In a heart-wrenching revelation, Emily Johnson, a former professional volleyball player, and her husband, Olympic skier Jake Johnson, faced an unimaginable loss earlier this summer when their 19-month-old daughter, Lily, drowned in a neighbor’s pool. Recently, Emily shared a poignant photo of herself holding Lily during her final moments, hoping to raise awareness about the dangers of childhood drowning.
“I wish for just one more day to hold you, my sweet girl. Until that moment arrives, please work through me and grant me the strength to spread awareness,” she expressed in her emotional post. “I told you then that you could still make a difference, that you could still move mountains.”
Facing Grief and Urgency
In an interview with the TODAY show, the Johnsons opened up about their grief and emphasized the urgency of keeping children safe around water. “Not a single day passes without me wishing I could change what happened. But now, we have the chance to help other parents avoid this tragedy,” Emily shared.
While visiting friends, little Lily wandered off for just a moment. Emily recounted how, when she realized Lily was missing, she rushed outside only to find her daughter floating in the pool. Without hesitation, she jumped in and began CPR while a neighbor called for help. Tragically, it was too late to save their beloved child.
Understanding the Risks
The Johnsons have since learned that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children aged one to four, second only to car accidents. Disturbingly, the CDC notes that many young victims are unable to call for help or signal for assistance when they are in trouble.
The CDC advises parents to keep a close watch on children near water, but it’s crucial to avoid placing blame in situations like this. As any parent knows, toddlers can slip away in the blink of an eye.
“Guilt is an incredibly heavy burden,” Emily reflected. “Although it’s painful, I strive to be more vigilant to ensure this never happens again.”
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Conclusion
In summary, Emily Johnson’s story is a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance around water. Her hope is that by sharing their loss, other families can be spared similar heartache.
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