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Dash Olivia's Story

May 14, 2023

Mother’s Day 2023 was meant to be a joyful celebration — and it was, at first. My three children and I made a trip to Los Angeles to visit family. The sun was shining, the mood was festive, and to my surprise, I even found a rare parking spot right in front of my brother’s house — a little gift in itself. His home was beautifully decorated with balloons, flowers, and love. Laughter echoed from inside, and I remember thinking, what a perfect day.

Hours later, it was time to go. My three-year-old son Dash clutched a balloon in one hand as we walked back to the car. I held his tiny hand in mine, feeling that familiar comfort only a parent knows. I opened the car door and noticed his car seat was crooked. Letting go of his hand for just a second, I turned to fix it. That’s all it took. One second.

When I turned back, he was gone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him — running toward the street. I screamed his name. My heart stopped as I heard the sound of a truck approaching. I ran. Time blurred. And then — in the blink of an eye — I saw my baby lying under a parked car, crying.

The driver had been going over 15 mph in a residential neighborhood. He didn’t see Dash. None of us saw it coming.

By some miracle, by the grace of God, Dash survived. He suffered a fractured skull and eye socket and had painful road rash across his face and body. But he lived. And every day since, I’ve thanked God for giving us another chance.

This has been the hardest chapter of our lives. The physical healing was only part of it — the emotional weight is something we’re still learning to carry. But we’re here. We’re together. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

I share this story not to scare, but to remind. It can happen so fast. In just one second, everything can change. Please — hold their hands tightly. Double-check the car seat later. Look both ways again. I want no other parent to live this nightmare.

Let Dash’s story be a wake-up call — and a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience.

Written by Dash's Mama

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