My wife and I received horrible news today via the local news channel this morning, that our very dear and long time good friends ... their young daughter drowned yesterday evening while at her swimming lessons ...

The mother and her younger brother witnessed the tragic event ... and I understand that the young boy is now traumatized by the event.

The swimming pool is a large facility, that at the time, had 16 seperate swimming lessons in progress ... and had 20 well trained certified lifeguards on staff.

How could this happen?!? I don't understand ...

No one even knew she was missing ... until they found her body at the bottom of the pool.

She was only 8 years old ...

Sorry to hear this Slim!!!

Thoughts and Prayers to the parents and family members!!!

Hog

I'm sorry to here that. Kind of puts things in real perspective. Sigh...

Slim, I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy, my prayers and aloha go out to the family. If there is anything we can do for them please let us know.

Jon

Slim,

Our deepest sympathies to you and especially your friends on their moment of sorrow. Our prayers are with you guys....God Bless.

Ed

First, let me say, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss, slim. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.

I guess I'm a bit of a newbie. I've been smoking gars for about 1-2 years and I've been reading the posts here for almost a month.

As soon as I read this post I had to reply. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Jen

That is terrible. I have an daugher who we were going to put in swimming lessons. That really makes you think and wonder how that could happen with so many people around.

Since I became a parent myself, I have been unable to see or hear such appalling news without being profoundly affected ...

Without knowing the people, I am horrified ... I cannot fathom my reaction if they'd been personal friends ...

Personal best from MrsS and myself, to you and your wife, Slim ... as well as to the parents and sibling of this child.

Unbelievably sad news. My thoughts and prayers to their family. X

I can't even imagine the grief. Our prayers and strength to you Slim, your wife and your friends. Above all our prayers to the young innocent girl. May God continue to bless you with strength and compassion and hope. Our deepest sympathy.

Slim, sorry to hear that this young girl died. Its a real tradgedy. I'll say a prayer for her. May she rest in peace... :>(

Mag

Slim: I would like to say some prayers for the little girl and her family, could you tell me her first name so I can light a candle at my church for her. JonR

May she lay peacefuly in the arms of the Father.

Crux mihi certa salus.
Crux est quam semper adoro.
Crux Domini mecum.
Crux mihi refugium.

Slim, that is truely terrible. As a parent of small children, I can relate to your friend's loss. I will keep her in my prayers, as well as her brother and parents.
That is so tragic and potentially preventable.
I used to be a lifeguard and teach swimming lessons when I was younger. I do not know what happened in this case, but when you are teaching these kids, you have to stay focused at ALL times. It is surprising how fast things can go wrong.
God Bless!
Doc

JonR --- how touching ...

... her name was Sara ...

Slim, I am so sorry to hear of the loss.

Please pass along my condolences to the family. I too will say a prayer for Sara and her family.

Rich

Sorry to hear about this... Send my condolences to the family and friends.

Low

Slim - Please send my condolences to the family. It's such a shame when a person doesn't get to experience what life has to offer. I am so very sorry.

Kevin

Slim,

Please pass on my prayers to the family. I have two small children and I can't even image what the family is going through right now.

Rocco

How terrible. They must be crushed. They have my deepest sympathies. I've heard it said that the toughest task in life is to bury your child. We are diminished.