Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Be with me. Just for today.

For once, I'm at a loss for words.  Maybe not so much at a loss, but there are so many things I want to say that I just don't know where or how to begin.  I guess it makes sense to start at the beginning.  This post is less about words and more about feeling.  It's about emotion.  It's a glimpse inside my heart, not my mind.

Eight years ago this morning, I woke to a nightmare.  One that will really never end.  My 3-year old beautiful daughter was found lifeless under her dresser.  Somehow she managed to tip it over on herself while we slept.  We did not hear it fall, for it fell onto her.  She was unable to cry.  She died in minutes while the rest of our family slept, her airway compressed by a drawer under the weight of the dresser.  Her dresser is pictured below.  When most people see it, they are flabbergasted, expecting it to have been a much larger piece. Many of you may know this story already.  What you probably don't know, is what I'm going to share here.  I will thank you in advance for being with me this day in my grief.



Every year on her 'Angel Day', the anniversary of her death (or 'Angelversary' as we refer to it now), I allow myself to participate in my own ritual of remembrance.  I eagerly wait for the rest of the family to go off to work and school so I can have time alone with Meggie.  It's difficult to go back to that day, yet it's important to me.  Important that I allow myself one day to grieve, to really grieve, to honor my feelings from that day to this day, to reflect on my life and how it's changed as a result of her life and of her death.  It's the one day I allow myself to really *be* with the pain, to remember and re-live the details of that day.  For in the pain of it all, were absolute angels who helped us through.



It always starts with an overpowering sense of guilt.  I am, by nature, an early riser.  That day, I wanted to sleep in.  In fact, our entire family did.  Every year on the anniversary, I wake early and get up. My heart heavy. I desperately wish I had that day, too. Had I gotten up earlier, when she first woke up, she'd still be here with us.  Instead, I told her it wasn't time to get up yet and it was still time for sleep and I went back to bed.  She was apparently playing in her room instead of sleeping as she often did before it was 'get up time'. Add to that, the fact that if we had secured her dresser to the wall, like we had taller and heavier pieces of furniture in our home, she would not have died.  

The fact that I failed as a parent to keep my child safe (partially because of my own selfishness in wanting to sleep) and that resulted in her very preventable death is something I have to live with for the rest of my life. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how much that hurts.  IT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED! *I* could have prevented it.

Then, I read some of the letter I began to her on December 28th, 2004.  It's now 397 pages long.  It is a painful reminder of what I felt during those days, weeks and months after her death.  It's also a reminder of how Meghan's Hope began and grew and of the love and support we received from so many.  I'm so glad I wrote it, for I've forgotten many of the details of those days and had I not recorded it in my letter to her, I'd likely not remember it now.  It always moves me to tears.  I'm always surprised by what I've forgotten. Yes, they are my own words, but it brings everything back. I actually need that.  There was a lot of goodness in there that came out of the pain.  The kindness of friends, family, neighbors and compete strangers were gifts that helped us endure the hell, who walked with us through the pain. My depth of my gratitude for them is difficult to convey.

I, of course, add to the letter each anniversary and periodically during the year.  With the social media tools available today, I also write about it here and on Facebook and Google+.  I vow to somehow turn the letter into a book.  I don't know when I will find the time to do it, or what exactly I will write, but it is inching ever closer.  My hope in sharing all of this, is that it will touch someone, somehow, that will be compelled to DO something about it to prevent it from happening to a child they know and to share the information with everyone they know.


My ritual then turns to time in her room.  Her dresser is still there.  It has many Meggie items on top of it. Some made by her, some given to me in memory of her.  It is now secured to the wall.  The irony kills me.

Her room is still her room in many ways, but it also a room for me.  For us.  It's the place where I scrapbook and do my bead work.  Neither of which I've actually done much of the past few years, but I enjoy being in her room.  My scrapbook table is actually in the place her dresser was when it fell on her.    Artwork by Meg and her twin hang on the wall.  Her twin brother actually will go in there once in a while to read or listen to his iPod.  He needs to be near her energy, too.


I stand in the doorway to her room and pause.  I close my eyes.  I allow myself to remember my husband screaming my name "Kim, oh God, KIIIIIMMMMM" and being woken from a deep sleep knowing instantly something horrible had happened from the tone of his voice.  I remember running into her room, seeing her tiny, beautiful body, pale and blue, lifeless on the floor. He had thrown the dresser off of her and placed her on the floor.  I remember my older son, then 6, literally freaking out by her head, crying and yelling "What happened to Meggie...is she OK .. mommy make her wake up, MAKE HER WAKE UP!"  I remember doing CPR, simultaneously begging her to come back to us and yet knowing in my heart it was already too late.  I remember her twin, also just 3, kneeling at her feet, quietly saying, "Mommy, Meggie not wake up". It was not a question.  It was a statement of spiritual fact.  He knew.

I remember my husband falling down the stairs trying to get the door for what he thought were the EMT's, but was actually a young neighbor who was an EMT who heard the call on the police scanner.  I remember him walking into the room behind me and audibly gasping.  I remember the EMT's arriving, taking over CPR, running frantically into my room to change my clothes, (I still have the sweatshirt I last held her in.  I can't bear to part with it) running outside in bare feet to yell to ambulance to ask which hospital they were taking her to and then flying to the car and nearly running over neighbors who were already flocking to our house to help and support us as I backed out of the driveway.

I have no idea how I drove.  I shouldn't have. I had no idea how to get to the hospital, yet I managed to get there.  It was a Saturday. All I could think was "it's been more than 6 minutes", although none of us knew how long she was under the dresser, knowing on a soul level she was gone, but hoping beyond hope that they would get her back.  Miracles happen, right?

I remember, very vividly, walking into the ER at the local community hospital.  By then, I was having chest pain. Like really serious chest pain, I was pretty sure I was having a heart attack from the stress.  My heart was breaking.  Literally.  I felt it.  It hurts.  Like hell.  I can actually still feel the visceral pain of it when I allow myself to fully go back to that day.  I felt like I'd pass out, my head was spinning, my vision was fuzzy, my legs were as heavy as cement.  Walking was such an effort and so very slow and unsteady. I have no idea how I managed to put one foot in front of the other.  I really thought I was dying myself right then.  I remember the girl at the check in desk, telling her I was here and my daughter was just brought in by ambulance.  She told me they'd be right with me and not to worry, she was sure it would be OK.  I literally almost slapped her across the face.  I wanted to scream at her, "She's dead!  What the hell do you mean it will be f*cking OK?!"

I remember the little room, the kind woman (a nurse or chaplain maybe) who sat with us.  Who brought me ginger ale and tissues, which I asked for in the hopes it would quell the nausea and keep me from passing out because it is nothing short of a miracle I did not hit the floor.  She prayed with us, because clearly, we needed it and there was little else we could do.  I remember talking to our neighbor, also an ER doctor, who was part of the team caring for her.  The look on his face said everything, but they were opting to Life Flight her to a trauma hospital.  He said it didn't look good but they were not giving up yet.

We were allowed to see her before they took her.  I was vaguely aware of the many people around her, yet all I saw was her beautiful face.  I ducked under someone's arm and kissed her, stroked her silky blonde hair and told her I loved her.  That I would see her at the next hospital.  I remember thinking she'd have loved the helicopter ride.  She always wanted to fly. There were tears in the eyes of the staff tending to her.  A few posted on her guest book of the Web site later and their words were so sweet and kind.  I remember one nurse saying she promised me Meggie was well loved and deeply cared for by everyone who tended to her that morning in the ER.

One of the EMT's drove us to the next hospital.  I remember trying to sit in the car seat in the back seat, unable to process that I should remove it and sit in the regular seat or even figure out how to remove the car seat.  I just stood there and stared at it. The EMT did it for us.  He was a wonderful man.  We tried to call at least one family member to let them know what was happening so they could share with others.  I called to see how the boys were doing since we left in chaos, essentially leaving them with people they barely knew.  I was told our babysitter, who knew them well, was already with them and the entire neighborhood was in our house holding vigil.  Family was on their way to our house. It gave me some peace of mind that I needn't worry about them.

When we arrived at the trauma hospital, we were lead to the God-awful room.  You know the one.  Where the priest is waiting with you and your family to hear the words you don't want to hear.  It wasn't long before a very uneasy looking resident and the trauma chief, who had on a lovely Christmas tie (odd what you remember), said something to the effect of "blah, blah, blah...I'm very sorry, but Meghan had died".  It was like the Charlie Brown voice.  Slow and distant and mumbly.  They really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but now it was official. There was no more hope.  It was over.  My baby girl was gone forever.  I couldn't have hurt anymore than I already did.  So I bowed my head, took a deep breath, and asked to see her.  I'm sure I cried but I don't remember.  All I wanted to do at that moment was to see her. It was but a few minutes before the nurse came back and said we were allowed to see her.

Let me say, the pedi trauma nurses rock.  How they do it, I'll never know.  The priest accompanied us. Quite frankly, I found him irritating.  I'm not sure if was just my reaction to her death or if he was really annoying.  He did not comfort me at all.  He read the 23rd Psalm.  It took every ounce of my being not to tell him to shut up.  It did NOT help.  He left. Rather, I dismissed him, thanking him, but not sure what for.

Meggie looked so peaceful.  A true sleeping beauty.  If only a kiss could really bring her back to us!  I actually wish we had a picture of her then.  She was SO beautiful and so at peace.  Her color was better thanks to an hour+ of CPR.  They asked if they could call anyone for us.  I couldn't remember phone numbers.  I couldn't even dial a phone.  They got me a chair so I could sit by the phone and they looked up numbers.  They dialed for me.  They held the phone to my ear because I was shaking so badly I couldn't even hold it.  How do you tell your parents their granddaughter is dead?  They stood behind me with their hands on my shoulders and rubbed my back while I told my parents.  I think they also talked to them since I was likely incoherent.  They called my uncle, the Deacon who baptized her, and asked him to come for me. All I could tell them was his name and what town he lived in, they did the rest.  When he came, I sobbed into his belly.  It was the first good cry I had.  He was my spiritual comfort.  Then I looked up at him and smiled through the tears, a comforting thought and connection coming to me.  "She's with Gram!", I said.  We knew she'd take care of her.

They asked if I'd like to hold her.  Of course, I said yes.  I'd have held her forever if I could have. They got me a rocking chair and they placed her in my arms.  They covered us both with a warm blanket. I rocked her and held her little hand.  So delicate and tiny.  So sweet.  I stared and stared and stared at her face.  It was so surreal.  How could she really be gone?  I kissed her.  Often.  I talked to her.  I cried.  But mostly, I stared at her and loved her. The nurses gave us our space but checked on us often.

The nurses asked if we'd like to make hand/foot prints for us and the boys.  They helped us paint a hand and a foot pink and purple and 'stamp' several pieces of paper with them.  They hang to this day in her brother's rooms. They made a little soft plaster heart and together we imprinted a hand and a foot.  They added a little pink bow.  It sits on our mantle now.  They placed her back on the bed.  Other family members were invited to see her and say good-bye.  Then we had a bit more time with her. After about an hour and a half, they gently encouraged us to say goodbye.  This was as much from a practical physiological stand point as it was psychological for us in need.  We were blessed to have all that time alone in the trauma room with her, with no one else in the ER that morning.  For that, I am grateful.


I left the hospital with a cardboard box that had the painted hand/foot prints, a lock of her hair and the plaster heart.  My own heart shattered into a zillion pieces.  The social worker handed me a brochure on grief.  I just stared at it in disbelief.  As if this little piece of paper was going to help at all.

I remember it was a beautiful day for December.  The sky was blue, it was in the 40's.  I glanced at the sky. Were you up there, Meg?  I wondered where our car was as we waited for my BIL to get his car.  The EMT had driven it home for us.  I stood there in complete shock.  Getting irritated at the smiles on other people's faces. I hated that their child wasn't dead and mine was. It was surreal.  How was I going to tell the boys?  How was I going to do this?  How could I be living this nightmare?  OMG, I have to plan a funeral. For my daughter!  This couldn't be real. Yet, I knew it was.  So painfully real.

I had to come home and tell my boys, on the kitchen floor of a neighbors house, where they immediately clamored into my lap hoping for good news, that she had died.  The pain on their faces exponentially deepened my own pain.  How could a 3 and 6-year old comprehend the death of their sister when their parents were struggling so much?  We came home, without our Meggie.  And our lives have never, ever been the same.

I sat on the couch and stared at the Christmas tree, snuggled with her twin.  I sat.  I stared.  That's all I did. For hours. I couldn't function.  I didn't want to function.  Family wisely left me alone.  They gathered down stairs and did their own grieving.  I think there was pizza.  We went into Meggie's room.  Her twin gently and methodically cleaned up all the clothes she had thrown all over the room, put her toys away.  All on his own. When he was done, he quietly said, "There".  He continued to talk to her and play with her.  It was comforting to know that just maybe, he *could* still see her.  My husband turned the dresser to the wall so the drawers could not open and it couldn't tip again.

I was starting to get pissed.  When darkness fell, I went outside and swung on her favorite swing under the stars.  I wondered what they looked like from the other side.  I thought about how she always wanted to 'fly in the sky!'  I started to cry.  Sob.  Loud, uncontrollable sobs.  Finally.  I was able to release that pain, the grief, the sadness of the day.  God and the Universe got a loud what for that night, directed toward the sky. I screamed, I cried, I threw myself on the ground in complete and utter despair and sobbed some more. Neighborhood dogs barked like crazy at my outburst.  I didn't care.  My daughter was dead.  It was wrong. It was unfair.  It was my fault.  It hurt.  So.  Damn. Much.

I come back to the present now, and sit on her floor.  I take out her jammies.  The ones she was wearing that day.  Cut off by the EMT's.  I lay them out on the floor.  They look so small now.  I lay next to them.  I imagine she's with me.  Can you see her?  I touch them.  I smell them.  I cry.  Because although she may be with me in spirit, she is not here physically.  I miss her.



I open the 'purple bin'.  The one that holds all the cards and little gifts we received, the trinkets left for her, the guest book from her wake.  I go through them.  Bolstered by the outpouring of love and support we received.  I go through her clothes.  Remembering what she loved about each thing.  What I loved about each thing.  I hold the little red velvet skirt with white embroidery and the black turtleneck sweater I bought for her to wear for Christmas that year.  It still has the tags, for she died before she could ever wear it.  She'd have been so pretty in it! I hold the Marie, the cat from the Aristocats, one of her favorite movies.  A Christmas gift she never saw either, but would have been SO excited to have.  I slept with one of her stuffed kitties last night.

I wrap myself in the quilt made of her clothes, I snuggle one of her stuffed kitties, I smell it, hoping to smell her again.  Of course now it's been too long, but I still try.  I look at her windows, still smeared with her finger prints, now dusty and even a wee bit moldy in spots, yet I cannot bear to clean them. I close my eyes and I quietly try to be with her.  Her memory, her spirit, her essence.  There are tears.  There are smiles.

There are more tears. I open her dresser drawers and wonder how the hell she managed to tip it over.  What was she doing?  Why was she doing it? What did she think?  What did she feel?  Was she scared?  How a zillion other things could have happened and she'd have survived, but the pure physics of the situation instead led to a tragic outcome.  I ask an unanswered, why?  Why her?  Why me?  Why this way? Why at all?  The why's get more angry and insistent.  Why, why, why, why WHY?!

That was only the beginning of a long and painful road, 8 years long today.  One I will walk for the rest of my life.  Without my daughter.  One that *I* could have prevented.

So, when people ask me why they should secure their furniture, I'd like to tell them this story.  I'd like for them to feel what it's like to live with the pain, the guilt, the hole in your heart.  Maybe if the words don't compel you to do something, perhaps raw, visceral emotion will.  Perhaps knowing what your life might be like if you don't will motivate you. I don't, of course.  Who would listen?  Besides, it takes too long and is too painful to re-live that often.  Feel free to direct them here if you think it will help motivate them to action.

Here is my rant:  What really pisses me off is knowing people who know us, who knew her, who came to her wake and funeral, who have heard her story, who have children or children who visit their home and still choose to do nothing.  The people who I ask to share the links to her Web site and Facebook page, especially on this day, and don't.  That hurts me.  Deeply. I don't get it.  I just don't.  I'd be lying to say there are not times where I wonder WTF?  Why not their kid?  (and immediately hate myself for that thought) Why mine?  Why not try to help someone else even if you don't believe it's a risk for you or your children? Everyone has furniture.  Nearly everyone has a TV.  Every child is at risk. And why the hell do so many people think 'it' can't happen to them?  Ignorance is not bliss!  It's stupid!  If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.  It doesn't matter who 'you' are or what 'it' is!

I'll never know all the answers.  The simply answer to why Meghan died is because her dresser was not secured.  $5 and 15 minutes would have saved her life. It's that simple. Why she died when dressers have fallen on so many other children who were luckier and were not injured is not for me to answer.  I'm glad for them that they were so fortunate.  I hate that it was my daughter and our family that were the ones who it happened to and had deadly consequences.

All I can do now is try to educate as many people as I can about these dangers so it never happens to another child again.  So no mother ever feel the pain I do.  So no one need bury their child because of something that could have easily been prevented.

No one should have to experience what I did 8 years ago today.  No one.  If everyone secured their furniture and TV's, no one would ever know the pain of this tragedy again.  Just do it.

So, I ask you.  Have you shared Meghan's story with everyone you can?  Have you secured ALL of your furniture and your TV's?  Even if your children are older, do younger children visit your home?  You must consider them, too.  Have you 'liked' the Meghan's Hope Facebook page so you can be informed of all manner of child safety information?  Have you been to www.meghanshope.org? What about those at the homes of friends and family where your child visits, are furniture and TV's secured in their homes?  Yes? Thank you, thank you, thank you.  No?  I'm sorry, but WTF is wrong with you?  Most days, I don't judge. Today, I do.  Today, when I'm so deep in the pain I just can't fathom why anyone wouldn't do anything they can to avoid ever knowing this horror.  I just don't get it.

Current statistics are that 71 children are injured every single day from a falling piece of furniture or TV.  More than 30 every year lose their lives.  Even one death or injury is too many.  I am not the only parent who has lost a child this way and none of us knew of the dangers or thought it could happen to us. This is why I want you to help me raise awareness.  These numbers are likely underestimated due to reporting methods as not all of these injuries and deaths are reported as being due to tip-over accidents. They can ALL be prevented!  You can see an infographic here.

Thank you for listening.  Now, "You listen to Meggie"!  (which is what she was telling me when this picture was taken just weeks before she died)
December 18th, 2013
It's now been 9 years.  When I first posted this, I intended for the few people who read my blog (mostly friends) to understand what I went through on this day and to compel them to share her Facebook page so lives could be saved.  In a matter of days, it went viral.  It is my hope, with your help, that will happen again this year.  So many more people are aware of these dangers now, but so many more are not.  You all have more friends on Facebook than you did a year ago and they have more friends and so on.  Think of all the lives that could be saved!  Thank you for your help!

I've also begun that book.  I've got several chapters written and hope to have it print by this time next year. Thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me.   It is also my hope that with your help, we'll never have to hear another story like Meghan's.  That no more children will die from falling furniture or TV's.

~Kim


1,612 comments:

  1. I came here through a friends facebook page.

    I know nothing I can say will help with the pain and guilt you feel, but if a strangers hugs, love, and prayers for peace this holiday season are of any help, you have them.

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    1. Thank you, Lauria. Your love and prayers do help and are much appreciated.
      Kim

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    2. I came here through a friends facebook page as well.. And as I'm reading this tears are just streaming and cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are going through. I am so sorry for your loss and I am going to bolt all my kids dressers to the wall. My heart aches for you and I do hope you find some kind of peace. Sending prayers your way and God Bless...

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    3. I read this from a friends facebook page, a similar situation had happened to my exes family and I have never thought of it until now. how naive of me. I know nothing can take away your pain, hurt, guilt, but I can promise I will be sending this story everywhere...and this is my NY resolution. I will have every dresser and large furniture secured before that ball drops. your daughter is so beautiful, and your so strong to share your story and carry on her life, giving it such a great meaning! We will never know why, but Meggie knows her mom is amazing and is doing everything she can to help Meggie save lives! My prayers are with you!!!

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    4. I also read this from a friends page...I am now cuddled up, sleeping with my 4 year old girl on her bottom bunk, squeezing her tight(I had to evict a few teddy bears to make room :)...Kim...I'm sorry...<3

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    5. This is so timely!!! We were just moving a VERY large, dollhouse bookcase into my daughter's room. My four year old boy started to climb up on it before we moved it. I scolded him sharply and told him he could die if it fell over on him. I have a two year old son as well as an eight year old daughter. I called my husband immediatly after reading your blog and told him to secure it! I'm so sorry for your loss seems so trite. Your daughter is beautiful!

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  2. I will be anchoring my little girls dresser tomorrow. Iam so deeply sorry for your loss.

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    1. Thank you, LaRae. And thank you for anchoring your daughter's dresser!
      Kim

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  3. my heart is so broken for you I am going to the store RIGHT now to use that 5$ and 15 minutes!

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    1. Thank you, Ashley. I'm so glad to hear Meghan's story touched you and moved you to take the time I didn't.
      Kim

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  4. I have a three year old and I'm feeling really silly right now because this has never crossed my mind. He has a dresser and a rather large bookcase that will be secured by tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the check.

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    1. Thank you, Chris. I'm just glad you found your way to the information that can save your son's life. Many thanks.
      Kim

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  5. Thank you for sharing this. I am so sorry for your loss. I thank you for sharing your pain. I am going to secure all the furniture asap.

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  6. I posted a link to your story on the community of mothers I belong to (a site called babycenter), and the post got over twenty comments of women saying they're securing their furniture very soon. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I thank for sharing this.

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. Thank you also for sharing it on babycenter and helping us raise awareness and save lives! I appreciate it so much!
      Kim

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  7. Also, many of them reposted the link to facebook. You are not being ignored!! :)

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  8. As I read this, Meghan's name was ringing a bell. We received a safety handout in 2005 at our childbirth education class, and I distinctly remember the tragic story it outlined, of a little girl killed by a fallen dresser. We were haunted by the story and swore we would do what we could to prevent anything like that from happening to our baby. Several months later, we hired a childproofing expert to walk through our house and identify potential dangers, and took the time to purchase and install the proper safety devices. Other parents teased us for being overly cautious- after all, THEY grew up without carseats or bicycle helmets, and THEY turned out okay. It is infuriating to me when parents take this attitude, that if they don't know someone personally impacted by a tragic accident, the danger must not exist for them. I cannot imagine how much more painful that flippant attitude must be for those who actually experienced the tragedy. I am so, so sorry for your loss. And I am here to tell you to keep telling your story, because you ARE making a difference. We heard your message, we took it seriously, and we have kept our children safe in our home. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you so much! Was I your childbirth educator? (UMass Memorial?) Many of my fellow educators also hand out her brochure as well. It always does my heart good to know Meghan's story is saving lives. Peace.
      Kim

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  9. I shared with my facebook friends! Such a sad story and I'm sorry you've had to endure such pain, I couldn't imagine losing my baby (3y/o)! All of our stuff that could hurt her like this has been anchored into the walls for quite some time now, but I for sure appreciate you trying to raise awareness! <3

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Dara. I'm so glad to hear your furniture is anchored!

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  10. I was lucky...when my daughter was two, she knocked a TV off its stand and luckily it fell next to her, not on her. I was awake, in the next room, and heard it hit the floor. But I have to admit that, had it landed on her, I don't know if I could have saved her. TVs were still huge then. Thank you for sharing your family's story in such a beautifully written, yet heart-wrenching way. I'm sure you and Meggie have saved many more lives than you know. Bless you both xo

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    1. Terri, I'm so glad to hear your daughter was not injured! I just posted a video on the Meghan's Hope Facebook page about TV tip-overs from SafeKids USA that is fantastic. TV's are as dangerous as falling furniture to kids! Thank you for your words of support.
      Kim

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  11. I am so sorry about what you've been through, there are no words, but I admire how you've shared your own words and thoughts here. You're keeping her memory alive, honoring your history and experiences, and trying to save other beautiful souls like her. I read every word, and I too would have never bolted down a small dresser like that.

    You're a great writer, and a wonderful mother. Please know that. I wish I could do something, anything that would undo your loss but know that your writing has made me take less for granted and encouraged me to be more vigilant about life's little dangers. Huge hugs to you and yours and thank you for sharing Meggie with us, what a gorgeous child.

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  12. Kim, may God bless you and your family. THANK YOU for making me aware of this potential danger. I just shared your story with my Husband and we too will be securing all of our furniture today. I too will pray for you to find peace.

    Thank you Meggie...

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    1. Thank you, Laura. I am so happy you found your way here and your children will be safer for it.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  13. Oh, a Mom from our Mom's Group ( Baby Center) shared this precious link with us. We are here with you Kimberly. {{{Hugs}}}

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  14. I read this story today and wanted to tell you that your words have moved me. A lot of our bigger furniture is anchored to the wall, but, like you, the smaller pieces I have always thought would be ok to not be anchored. I have certainly learned my lesson. Today is a cleaning day anyway and we will be securing every piece of furniture and TV in the house. I am so so so incredibly sorry for your loss of your precious Meggie. My thoughts & prayers will be with your family. I will be sending this story to all I know and encouraging them to also anchor their furniture.

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    1. Thank you, Carmen. That is exactly what I wish for!

      Peace,
      Kim

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  15. Oh my goodness! Your baby girl looks like my 3 year old son...except with hair. I had tears pouring down my face after reading this post. I put him in his bedroom for timeouts and he is alone in there with an un-anchored dresser about every other day. Plus bedtime and early morning playing. I immediately went into my garage and found two 2 1/4" inch eyebolts and a handful of zip ties. I screwed one to the dresser and one to the wall stud and secured it with 4 zip ties. This is obviously not cpsc approved but my 180 lb body couldn't tip it, and my 7 year old put his feet on the wall and pulled with all his weight and the dresser isn't budging.

    My 3 year old is a climber and I don't know why I didn't think about this before. Your post could have very well saved my son from injury or death. Thank you so much. Your daughter is beautiful and has touched my household with her story.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your support. I am so happy to hear another child is safer!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  16. She is an Angel indeed! Words fail me! Your pain touched me deeply. I will be your advocate.

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  17. Will be anchoring my son and daughters furniture tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart and your family's story.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for taking the time to message me and make your home safer.

      Peace,
      kim

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  18. Dear Meggie's mom,
    I am a mom..is all I can say..I am so sorry for your loss yet I am so proud of you to find your courage to do what tour doing. Even in your deepest time of loss and grief you are reaching out to help others. How proud she must be of her momma. God BLess and God will see you through until you see her again. She is angel for all of us to share.
    Love and God Bless
    Jana

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  19. You are such a brave woman and mother.. i pray you find peace and believe God needed your beautiful baby for some reason ypu won't know until the end.. im sure that doesnt make you feel ANY better (it wouldnt me) but i will include you and your family in my prayers ill also share your story as muxh as i can and anchor my sons furniture 2m .. i will be thinking og Meggie the whole time. Bless your heart and soul. from one mama to another.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. So glad to hear your son will be safer!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  20. I just wanted to let you know I read this, and am sharing. I can only imagine your pain in my very worst of nightmares, but I felt it for you while reading this. Shed lots of tears while reading this today for you and your loss. I wish I had better words of comfort, but instead will just share in hopes no other parent has to suffer through the same pain. You're in our prayers.

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    Replies
    1. Angela and Scott, sharing is the best comfort you can give me today! Thank you.

      Peace,
      Kim

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  21. I lost my brother in 2003, he was handicapped, and my grandmother found him unresponsive in his bed. He was much older than Meggie, and there was always the possibility that this could happen, but reading this story was like reliving that day. The haze, panic and raw emotion all comes bubbling back to the surface like you're in the moment. Being a mother now I can't imagine how my mother kept going, how she woke up the next day and everyday after that; I will anchor my son's furniture for Meggie. I am so sorry for your loss she was beautiful.

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    1. Alexandra,

      I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother. My boys know the loss of a sibling is like no other, I'm sure it's been hard for you. I, too, send you wishes for peace and thank you for making your home safer.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  22. Mine are all anchored to the wall, and I am so sorry for your loss. And I feel a like-pain: my dear 5 year old son died of cancer in February after an exhausting 18-month battle. Though our circumstances are very different, I completely relate to a lot of what you say here. It's painful when your so-called friends don't seem to want to share your child's story, no matter how much you beg or plead with them to do so. Best wishes to you and your family.

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    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I often say it doesn't matter why a child died, to that parent, they never thought it would be them. There is no worse loss. My heart aches for you. Sending you peace.
      Kim

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  23. As I sit here bawling my eyes out, looking at my two year old son, all I can think about is the mornings I've slept in while he played in his room. We will definitely be taking a long look at the way we do things and around our house for dangers we never knew existed! Thank you so much for sharing your heartbreaking story. You are an amazingly brave and strong mother! You and your family will surely by in our prayers!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Katie. So glad to hear Meghan is helping to make your home safer!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  24. I am sobbing as I write this. I can't imagine the pain and grief your family has gone through and still experiences. I will be passing this along via my facebook page. I have a grand-daughter the same age as your Meggie was, she is the light of my daughter and son-in-laws life as well as so many others. I also have a younger grand-daughter just learning to climb and be more independent. I'm not sure if the dressers in their rooms are secured to the wall, they may be...but in the off chance that they are not...or if they know others who do not have the dresser secured hopefully your story will encourage them to take a few minutes and change that. Thank you for your strength in sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Gloria. I appreciate your sharing Meghan's story and keeping your grandchildren safe! Peace,
      Kim

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  25. Thank you for sharing this heartbreak to warn others. We are.walking out the door after reading your story and we are going to the store to purchase the items to anchor his furniture. thank you. I'm sorry for your loss but thank you so much for putting your energy to warn others. God bless

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for making your home a safer place!
      Kim

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  26. Tears are filling my eyes. I am so very sorry for your loss - but I am encouraged how you "embrace" grief rather than run from it.
    I don't have kids yet so I had no idea about securing furniture to the wall. I will definitely make sure that's one of the first things I do when I prepare a room for my future children. Thank you so very much.

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    1. Thank you, Alicia. Good luck to you when it's time to make those babies! :-)
      Kim

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  27. Thank you so much for sharing this. You are an amazing strong woman. I shared thru my facebook so more and more people can be aware of the dangers and we are chaning things at our house and grandparents houses also. Much love and prayers from Wiggins CO. Meggie is a beautiful angle.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jessica. It's not about strength, it's about love. So happy to hear your home will be safer now!
      Kim

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  28. This breaks my heart. I have 3 year old twins who's dresser has also fallen on them. Thankfully they were not hurt and I have it attached to the wall. I'm so sorry for your loss and hope other parents take this seriously.

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad they were not hurt! Please share so others are kept safe, too!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  29. Thank you for sharing your story so that other children can be safe and that their loved ones will not have to suffer as you have. Very selfless thing to do. May God bless you and daily strengthen your heart and ease your grief.

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  30. Will be re-anchoring our furniture (I did something wrong and the anchors came out of the wall in the play room!). I am an auntie who has already lost a nephew at birth. I could not bear another loss!
    Will be going to my brothers' & sisters' houses with anchoring kits!!
    Thank you for sharing your Meggie with us. I am so very sorry for your loss. (which sounds so weak...but is heartfelt)

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    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your nephew. Sending love and light to your family. Thank you for making their homes safer! Common mistakes with anchors are that they are not secured into a stud in the wall (they need to be) or the anchoring device is not appropriate to hold the weight of the furniture adequately. Safety First makes an excellent furniture strap.

      Peace,
      Kim

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  31. I will pray for you and your family. I will pray for the Lord to give you strength to carry and deal with the unimaginable blow you have been dealt.
    Your little angel is beautiful. You have motivated me to teach people to anchor their children's furniture to the wall. This tragedy could have happened to anyone. I raised 3 kids and never anchored a single piece of furniture to the wall.
    Please let go of any guilt you may harbor. You didn't do anything wrong. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter but applaud you for becoming an advocate of children's safety.
    God Bless You!

    Love,

    Robin

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    1. Thank you, Robin. So glad to hear you will share Meghan's story. The reality is you never know if it will happen to you, so prevention is the only medicine.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  32. I finished reading this and literally walked out to my car and drove to home depo. While there I told the workers about what I had just read and how I needed the supplies. My girls dress and TV are now secured into the wall. Thank you for taking such a tragedy and using it to help other families. You and your family will forever being in my prayers.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I can't tell you how happy that makes me!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  33. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sure it is not easy to share, let alone live with. My deepest sympathies on your loss. Although I am sure it is a small consolation, your story opened my eyes. As soon as I finished reading this, I sent my husband to the hardware store for anchoring kits. While we had already anchored larger furniture and TVs, I never considered my two toddlers' small dressers to be a danger. My husband is upstairs anchoring them right now as I type this. Thank you again for sharing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lee, for your message. I'm so glad to hear your home will be safer!
      Peace,
      kim

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  34. By the time I got to the third paragraph my husband was on his way upstairs to the kids' room with the tool kit. Thank you. God bless you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I am so happy to hear that!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  35. My children are older (13, 10 and 8) and our bigger furniture is still secured to the wall. We don't like to take chances.

    It breaks my heart that you and your family had to live through this. Tears flowed down my face as I read your story. I hope sometime, somehow, you will find some peace.

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  36. Wow. Tears are flowing. What an elegant expression of love. I lost my first born son, born prematurely. I can relate 100% to your description of the hospital, certain people who wanted to 'help', but the fog-like feeling that I had of not being really connected to reality. Almost like I was viewing it from the outside and mechanically going through the 'expected' motions. That was over 20 years ago for me, but I do go through a yearly ritual and bring back the pain in order to experience it, remember him and move forward. I know that I will never understand 'why' in this life, and parts of me will always share some of the 'blame'. I am now comfortable, as I can be, with the fact that I will see him again someday, and some things are beyond me fully understanding. I wish you peace.

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    Replies
    1. Rhonda,

      I'm so sorry about the loss of your son. I'm glad you keep his memory so close to your heart. I'm sure he keeps watch over you.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  37. My wife read this story and asked me to check our stuff. We hadn't anchored her dresser, because we didn't have the brackets that were big enough to reach it at the time, and she was just a newborn at the time so we couldn't imagine her pulling it down on herself. Now that she's older, I found some larger brackets and secured it to a stud. It's not moving. Thanks for sharing your story. It's made at least one toddler safer today.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Ryan. I'm so glad to hear your children are safer now.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  38. My heart is heavy after reading your story. I also woke up on the morning of December 10, 2002 to find my 15 year old Son lying lifeless on the floor of his bedroom. You so eloquently wrote about my feelings. The worst thing that could happen to a mother! I pray the Lord would continue to mend your broken heart. You would never be the same again but you would eventually learn to live and function n your NEW NORMAL!

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    Replies
    1. Myna,

      Oh, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. May you find peace as well. It's true, there is a new normal. I think there is comfort in knowing us moms who lost our children are not alone in our grief.

      Peace,
      Kim

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  39. I found this story through a link on babycenter and it literally breaks my heart that you had to go through that. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can't imagine going through losing my baby girl and hope that I never have to. My baby is only 7 weeks old but I will absolutely be anchoring her dresser or any other furniture to a wall when she gets older. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tamara. So glad to hear your daughter will be safer. Why not do it now? Why wait? :-)

      peace,
      Kim

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  40. I cried from start to finish (and after). My heart aches for you. Thank you for sharing your story and "I listened to Meggie"... we will be securing furniture asap!

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    Replies
    1. Denise,

      Thank you! Meggie would pat you on the head and be very happy to know you listened to her!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  41. I can't imagine how painful this is for you and I am so grateful that you shared your story as much as it hurts. I have a wild 10 month old who is fast and into everything and I would have never thought to bolt down furniture. But now that I think about it, I realize how she pulls herself up on everything and how easily it could tip over onto her. We will be bolting down as much furniture as possible asap. Thank you and God Bless you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Your baby is lucky to have a mama who found this information!
      Peace,
      kim

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  42. Thank you so, so much for sharing this. I don't have any children of my own but I have many friends with toddlers and nieces and nephews that visit me. I'll be securing my bookcases and TV tomorrow and I've shared this on facebook. Very powerful post.

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  43. To Meggie's Family,

    I can not express in words how Meggie may be gone from your family, but changing the lives of many. How it breaks my heart to hear of your pain that you go thru the tears did not stop. I felt as if I was there with you by your moving words- you should continue to keep her spirit alive with your writings! As a mom of 5, I can relate to your story, however we were lucky that our 3 year old who was trying to get a nuk off the dresser for her newborn brother tipped over the dresser I thought she never could. I heard a loud bang, then a blood hurdling scream- she was saved by the rocker and otteman. To this day everything in our home is anchored! It is like Fort Knox- Parents shoud be aware of anything in their home that can tip- entertainment stands, TVs, shelves, adult bedroom furniture I cant urge enough on the words ANYTHING THAT CAN TIP, EVEN THO YOU THINK DIFFERENT! some say I am silly, but after what we almost lost~ being overprotective is not a bad thing. I will continue to pray for your family, I will look forward to following your stories- All I can say is that she does live on with what you are doing- making other parents aware of a prevention that can save lives. God Bless you all-

    Jodee

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jodee. I'm so glad to hear your daughter was not seriously injured! Thank you for sharing Meghan's Hope!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  44. Thanks for posting this Kimberly and I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. Thank you for sharing your story. We're going to secure our daughter's furniture because of this story. Thank you.

    Jessi

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jessi. I'm so glad to hear that!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  45. I too saw this on a friends page and am sharing as well. I keep our dressers downstairs in my room (which is key locked). However I do have an empty dresser in the closet of the room my 2&4 yr old share that will be removed immediately. (I don't keep dressers in the kids' rooms because they empty all the clean clothes out).

    I'm so sorry for your loss, and hope that your story will save a childs life.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jessica. Please know it's not just dressers, but all furniture.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  46. My heart breaks for you all. I read your story from start to finish. My children are 11 and 14 and cannot tell you how many times we thought about falling furniture when they were small. I never would have thought a piece as small as the one in your beautiful daughter's room could have caused such harm. You are a wonderful, loving mother who didn't deserve to go through and continue to go through such agony and heartache. I will keep you all in a special place of my heart. So many of us were just lucky that it didn't happen to us. You have a message that all parents should act upon. Peace to you all - Chris

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Chris. Your words are touching and appreciated.
      Peace,
      Kim

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  47. Thank you for your gift of sharing. You have saved many lives I'm sure.
    My deepest condolences.
    BTW, how are your boys doing?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! My boys are doing well. Now 14 and 11. His twin misses her, but very much keeps her memory alive. Thank you for asking!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  48. My heart aches for you! Thank you for writing this. I will be securing my daughter's furniture this week! I have also shared it on FB and with a mommy group I am in.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Elaine. I am so glad to hear that!
      Peace,
      Kim

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  49. I am so heartbroken for you!! She was absolutely beautiful.

    I am considered paranoid by everyone because I anchor the furniture, use the rear facing car seat as long as possible, etc. Why is making things the safest possible for your children comes across as paranoid I will never understand.

    We have all big furniture, all TV's and all the furniture in both boy's rooms anchored.

    I do not understand friends and family. Ours would also be the type not to share or anchor furniture themselves. We started a fundraiser for both our autistic boys for help paying for therapies (health insurance does not cover autism) like speech and ABA and help for rent as our house is in foreclosure and not a single family member or friend (except for one) has shared our fundraiser, contacted us, asked how we are doing when we have seen them over the holidays, etc. Guess they all want to pretend they never received the email. It is so odd. So I sort of understand your thinking with your situation.

    I will be sharing your story!

    Much love to you and yours! You will be in my thoughts for a long while I am betting.

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  50. I came here through a friend's FB post. I, too, have b/g twins. I cried through your entire post. The only furniture in our house that isn't secured is their dressers. Needless to say, it will be done this week.

    Is Meghan's Hope a non=profit? If so, I would like to talk to you about making a donation. Please contact me at CandyCain@wedeliverwellness.com. God bless you and your family.

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  51. Last year there was a story of a little girl who recovered from a brain injury after pulling her dresser over onto herself. My neighbor came over the day I read her story and bolted our 7' bookcase to our wall for me. If I remember right it was just some kind of strap and some long screws into the stud. We've tested our children's dressers and felt confident about them, but the fact is that it's not worth it. I will have my husband bolt their dressers tomorrow. My heart aches for you.

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  52. This is heart wrenching. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. In her memory, I will make sure that all furniture is secure in my home.

    God Bless....

    <3

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  53. May the Lord keep and bless her., I will tell friends to secure furnitures as well. God bless you and your family.

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  54. It never ever crossed my mind to secure the dressers. Thank you for sharing your story and saving lives in the process. I will be securing the furniture in my house tomorrow. Prayers and love.

    Nicole

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  55. this broke my heart in two. i am weeping. for you, your loss, your little angel. i have no words. but, please know that (thanks to robynnest posting this on facebook) i'll be strapping things down and spreading the word in the hopes of preventing this horrific thing from happening to someone else. sending you all love and light.

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  56. My heart is literally aching for you right now, as a mom to an 8, 4, and 7 month old, though this is hard for me to even say because the reason is so tragic, Thank You for sharing your story. I will be anchoring everything. God Bless you and your family.

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  57. Wow... my heart is breaking as I grieve along with you. I have a 2 1/2 year old who could easily pull something over on himself and I'm so glad you've shared this to make me stop and think about the real danger that can happen to anyone's child... and I'm so sorry it was yours. I will be securing a few bookshelves around our home and have shared this link with a mom's group that I'm a part of. Thank you for using your story to teach others. And you write beautifully by the way... I think a book could definitely be amazing, and what an amazing legacy you'd leave in her honor. God bless you and your family.

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  58. Dear Kim,

    We lost our daughter this year due to complications of prematurity. She was a twin and her twin brother is now 9 months old. We have been waiting to secure the furniture until he is more mobile. After reading your story we will be bolting everything ASAP. Knowing the pain of loosing a child is bad enough, we won't take the risk. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  59. Firstly, I would like to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. As a mother I can not even fathom the death of my son. You are a remarkable and brave woman for sharing your story. If there can be any solice in this, please know that your daughter's death was not in vain. By telling your story you have saved the lives and prevented the injuries of countless children. It's sad that it takes a tragedy like yours to make people realize how important child safety is, but the message is getting out and that's what is important. Thank you so much for sharing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure your daughter is looking down, beaming with pride for her mommy. God bless.

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  60. Our 200lb tv fell on my daughter at 2.5...i know that fear...she was in the house with her dad...it was on her just a couple of seconds and the Lord is the only one Tht saved her Im crying hard bc of this story...but everything heavy is secure in my house now

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  61. I came here from a FB link. I didn't know why it demanded moms of little ones to come here, but I came. My kids are all older, my youngest being 12. I sincerely believe it was your story that finally got our china cabinet secured to the wall many years ago. Our kids' dressers always were.
    It was very hard to read your story as you partially blamed yourself. I kept wanting to tell you no.
    Thank you for sharing, and may God watch over you and your family, and help you all with your loss.

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  62. Thank you for sharing your story. When my son was 2 he was playing at his grandparents house and pulled the un-anchored fireplace mantel over on himself. He was life flighted to a Childrens Hospital about an hour and a half from where we live. They lost him twice on life flight and he was in the NICU on life support for 6 days. He now has a plate that covers the frontal lobe of his brain. Securing furniture is something I don't think a lot of people think about...I sure as hell never thought anything about it until 3 years ago when I got a phone call from my father in law that I will never forget. I have shared your story on my fb page and will pray for your family. PARENTS...ANCHOR YOUR FURNITURE!

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  63. May God bless all you and your family. I think that you all have amazing strength to take such a tragedy and turn it into something that may very well save more lives than you'll ever know. I know that Meghan is looking down and smiling (and sending you hearts in the clouds) and watching over you all. I will pass on your story, and thank you for sharing your heart wrenching story with the world.

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  64. There but for the grace of God go I.......that was my thought as I read through tears your story. I will pass this on. Thank you for sharing Meghan's story and by openly sharing your pain. I am truly sorry for the loss of your daughter.

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  65. thank you for the heart wrenching reminder that i should take the time to secure our furniture. i am beyond destroyed that you had to go through this. it made me cry, i got mad with you, i asked why as well. it just isn't fair. i wish you didn't have this story to tell. i wish i could do something for you, but all i can do is secure our furniture with meggie in mind. she sends a powerful message. i am so sorry.

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  66. I have a three year old, and her dresser is getting anchored tomorrow morning. Im so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine what i would do if that happened to my daughter. Worst part is, ive caught her climbing it. Its going to be secured every which way to her wall now

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  67. Kimberly, As with all the other posts, I am also sitting here with tears pouring down my face. When my son was 3 1/2, he wanted to get his elmo off of the top of the entertainment center we had in the playroom. He was playing with his 2 1/2 year old brother when we heard the loud crash and the blood curling scream.When we got into the room, the entire entertainment center was on top of him along with the 100 lb TV set that was in there. I was 6 months pregnant and used everything I had in me to lift that off of him as it was laying right at his neck. I just remember him crying and thanking god that he was doing so because it could have killed him instantly. My other son was was throwing up in the next room and the only thing that I saw was wrong was that his arm was severly broken. I to relive that day like it was this morning and just think that it could have been so much worse. The minute we got home from the hospital, the entertainment center was broken into a hundred pieces, the tv was thrown away and we got latches to secure every piece of furniture in the house. Bless you a thousand times over for this post to let people know that just because we grew up with nothing like these horrible things happening does not mean that it does not happen.

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  68. I'm so sorry. I don't have enough words to say how sorry I am for your loss. Meggie is beautiful. I am sharing her story. And making my husband anchor all furniture in our house ASAP. Love and prayers to you and your family. <3

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  69. I am bawling while I write this and am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I will go out in the morning and get everything I need to secure all our furniture to the walls. Having a 3 year old and 1 year old myself I can tell you that your story is helping one this family make our house a safer place for my boys. thank you for sharing Meggie's story.

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  70. My heart is absolutely broken for you and your family. We bought the anchors and just haven't installed them out of forgetfulness. I'll be setting them all up tomorrow.

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  71. I cried my eyes out while reading your story and had to stop multiple times to clear my eyes enough to continue reading. I can't imagine the amount of pain and I wish there was something I could do to bring her back for you. What I can do is promise to secure all furniture in my house when I have children (which is hopefully in the next few years.) I've also shared this on my Facebook and tagged quite a few of the parents I know, to spread the word as much as possible. I'm sending my love and prayers your way. I'll pray that my Grandmother Ruth also flies by to say hello to Gram and Meggie. <3

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  72. So sorry to hear about your tragic loss. I have an 18 month old boy and twins on the way. I would have never thought about anchoring his dresser, but I will get on that immediately. You are very brave to share your story like this, but I think you make a great impact on a lot of people. I hope that the countless lives you have saved help to alleviate some of your pain. It will never bring your daughter back, but it will spare many families from experiencing your grief. God Bless you and your family, and may you never experience pain like this again.

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  73. Hugs!!!

    thanks for reaching beyond your pain and trying to secure the future of many other kids.

    Meggie is very very proud of you.

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  74. I came across this page on fb, one of my friends shared it. I was crying uncontrollably as I read your story..... after reading I had to go hug my 4 yr old daughter (Lylah) and kiss her cheek. First I want to say thank you for sharing your daughters story (she is very beautiful by the way). I have a 4 yr old daughter and a 12 wk old son. I never thought about something like that happening. I WILL be going to walmart tomorrow to get the hardware to secure all large furniture to the wall. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that you and Meggie have saved many, many lives! I will be sharing your story and telling everyone I know to anchor their futniture. I know there is nothing I can say to comfort you. I can not imagine what you are going through and the pain you have to re-live every day. All I can say is God needed another beautiful angel that day. I am and will be praying for you and your family......

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  75. We had got rid of the kids tvs and their dressers a few years ago but have recently bought new dressers. Today hubby will be bolting them to the wall and the bookcase. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us to take $5 and 15 minutes to prevent this from happening.

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  76. Honestly I think this page may have just saved my daughters life. You see my daughter is currently 2.5 yrs old. We are a military family and in the middle of a move so we have government furniture - ours is off in shipping land. 3 days ago I found my daughter in the 3rd drawer up of a 5 drawer dresser that the government had given us for her room. All I could think is thank god that is a heavy piece of furniture and it didn't tip. The moment I read this article I removed the dresser from her room and locked it in our bedroom as I can't secure it (it's not ours). Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I didn't think it could happen, but after reading your story I won't risk it. It's not worth it. My family is sending you all of our love and prayers from across the ocean in Okinawa Japan. You can sure as heck bet that as soon as we're in our next home we'll be at the hardware store making it safe. Thank you for sharing your story, it's incredibly brave and know that what you're doing matters. Love and Prayers xxx

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  77. though you (of course) do not know me, i am worried and hopeful that you still read these... for you have not responded in quite some time to these posts.i hope that your other children are well. know that you are loved and will be remembered for this excruciating experience. i have gone through 8 preggies and have only one child...my miracle baby <3.... sometime ago i thought to myself...what if???(and several of these types of scenarios come through so often) i was going through such ptsd about gone babies...or babies that i would never get to touch,or hold, or kiss and hug... i still find myself having horrible anxiety about such horrors and wake up at night just wanting to disappear...i hold my son so tight that I'M scared that i will be the cause of such unspeakable things. your baby-girl is loved. and I am thankful that i did think of the small things.i too(like every other stay at home mum) wanted to just sleep, just for a few more moments...and have done so...and when something small happened i chastised myself so harshly inside((WTF were you thinking?!?! ) i would ask myself.i am glad i read your story...know that you are loved and Meggie will never be forgotten,even by those who did not have the glorious chance of meeting her. We love you guys...i hope that you will have or have found some semblance of peace..

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  78. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Thank you for telling your story so that others may remember her and also make changes in their own homes for the safety of their children.

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  79. I am so sorry for your loss. I have 2 boys. My oldest,8, was never a climber but I did the safety things everywhere. Now my baby,1, is a climber but my hubby never wanted to put the safety things I brought to the new house( I raised #1 by myself since his dad & I separated before he was born). I showed him this after a friend posted it on fb. He is ( at 8:00 am) in our babies room, hooking the dresser & bookshelf to the wall. He also wants to figure a way to get our corner TV hooked to the wall. Thank you for in your pain my husband knows it CAN happen! God bless you

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  80. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I'm sure Meggie is so proud of you and what you are doing to help countless kids & families. I am securing the furniture in my home today and I've shared your story in hopes that everyone I know will do the same.

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  81. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have small kids and most of our furniture and TVs are already secured, but I will be reviewing today to make sure everything is really good. I was referred here by Facebook and I have re-posted encouraging my friends to also secure their furniture. You are making a difference and I'm sure it is saving lives.

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  82. I will be anchoring all our furniture. We have mounted our tvs for this reason. My son is 14months old and nearly pulled our tv onto himself. He is starting to try to climb on furniture. I never thought he could pull a dresser onto him until reading this. I am having both of my sister in laws do the same in their homes. Thank you for sharing and my heart breaks for you. Please do not blame yourself but its not my place to tell you how to mourn. This story just really hit home for me

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  83. I have a son who will be 6 months old in 2 days, and he has just started to become mobile. this never crossed my mind, but I thank you 1000 times over for your raw honesty. I will be sharing this. you are in my heart, and constant prayers.

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  84. I was made aware of your story through a Mom's group on Facebook. Words can not express how very sorry I am for your loss.
    I will like your page and share all this information.
    Sending you comforting hugs and prayers....

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  85. This was part of my story on October 5th 2011. As I read your words I just relived my son's accident. I had just walked out of my 3 y/o room to make lunch. As I was down stairs I heard a bang and ran upstairs. All I saw was the dresser and the TV on the ground when I scanned for my son all I saw was his arm. A serge of adrenaline came over me and I was able to lift the dresser and TV off of him. I remember my blood curdling screams of "SEAN WAKE UP!!!" My son was airlifted to Atlanta. It was touch and go for a couple of days. I am one of the parents you mentioned that this accident happens and the child survives. I still feel so much guilt over that day. I remind people all the time to anchor all furniture. But I will now share this link as well.

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  86. Thank you for this post. I reposted to my facebook and have already had many moms respond. We are all having a Secure the Furniture day this weekend. Really, I cannot thank you enough for making us more aware. <3

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  87. As i am sitting here with years streaming down my face and watching my DD sleep oh so peacefully and my preschool DS playing rambunctiously mere inches from or wall unit I am thankful to you for sharing your story and oh so sorry for your loss..i know that words cannot bring your daughter back but may you find peace in your memories..

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  88. This broke my heart to read and I'm filled with so much love for your family right now, and I don't even know you! I'm so sorry you had to go through this, there really are no words, even after all this time. I am sharing your story on my blogs Facebook Fan page in hopes it will touch someone who needs this message. Thank you for sharing your story, Meggie's story.

    All of the big furniture we have in our home that we can secure is attached to the wall, but it doesn't stop there! After it's secured to the wall, periodically you have to check it to make sure it's not pulling from the wall. A few weeks ago we had a large shelf in our basement give way and all of the boxes fell into a mess on the floor. Right under that mess was the futon some friends of mine slept on while they stayed with us. Never assume it is secure because you remember attaching it a year or more ago, check it. Make sure it is still secure.

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  89. Kim - thank you for sharing your story and my heart aches for you! You are absolutely right that most would think the dresser would be taller, bigger, or scarey looking. But there it sits, looking as innocent as a little girl's dresser should. It is amazing that I had the same thoughts about my step-daughter's own dresser. It is small and short, how could it ever tip over!? She is still smaller and shorter and it is not a risk I'm willing to take!
    As painful as your memories of that day are I hope the memories of Meghan bring more smiles than tears. She is proud of all you have done, that much I am sure of...because without ever having met you -I am! You have turned the worst thing a mommy can endure into a campaign for others! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that!
    Hugs and love to your entire family this holiday season and again, thank you so very much!

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  90. I don't know if you actually get around to reading everyone's post but I could not finish reading your entry, not because of any one particular thing, except the tears that fill my eyes and the longing in my heart.

    You see on September 13, 2003, my sweet little angel Payton died from a small dresser falling on her. She turned one on August 15, along with her twin brother. She was not getting up in the morning, but from a nap that afternoon. It was a Saturday I too will never forget. My then 2 year old daughter came downstairs to tell me that PayPay was stuck. When I walked in the room and that dresser was on top of my sweet girl my heart just about stopped. I ran for the phone, called 911, and started CPR. Parker, her twin, sat at her head playing unaware of what was happening. My 2 year old just kinda left mommy to deal with the emergency. See my husband was out of town, out of state, to see a college football game. As soon as EMS arrived, I had to call him and tell him to come home that our baby was dead, I had to call my mom (who lived out of state but thankfully only 4.5 hours away) to come and do it FAST! I rode in the ambulance with my baby to the hospital, leaving my other 2 children with neighbors and my husbands mother. I was afraid, alone, and consumed with an enormous amount of guilt and grief. It was unbearable. It was hard. It is something I never want any parent to experience.

    I understand your words, your thoughts, and your pain all to well! I'm sorry for you. My heart goes out and will pray for you and your family. Each day, month, and year pass, but her memory is such a special one. I see her twin brother every day and I'm reminded of the blessings God has given....these are only children on loan, they belong to him.

    Love and hugs from one mom to another!!

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  91. Hello, thank you for writing this. I will be sharing this for sure. We just lost our 18 1/2 month old son on Sept 29. I went to get him from his nap and he was in his bed lifeless. Their hasn't been any real reason to why he passed. They call it SUDC sudden unexplained death in children. I know what you are going through. However I feel empty because I have nothing to blame for his death. We do not know why he died. He was not sick or anything ha was perfectly healthy child. I do truly believe in heaven and know that are sweet children are in the best care possible. I joke with people and say that I don't even have to pay for his care. Your situation is similar but different for sure. My husband had to hear my cry for him when I found our Tristen in bed. I knew too that he already was in heaven. Their was nothing we could do. But the EMTs tried and the hospital tried everything in their power. Thank you truly for sharing your story it is comforting to know that their are others who share in the grief but it sucks to even think that people do lose their children. I guess ultimately we know that we our children of God and we belong to Him. I just trust and try to lean on the idea that God is bigger and he always has a plan. Again thank you for being bold and courageous and sharing this. I will be making sure we secure our dressers and most furniture.

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  92. I have been a nanny for approximately 10 years, and consider myself the "Furniture Nazi". I am relentlessly and compulsively "ordering" the parents to secure their furniture, even if it's in the mud room and they think it poses no risk. Most are diligent and already do so, but I am of the mindset of leave no stone unturned. If I can move/tip it, it is to be secured. Doesn't matter how heavy or light, what you think your child will be interested in or not. I remember when I was a little girl, a story was relayed to me of my uncle in the 1940s climbing into their refrigerator, it tipped over and broke his leg. He was lucky to survive. Like you said, $5 and 15 minutes=uncompareable peace of mind.

    God bless little Meggie, you and your family. It is evident that she had the best, loving family in her short years here and she will cherish all of you in Heaven until you meet again.

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  93. kim, Thank you. Thank You. Thank You! I have 3 children, I will anchor my dressers...TODAY. My heart breaks for you and I can not even fathom you grief. xoxo

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  94. Oh my heart breaks for you, Kim. Your post was so real and raw, and I appreciated every single word you wrote. I almost feel like I shouldn't respond because I have both of my children. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sending this message about your precious Meggie. I showed her picture to my five year old daughter, and she said, "Oh Mommy, she is beautiful!" Yes, I agree.
    Thank you so much for your story, and I will pray that you find comfort during this time of year. Laura

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  95. Wow! You def have allowed us to walk into your heart and I have to say that you ARE opening the eyes of MANY through your words!! THANK YOU for sharing this your experience/pain with us!! You have helped me to get up and secure anything I can think off!! I'm sorry for your loss! :-( She's now in Glory with our King waiting for mommy and daddy!! God bless you guys!! <3

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  96. There are not words I can say to ease the pain you must feel. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will tell you though, this story has changed my life. I have 1 year old triplets and with our next paycheck we will buy and secure every piece of furniture in their room and the rooms they go in. Thank you so much for sharing, although I know it must be so very painful each time you relive that day. Praying for you and your family.

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  97. online ordering furniture anchors now..I have 3 kids under 5 years old and just hadn't done it yet...I'm so very sorry you've had to go through this and thank you for sharing your story.

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  98. My heart is breaking along with yours and everyone else who has read this or been touched by sweet Meggie's story. I am sharing with everyone I know and literally going out to get hardware to secure our dressers and tv today. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  99. My heart is aching for you right now as tears run down my face... thank you for providing us with this information so that we can do what we have to in order to prevent this from happening to our children. I have secured her book shelf but never thought to do it to her dresser, nor the T.V. I will be doing that now thanks to you. Prayers are being sent to you and your family. I will be sharing this information with others, that is the very least that I can do. I wish no mother, including you, had to feel this type of pain. As mother's we do what we can to protect our children,however; there are some things we can not protect them from. This is not one of those things, this is something small I can do that could have a huge impact. Thank you again for your story!

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  100. When my daughter was 3, she climbed the dresser in our room which held a large TV, because we're too cheap to replace a working TV with a flat screen, and that of course made the dresser top heavy and it was on carpet on top of that, missing the bottom part that kinda makes them less likely to tip, basically, a disaster waiting to happen, and of course not anchored.

    it fell over on her, We heard the crash and came running in to find her head sticking out, the dresser completely covering her body and the TV mere inches from her head. If things were just a little different.. maybe if she would of climbed it at a different angle, or the TV was ontop of the dresser a little more over to the left, we would of had a similar story. We have since Anchored everything to the walls.. even things that I don't think could hurt a fly if they fell on anyone. I'm soooo sorry for your loss, and there's nothing I can say to make it better, but I wanted to let you know, I'm sharing this on my fb page, so everyone else will think about their unsecured furniture and do something about it.

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  101. i too got this from a friends page, im truley sorry for your loss, i too have lost a child a daughter as well so i do feel your pain. i also have children of a younger age that are at that age of wantin to climb and tip things over so this has opened my eyes, i dont what id do if i lost another one of my children especially if it can b prevented, also kim hunny please stop blaming yourself i did that too after my daughter passed, it was just her time to go i know sounds dumb probably heard it a million times, but blaming yourself isnt good for the healing process its been 5 yrs since my bby passed yes it is hard i cry alot still but im slowly healing in my own way i too asked tha same questions as you did i guess thats just part of the grieving process but anyways thatnks for sharing your story i will b keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers

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  102. I am sorry for your tragic loss. I will be securing TVs and heavy furniture. My prayers are with you.

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  103. My heart aches for you. I sob from the depths of my soul as I feel your pain so eloquently poured out here. My just turned 4 year old gets up early. I like to sleep in. The dresser is not anchored...nor is the very heavy bookshelf. It will be today. Nothing can take away your pain. However, I am so grateful to you for sharing your words with all of us. Your time and energy will save lives. God bless you and may He find a way to continue to wrap you in his arms and hold you tight through this nightmare. I am so sorry. :(

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  104. The nation learned this month that we cannot protect our children from everything, that tragedy can strike anywhere. But your story reminds us that we can do everything to protect our children from some things. If sharing your story saves even one child (but hopefully all) then it is worth it. I'm sure your little Meggie is very proud of her momma right now. May she ever smile down on you and your family.

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  105. Thank you for sharing this. The death of a child is a horrible pain no one should have to endure, yet many do and in silence. I lost my son, stillborn at 40 weeks. I never got to hold my Mason while he was living. I share our story also, so that others may prevent what happened to us from happening to them (which was preventable had we known about his umbilical cord defect). I never thought about securing my furniture before reading this and will do so now...we are now trying to conceive again and are hopeful. I also have 5 nephews, 5 and under (one is on the way, due in February). Thank you for helping us prevent another tragic loss. I know the pain of losing a child and don't care to survive it again.

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  106. I am so so sorry for your loss, no parent should have to feel this pain. I wept as I read each word you wrote, so well written that I felt it to my core. This never occured to me either until now, but I will be securing my daughter's furniture today also - rest assured that your daughter's story has already prevented this from happening to others countless times, and one more time after today. I have shared this with everyone I know, parents or not so that your daughter's memory can be honoured further by saving more people from this tragedy... thank you for sharing so honestly, and in such a moving way. Your daughter will never be forgotten <3

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  107. My son is 3 years old. Through your vivid writing...I can imagine your pain. I feel pain and hurt for you. And so I ask you...how do I bolt everything to the walls...immediately? (I'm off to Google it now...)

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  108. I can not bear to read it all but wishing you & your family blessing.

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  109. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. I lost my son almost two years ago. I know that as a mother you want to just kiss everything and make it better and sometimes, we just can't. This was not your fault. You could not have known it would happen. How many times do we all think "it can wait" and usually, those things can wait. You did not cause this. I blamed myself for a long time too and I still feel like I could have prevented it, but it wasn't anything I could have known about. I am so very sorry and I feel your pain. I still find myself asking why? Why my baby? I will definitely share this. <3

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  110. I can feel your pain so deeply in this short story. I am crying with you for your daughter. Talk to God and ask him for his guidance. You need the heavenly father to walk beside you now, and know that he has your daughter's hand now in his. Let him take this pain from you. Seek him hard, and your pain will subside. He will never let you forget her, but learn to live without the pain that you carry inside of you. God bless you. Thank you for this! You may have saved many lives because of your story. Amy

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  111. My god. I came through a friends facebook link and am sitting at work sobbing. I cannot imagine the pain.

    I have a 3 year old and a 7 month old. Both girls. I'll be bracketing their dressers to the wall when I get home from work today.

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  112. Thank you Kim. Of course I am weeping over your story that you are so brave and selfless to share. I have a 3yr old son. We are excited about getting him his first "big boy" set of furniture that will include dressers. I feel foolish but admit I had not considered the dangers. THANK you a thousand times for helping me make my sons safe. God bless you and your family!

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  113. Thank you for writing this. Rest assured that I read this from a FB posting and will post on my page, too, so that it keeps going around. I could barely get through your words, my eyes were swimming in tears the whole time. I'm a "nana" and have been lucky that my child is now an adult, married with his own children. I pray that they are kept safe from accidents, too. May God bless you and your family and keep Meggie enveloped in His love until you reunite.

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  114. My heart breaks that you had to write this in the first place, but thank you for spreading this word. We have a 2 year old and one on the way and since our son is not a climber, we never thought about this. He's getting bigger and stronger every day and reading this has reminded me of the responsibility I have to keep him safe. We will be anchoring our TVs and heavy furniture ASAP.

    Bless you and your family.

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  115. I can't imagine the pain you've been through. Thank you for sharing your life with us. My daughters are 8 and 9, and they love climbing on EVERYTHING. I always tell them that things can fall. As a parent of "older" young children, I'm sometimes careless and feel that they are able to handle many things. They're not. I'll be securing everything taller than them within the next few days.

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  116. I read your story,a friend had posted on Facebook.I am so sorry,I am crying still even after I read this.Your baby girl will always be with you,even though it is in spirit.Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.God bless <3

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  117. About 15 years ago some friends were cleaning their church while their little girl (4 or 5 yrs old) was playing around. There was a puppet theater at the front of the church. She pulled it over on herself and it killed her, right there in the church. The parents were of course in the same room with her and they still attend that church. I don't know how they have handled it as I don't think I could still go there. Of course there has never been another puppet show. Your story was on fb and that is how I came to read it today. Someone had shared it. I can only imagine the loss you feel and will feel for the rest of your life. May God help you through each day.

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  118. Wow...my heart aches tremendously for you. Life is so unfair! Peace comes to me knowing that heaven is such a better place than our world and you will be reunited! I pray for your heartache and will definitely be securing every last bit of furniture in my home! God bless you!

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  119. I have just ordered a pack of furniture safety straps from Amazon. I also want to thank you for posting Meghan's story. I cried tears while reading about your little angel and went on to hug my two children tightly. Thank you.

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  120. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm heartbroken for you. I just bought some furniture anchors on Amazon. Just now. Because I don't want to wait another day. I know we can't protect our children from everything, but this is something we CAN do. Thank you--I will share this post on my fb page in the hopes that at least one more tragedy can be prevented.

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  121. Kim,

    I found your blog thanks to a link someone posted on Facebook. My name, too, is Kim, and my daughter's name is also Meghan. Spelled the same way) She is 12 and looked so much like your Meghan did at 2.

    I have another daughter who just turned two and I have asked my husband to pick up anchors on his way home from work.

    Thank you for sharing your story and you will be in my prayers.

    Kim

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  123. A friend posted this link in our local parenting group's Facebook page. I was moved to tears by your story. I can not even imagine the pain you are going through. I know there is nothing I can say that will help you feel better but I will be praying for you to have peace, healing, and comfort. My husband is anchoring all of our dressers and book cases to the wall tomorrow. I am sharing your story on my Facebook page and a page I have for my blog as well as any groups I am a part of and will probably blog about it as well. I will share your story and this information with anyone I know. After reading your story, I held my boys extra tight and told them how much I love them and that I am so happy and thankful to have my two little boys. One of my New Year's Resolutions will be to rejoice in them each and every day: hug them close, be thankful for having them in my life, be more present with them and let them know they are loved. My heart breaks for you and every other parent who can no longer do this with their child. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are very strong and brave and I am sure Meggie is very proud of you for helping save other babies' lives!

    ~Taisha
    www.diaryofanaturalmom.com

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  124. I am so sorry your story really touched my heart. I will be securing everything in my house. Thank you for the awareness and may God bless u and be with you!

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  125. My heart breaks for you. I cannot ever begin to imagine the pain that you feel with losing her. You are so brave, and you are such a wonderful, loving mom. I do want you to know that although I don't know you, I know that you are not at fault for this death. It was not selfish to sleep in (those things are blessings!!) and it was not wrong of you to not secure a piece of furniture that was unlikely to fall over. Neither of those things were your fault. I know that you probably won't believe me, but it is true. You are not to blame. I deeply pray that one day you will feel a peace about those things, as impossible as they seem to be. My heart is with you in this pain, as so many others are. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

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  126. I have a 2 year old daughter and all I could think about the whole time reading this was.......what if that was her. I had to stop reading and finish later because I couldn't see to read, my eyes were so foggy from crying. My heart hurts for you. I couldn't imagine what hell you've been through in the last eight years. Meggie looks so beautiful in the pictures you shared. Thank you for getting the awareness out there for securing furniture. A lot of people don't do things like that because you never think it'll happen to you.....until it does. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that you find more and more peace as each day passes.

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  127. I can't keep the tears from my eyes. My heart breaks for you. I just want to say "thank you" for sharing you story. I have boy's that are 33,30 and 25 and a 16 year old daughter. I will tomorrow if anything is open, since it is New Year's Day buy things to bolt mine and my son's dressers and anything else that needs it to the wall. I have a 6 year old granddaughter and my daughter in law is due in April with my granddaughters little sister. I make that promise to you !!! Thank you again for sharing your heart breaking story. I will pray that you have peace one day. I can't even stop crying as I write this to you. Your Meggie is so beautiful !! So sorry for you whole family !!! God Bless you !!!

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  128. Because of reading this, I WILL be securing all of our dressers and TV's and I will not be proscrastinating with it any longer. I know your baby is gone and nothing will ever fill the empty spot in your heart that belongs to her but please know that you ARE saving other babies by spreading the word as you are doing. Thank you so much and my heart goes out to you.

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  129. I feel terrible for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have five grandchildren and I will let their parents know about the importance of securing the dressers in their rooms. I don't know how I made it through the tears but again I want to thank you. God bless!

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  130. Kim, I am so sorry to hear your story! I cried when reading it as I cannot imagine what you wen thru and go thru! But I will say that I am praying for God to put His arms around you and give you sweet peace!! What a strong woman you are to have been able to make her room a memories room of her! Your Meggie is now an sweet BEAUTIFUL angel!! God had other plans for her!! May God Bless You!! Thanks so much for sharing your story!!

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  131. I myself came here through a friends facebook...I am so very sorry...As I was reading tears coming down my face...My granddaughter is 18 months and will promise you that I will go out and buy the things needed for my son to make sure all is secure and safe...Thank you ever so much for sharing your heartbreaking story with everyone...I wish you and your family a Happy New Year and many hugs and blessings sent your way...again I am so very sorry for your lost...she is so beautiful...

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  132. No words come to mind that could help you to know how sorry I am for your pain, how I hope to never feel this way. My biggest fear is losing the best part of me, my baby girl. She is the only perfect thing I have done in my life. I hurt right now for you, for your family's pain. Thank you for sharing your story with us as it may just save my daughters life. We have just recently moved and we have not found the time, no made the time, to secure anything the way that it was a couple of weeks ago. I will make sure to correct this tomorrow. Not just because it will keep my MaKylie safe but in honor of your little girl! From my heart, to yours with all the love I have to give, I am so sorry for your loss and pain.

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  133. My son had a simular accident when he was 9 months old, we were moving out of our home and My Husband took out the door wall and placed it leaning up against the wall so he could get the furniture out easier, and when we turned our backs our son must of pushed on it and it fell on him, shattering all the glass with him under it. My mother was watching him all day at her house so we could move and so he wouldnt be in the way and she had just brought him back so he could sleep in his own bed. Did I mention that I was 9 months pregnant also,Talk about thinking you are gonna lose both your children in one day. Things like these are freek accidents and you cant blame yourself for what your children do. God gives us tough challenges in life and you may not now why he test our parenting skills like this but there is a answer and one day we will end up knowing that answer. My son is 18 now and still has all his battle scars for me to remember that Dark horriable day in our life. God bless you and your family and hold all those fond memories of your daughter close to your heart.

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  134. I just cried so hard reading that. I had to stop several times to wipe tears away because it was blurring so badly. My daughter is just about to be 2 and all I could picture was this happening to my sweet baby. How devastating. I vow to take the time and anchor all our furniture, TVs, etc. Little Meggie and your family will remain in my thoughts & prayers. There surely is a beautiful angel in heaven watching over you all. And I know she is helping you to save others from this same terrible fate. Thank you for sharing.

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  135. I came across this blog post after our 6 drawer oak dresser fell on top of my 20 month old, not by any fault of hers but because the top drawers were open and it was top heavy. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. In sheer panic for a split second I didn't want to move it, because I knew she'd be gone. By some miracle she is still alive, but I will never get over the guilt and the sound of her cry all because I left the drawers open. I am so deeply sorry about what happened to your little girl. Immedietly my husband came home and screwed the dresser to the wall and secured all our other furniture, it only takes a few minutes and costs very little money. I also believe TV's should be secured.

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  136. I am so sorry for your loss. My mom told me when I was about that age (the dresser wasn't quite tall enough, it was a pretty low one) i was holding the large tv up from falling on me. She remembers hearing me yell "mommy mommy!" I do not remember it, I was too little. When we recently moved into our house we bought a dresser that came with a wall mount and it was not tossed to the side, it was installed that day.

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  137. as i read your story tears fell as a mother i felt your grief anger pain all of it ..i have raised 4 and never did i ever think of something like this and now i have custody of my 3 yr old grandson who dresser will now be anchored to the wall .. thank you for sharing even though it was at your loss may god bless your family and esp you

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  138. Alright I hope this does not upset you, but I used to be one of those parents... dressers were never screwed in or anything, although my daughter is only two, I would think that there is no way a dresser could tip on her, I am disgusted by how naive I have been. I am in tears, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost a sibling while I was a teenager, very suddenly and witnessed first hand the emotions you have described.... I am now a mother and am completely heartbroken for your loss. I want you to know you have touched me, everything will be secured from now on, and I will share this with everybody I know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the courage to share your story.

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  139. My heart hurts so much for for you. My son is one years old and sleeping next to me as i read your story. I haven't cried so hard in a long time. Thank you for sharing. I can't imagine your pain. May time ease your pain.......

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  140. I am, for lack of words, heartbroken by your story. I am just so, sorry that you had to go through this. I have no children yet, though it is in the near future, but i am a sister, a cousin, and a babysitter to many. I cannot imagine your pain, and I will not pretend to, so I will keep this brief. Just know that Meghans story has impacted me and will stick with me. I did not know this as a threat, but I do now because of her and I will spread the word. I will not forget.

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  141. You are such a brave strong woman.. i lost a child to a completly different circumstance six years ago and to.this day i cannot sit down and truely share how i felt and feel about my son's passing. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely be passing this on **hugs**

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  142. I have just cried and cried for you! I have a 5,3 and 17 month old. My 5 and 3 yr olds were climbing on their dressers and I scolded and scolded that they could fall. Never once did it occur yo me that the dresser could fall. They will be anchored now! I wish you peace in your heart and that you would be able to stop blaming yourself, but as a mom I know that will never be.

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  143. I just found your blog today from a friends Facebook. And I must tell you that it is ironic as we are shopping today for a bureau for my youngest. I too have a 3 year old who thankfully has not attempted any Houdini acts and is still in her crib. But the thought of her bureau or bookshelf falling on her because we were to lazy to secure them because it will "never happen to us" makes me angry at myself.

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and I hope that one day you can find peace in knowing you are sharing your story and helping to keep other children safe.

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  144. I came here from a friend's FB page and I am so glad I did. I have two little boys, my youngest is 3 and my oldest is 7. I honestly don't think I could go on if anything happened to them. You are so strong, much stronger than I am. I told my husband we are anchoring their dressers tomorrow. Especially since I have caught my 3 year old on top of the big one before. He's a monkey and climbs everything. I am so sorry this happened to you, I cried while reading your recount and it was the most well written, heart wrenching piece I have ever read, and it struck a cord with me. I am sure Meggie is filling the sky with her laughter wherever she is.

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  145. Sitting here with my 2 yr old reading this in tears as he energetically climbs on everything. my heart aches for you. Thank you for writing this. I say I am going to secure the dresser and tv daily to myself but never do. I try to sneak any extra sleep I can cause its rare these days. but I will secure today and your angel helped me.

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  146. Your story is being heard. I read this last night (New Years Eve..couldn't sleep and everyone else had crashed before midnight) and bawled. A lot. Your worst nightmare is the worst nightmare of many. I'm so sorry yours came true. It was heard. You were heard. She was heard. We rented numerous places throughout the younger years of my older two (who are now 9 and 6) and we weren't 'able' to anchor anything. I was always TERRIFIED.

    My youngest is 2 and we just got into our own home. I was thinking the other day that she's 'out of the woods' and I could relax about anchoring anything. Obviously, I was very wrong. I wouldn't have realized that without this post. Also, I've never thought anchoring her dresser was necessary because it's extremely heavy and very low profile. I'm seeing how wrong I was again.

    Thank you for sharing your pain so others may prevent this nightmare from coming true in their home. I'm so sorry you had to go through it, but I'm grateful you are so willing to share your story. I will be going through the house and seeing what I need to anchor.

    <3 I will always think of Meghan when I look at dressers and other items I anchor. She will be with me forever.

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  147. Thank you. Our Elizabeth is 3 now. We are securing furniture RIGHT NOW. Big desperate tearful Hugs from me to you. Prayers for peace as you save childrens lives and don't even know for sure that you are. Thank you.

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