Updated: August 27, 2019
Originally Published: July 27, 2018
Trigger Warning: Child Loss
We have kept the details of Mia’s passing private for several reasons. The impact has been so profound that discussing it feels surreal. However, I hope that by sharing our story, we can prevent similar tragedies. Please, spread the word that drowning can occur in mere moments.
On Sunday, April 22, everything began like any other day. After attending a concert the previous night, we slept in longer than usual. Mark had errands to run, including picking up treats for our son Leo’s birthday celebration the next day. While I stayed home with the kids, they were playing outside near the pool—Mia was not in the water. She would never have gone in without me knowing.
I frequently moved between indoors—where I was folding laundry—and outside. I had ordered lunch through a delivery service and decided to prepare a quick bowl of macaroni for Mia. At 1:04 p.m., I sent a text to Mark, and within just a minute or two, Leo came inside asking me to join them outside. I responded, “Okay, just give me a minute to finish this.”
His tone didn’t convey urgency; he didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation. How often do we brush off our kids’ requests, thinking we can spare just a minute? In that moment, I wished I could rewind time and step outside, but I dismissed it like I had many times before.
A minute later, Leo asked again for me to come out. I said yes and walked outside, only to find Mia face down in the pool. My heart dropped; I thought, this can’t be real.
I quickly pulled her out and began CPR. When she started to vomit, I turned her over and attempted the Heimlich maneuver. Realizing I needed urgent assistance, I screamed for help. A neighbor jumped the fence immediately to take over CPR while I rushed inside to call 911 at 1:09 p.m. Paramedics arrived, and Mia was transported to the hospital. It felt like a horrifying nightmare. I called Mark, and he hurried to the hospital to meet us.
When we arrived, we were taken to the area where they were working on Mia, both of us in tears and praying fervently. Then we heard the words, “Someone call it.”
“Time of death, 1:38 p.m.”
It was surreal. Just 34 minutes prior, Mia had been alive. Somehow, she had lost her balance, possibly knocked unconscious, and fallen into the water. We learned she would have drowned in 30 seconds or less if she had been unconscious. You might read about such incidents and think it could never happen to you, but it can.
The reality is that drowning can happen in an instant. NEVER leave children unsupervised around a pool. Don’t step away to use the restroom, grab a snack, or prepare lunch, thinking you’ll only be gone for a moment. I had always believed Mia wouldn’t venture into the pool.
Did you know that most drownings occur when children aren’t actively swimming? Please talk to your friends and family about pool safety. Share this message to raise awareness; drowning is preventable, but it requires vigilance.
Mia was a vibrant little girl who adored everything feminine, from her hair to her dresses. The day before her passing, she came into the bathroom and asked, “What are you doing, Mommy?”
I replied, “Putting on my makeup.” She beamed and said, “I need my makeup too.” I lifted her up and applied a bit of makeup on her, which lit up her face. Those simple moments of mother-daughter bonding are forever lost. We not only lost Mia but the entire future we envisioned for her.
I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone. It feels like a nightmare from which we cannot awaken. Please help us promote awareness about water safety. By sharing Mia’s story, we hope to prevent other families from enduring the heartbreak we face.
Once more, I emphasize: Mia didn’t drown because she couldn’t swim. She drowned because she was left alone for a few minutes. Stress to everyone that even if a child is a strong swimmer, accidents can occur. They can fall, get knocked out, and drown. You can NEVER be too careful. NEVER leave children unattended around pools, even for a second.
This article was originally published on July 27, 2018.