451
Micheleevans0617 - I re-posted on Facebook. Thanks for the reminder
Michele Evans Wieland
A great reminder to secure dressers…. this story has a happy ending but many do not….
Andrea Stephens - https://www.facebook.com/alsteve75 I posted on my wall. Thank you!
Janna - I am so sorry for what your family had to go through, but I am so thankful that your story turned out as it did. I am crying so hard after reading your story. Every single piece of furniture in our home is strapped to the walls. We always have done that. Yet, we came thisclose to having a story such as yours to tell. When our son was 2 days away from his 3rd birthday, we had the carpet in 2 bedrooms replaced by wood floors. The floors were done and we were moving furniture back into the bedrooms. We removed the 15 (yes, 15!) drawers from our huge dresser and moved it back into our bedroom. We replaced all of the drawers and went into the living room. We were so tired, we sat on our mattresses in the floor. Our older son was practicing piano. We said, “We’ve got to screw the dresser into the wall.” We sat. Then we heard the crash. We hadn’t even realized our almost 3 yr old had gone into the bedroom. He pulled out every single drawer in the dresser, as he had watched us pull them out when we removed them to move it. We ran in the room. At first I didn’t see him, and I just knew he was under the massive dresser. Then, there he was over in the corner giggling. I don’t know how it missed him. I guess his guardian angel pushed him out of the way. I was so scared I was shaking and there he was laughing! I just cried tears of joy and relief. We herded the kids out of the room and locked the door until we got it screwed into the wall. Thank you for sharing your story with others. Who knows how many accidents you have prevented?
Janna - Oh, and it’s a good idea to get grandparents and any babysitters to secure their furniture to the walls too! You never know when the kids will climb it!
Ida Johnston - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetwater-Photography/108905182461088#!/
I can’t believe this story is here today, we have a bookcase that I was worrying about falling on our grand-daughter today and I assumed I was just being a worrywart. Now I know it needs to be attached to the wall.
Melissa Douet - This family is truly an inspiration to others! They didn’t give up hope or faith. WOW, is all I can say about this incident and family. Thank you for sharing the story with so many.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507602482
Kris Kili Williams - Wow, amazing story!!! I’m so happy that your daughter survived!!! I had a friend that lost her daughter to this same kind of accident. I couldn’t imagine loosing my little girl, or either of my boys. God really works!!! shared this on my facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/kris.k.williams
Jonileevaughn - Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and the beautiful jewelry! I’d love to see more of the jewelry. I shared this on my Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/jonileevaughn
lauren - What a terrible tragic accident, but such a powerful reminder to us all to treasure each day that we have. I shared this powerful story.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000966986958
Pam - Thank you so much for this article and raising awareness for this. I am so glad this little angel is ok. Truly a miracle.
I shared on FB.
http://www.facebook.com/PamelaCarteePhotography#!/pamela.cartee
http://www.facebook.com/pamelacarteephotography
KatheeLizotte - Such a touching and informative story,
Thank You
Kathee
Tanagra00 - God is Good!!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/Tanagra00
Mandi Cabrera - I have a 1 yr old who has decided that it is fun to climb in to his bottom dresser drawer. The furniture is not attached to the wall. i shared this story with my husband so this weekend we will be sure to secure the furniture. Thank you for sharing your story!
http://www.facebook.com/mandi.cabrera
Nancy - Powerful story with an important safety message for anyone who have young children in their homes… Get out your box of tissues, then run (don’t walk) to get the hardward necessary for attaching furniture to your walls, if you haven’t already!
Nancy - Powerful story with an important safety message for anyone who has young children in their homes at any time. Get out your box of tissues, read this article, then run (don’t walk) to get the hardward necessary for attaching furniture to your walls (if you haven’t already.) Precious lives may depend on this preventative measure.
Anonymous - Amazing story!!
Shared on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=788813470
Kj Penn - This just reminded me to secure a bookshelf in my room. I have caught my two little ones climbing before and this was amazing to hear. I thank God for his hand in your daughters recovery.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001461540113
Arden Prucha - Yes, I shared this story… and not just to win. My two year old snuck out of the front door two days ago and I found her standing in the middle of our street – with her blankie and pacifier. It was the scariest feeling I have had… her life could have ended all because I didn’t lock the door. So grateful to be reminded of life’s fragility and to always go the extra step to protect our children! God is GREAT!
http://www.facebook.com/ardenpruchaphotography
Christa Frederick - When my 2nd daughter was born, our first born was with us, sharing family time on our bed and looking at her new baby sister. She jumped out of our bed and less than 10 seconds later, the dresser fell forward with a thunderous clap. I had no clue what had happened, both my husband and I hadn’t even seen anything. As I frantically crawled to the edge of the bed, I had the feeling of needing to get to her and also not wanting to look for fear of what I might see. The heavy six-drawer dresser was laying flat down and, by the grace of God and the angels who protect her, our daughter had somehow rolled out of the way before it fell to the ground. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of that moment and all of our dressers are firmly attached to the walls now.
I’m not sure how I would handled the outcome, had it been different. It would have been my worst nightmare, as I’m sure it was yours. I’m so happy your daughter is okay, and so thankful that you are willing to share your story to help other people realize the importance of securing any heavy furniture. It is such a small action to prevent such a huge heartache.
Arminda Dozier - I shared this story on FB. It was truely eye-opening!
Pdk61309 - https://www.facebook.com/patty.knowlton
Shared on my page with wishes that it can save even one life! Thank you for sharing your story!
Kphotography - thank you for sharing. we have a new baby girl, and though we had our sons dresser attached, her is not yet, and we don’t have the ones in the other rooms attached. we are definately making that a priority this weekend.
Hannah - What an incredible story of God’s love, power, and mercy.
Teresa - I’ve shared this story in hopes that someone else will read it and take action to to protect their little ones too. We had scare of our own today, a phone call from daycare that my 2.5 year old had fallen head first off a bike she decided to stand on instead of ride…these accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Thank you for sharing this story…we’ll be making the rounds of our house this weekend to do more kiddie-proofing. Brooke and family- you are amazing. I am so happy your story has a happy ending!
https://www.facebook.com/teresavictor
Tracyloveyu - Praying for your family…..your babygirl is beautiful!!
Posted your story on facebook.
Court - I re-posted this to my mom friends and will be talking to friends and family about this… I honestly had never been told to do this. Thank-you for the warning. It has definitely reminded me that my home has to be made safe, it is not automatically safe because it is “home”.
Tjgeiser - What a wonderful story to a tragic event. I have personally known someone who had a bookshelf fall on her as a child and her story did end so miraculously. I reposted as a reminder to all my friends and family members who have children at home. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150346807184794&set=a.10150240486839794.343216.623454793&type=3&theater#!/profile.php?id=561398926
…To Have Your Heart Go Walking Around Outside Your Body… {Mommy Monday} » Candid Contrast Photography Blog - [...] I have NEVER worried about what {this mother} went through. She almost lost her little girl, and to be quite honest, this safety hazard has never [...]
Shanna-Kaye - This made me cry! Oh my-As a young mom with a 6 month old son, I am so glad to read this now as I know he will be adventurous. https://www.facebook.com/shannakaye.betts
Blair Van Bussel - Wow, what an amazing story. I can’t imagine how scary this must have been for Brooke, Laurie , and their entire family!
1/2 way though this, I knew I had to share it with any one I knew who came in contact with kids in their home. And this give away was just such a sweet little perk. My post:http://www.facebook.com/BlairVanBussel/posts/283875271633533
lemd50r0h0 - All due respect & sympathy both are due to the family. They went through something horrific & few things, if any, can compare to something like this awful happening.
I am going to take a different position, though. I have kids but I haven’t thought about strapping down the furniture, and to be honest, I STILL don’t think I will. To me, it’s as much a case of that a child needs to learn to control their behavior more than we need to make it to where they can do something inappropriate like this but not suffer any consequences. Frankly, short of something extreme like this, I think it’s a GOOD thing for a child to suffer some pain–again, short of something extreme like this–for straying out of bounds with climbing into or on top of things they aren’t supposed to be on or into.
Do not misunderstand me–IN NO WAY WHATSOEVER am I saying that this poor precious girl DESERVED what happened to her or that it “serves her right.” I am not saying any such thing at all, and moreover, anyone who reads this story & responds “I’m strapping my furniture down after reading this,” I don’t blame them one bit. Regardless, the parents deserve nothing but our highest sympathies for what they went through, and I don’t blame them one bit for responding as they have.
That said, ON BALANCE, I don’t think we as parents need to let one tragic & unfortunate accident define our parenting style. Kids need some adventure to have a fulfilling childhood rather than being “bubble-wrapped” to make a 100% perfect risk-free existence. At the same time, kids need to learn–but NOT with consequences like this, you understand–to control their urges and to respect certain boundaries.
I grew up in a house where my mother kept 2 guns in her bedroom closet. They weren’t locked up and were on ground level, only tucked behind her hung-up clothes. I could’ve easily walked right in there, but this is the thing–she made it clear to me that if she caught me in there without her permission, EVER, she would absolutely tear my rear-end to pieces.
I never ever once went in there.
My grandfather had a yard FULL of all sorts of dangerous junk, and had probably 20 of us grandchildren playing there every Sunday. It never occurred to any adult that if any of us were hurt he was to blame for not protecting us from it. Instead, he issued the order that those places & things were OFF LIMITS and to STAY AWAY and out of them. If you got hurt, and we did on occasion, it was the child’s fault for not staying out as they were told.
Again, I am NOT for one second suggesting this young girl DESERVED what happened. No way. I am NOT questioning those who read this & respond “I’m strapping down my furniture right this minute” & I SURE am not questioning the parents in anyway. But in GENERAL, short of something extreme like this, I think kids DO need to suffer some minor consequences to teach them to stay out of & off of things which they’ve been told to stay out & off of and I think it serves us well not to let the extreme incidents define everything.
Sophie - Incredibly touching story, and I will definitely be sharing it with all the parents I know…
Molly - Thank you, Thank you for sharing this! It truly hit home with me as a large wide dresser fell on top of my daughter who had just turned 3 last year! Fortunately and due only, I am certian to God’s Hand protecting her, the bottom drawers broke the fall and prevented the dresser from hurting her at all!
This can happen far easier than any of us realize as when the drawers are all open, the furniture automatically tips forward -so at a bare minimum, install the anti-tip bracket. AND if you have not already generalized this, to kitchen appliances, install the anti-tip devices on stoves as well.
May God continue to bless this family with healing in every way possible and protect our children with his absolute grace!
Michele Urie Anderson - I don’t think anyone is suggesting that we need to bubble wrap our kids and I believe you would feel very differently if this happened to your child. It was indeed an accident, but the consequences were not minor at all–actually, I’m a little offended that you would trivialize this incident. The reality is that in many cases as you can read in the comments below, this type of accident can actually kill and lots of people had no idea this could even happen. Yes, we can talk to our kids until we’re blue in the face to teach them not to climb on furniture (which we should) or don’t go swimming alone or that they need to drive safely (when they’re teens)…but this doesn’t preclude taking basic safety measures either (strapping down furniture, fencing in pools, wearing seat belts). Anyone who’s raised a toddler knows that you can teach them not to do something, but developmentally, they haven’t reached the point where they *can* control their impulses (like stick something metal into an electrical outlet) and lord knows, we can’t have our eyes peeled on them every second of every day. All we’re saying is that it’s such a simple thing you can do (strapping down furniture) and it’s certainly not the goal to send everyone into a panic and preach that dressers are deadly weapons. It’s just a note to say hey…just thought you should know that this can happen quite easily. It’s not going to prevent every possible accident, but I imagine any parent that has watched their child get hurt very badly wishes there was something that could have been done to stop it.
Hello world! - [...] written by Michele Anderson, owner of Pinkeltoes Photography (www.pinkeltoes.com) of Austin, TX(http://thecreativemama.com/mending-wings/). “Mended Wings” chronicles the feelings that a mother goes through during the most [...]
Brooke’s angel wings - [...] If not, please do so now. (It’s required to enter the giveaway!) [...]
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