At least 135 people have lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Helene, with the Carolinas suffering the worst. Micah Drye, 7, and his grandparents from Asheville, North Carolina, were among the deceased. They took cover on a rooftop before being carried away by floodwaters. Micah’s mother, Megan Drye, lived, but she sadly lost her parents and son in the accident.
The tragic tale was posted online by Megan’s sister, Jessica Drye Turner, who related Micah’s last words: “Jesus! Please assist me. “New grief and strong faith,” she said, expressing her grief and faith. The new catchphrase A quarter of a mile from where Megan had been rescued was where Micah’s body was eventually discovered.Heather Kephart, Megan’s other sister, set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Megan when she lost everything. A last picture of Micah smiling in a Jurassic World T-shirt, shot by his grandma prior to the catastrophe, is included on the page.The losses incurred by the hurricane are numerous; the Drye family’s is just one as communities work to rebuild. The ability of families like theirs to bounce back from such destruction will be essential to the healing process.
Man Offered to Help Me with My Baby on a Plane — I Was Relieved Until I Saw…
The journey from Atlanta to San Francisco started with the usual chaos of traveling with a 14-month-old. My baby was fussy and crying, clearly uncomfortable in the confined airplane cabin. I felt the judgmental stares of other passengers, silently criticizing my inability to soothe her. Anxiety churned in my stomach as I tried everything to calm her, but nothing seemed to work.
About an hour into the flight, a kind-looking man sitting across the aisle caught my attention. With a warm smile, he offered to help, saying, “Would you like me to hold your baby for a while? I have a daughter around the same age, and I know how tough it can be. Let me take her for a bit; I think I can calm her down.”
Exhausted and desperate for a moment of peace, I hesitated only briefly before accepting his offer. He seemed genuine, and I was at my wit’s end. As he took my baby in his arms, she stopped crying and even started to smile, much to my relief.
Feeling relieved, I turned to retrieve my laptop and some snacks from my backpack, taking advantage of the calm. But when I turned back, my heart sank. My blood froze as I saw the man whispering something into my baby’s ear, his expression changing from kind to something far more sinister.
Panic surged through me. Was he trying to harm her? Was he planning to kidnap her?
My protective instincts kicked in, and I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn’t let fear paralyze me. I stood up and walked quickly but steadily towards him. “Excuse me,” I said, my voice shaking, “I think I need to take her back now.”
The man looked up, startled, but then smiled warmly again. “Of course,” he said, handing my baby back to me without any resistance. I held her close, feeling her little heart beating rapidly against mine.
As I sat back down, I watched the man out of the corner of my eye. He seemed to sense my suspicion and kept his distance for the remainder of the flight. I tried to focus on my baby, but my mind kept replaying the moment.
When we finally landed, I quickly reported the incident to airport security. They took my statement seriously and assured me they would investigate.
A few days later, airport security contacted me. They had reviewed the footage and spoken to the man. It turned out he was a well-known child psychologist who often calmed children on flights. His intentions had been entirely benign.
Feeling relieved and slightly embarrassed, I thanked them. The experience was a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and a parent’s protective instincts.
This flight became a story I shared with friends and family, not just as a cautionary tale, but as a testament to the powerful bond between a parent and child. Despite the initial fear, it had a happy ending. I learned to trust my instincts and to be open to the kindness of strangers. In the days that followed, I became more appreciative of the small moments of peace and joy with my baby, grateful for the kindness that still exists in the world.
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