The story of how my oldest daughter was named is truly one of a kind. She was named after this especially heartwrenching commercial I saw while in labor with her.
Four years ago, I wanted to show Abby the commercial. I tried YouTube and a bunch of other sites, but got nothing. The only thing I knew was the name, Abby Danielle, and that she was an unborn child killed on the way to the hospital by a drunk driver. I entered in the key words ‘Abby Danielle’, ‘ultrasound’, ‘drunk driver’, and ‘commercial’, and after searching for about an hour I came across only a couple of relevant sites. One was a poem written by Rachel Reed, the mother of Abby, although I didn’t know it at the time. It contained an email address. On September 16, 2011, I sent an email to the address listed. Below is my initial email along with a response from Helene, Rachel’s mother and Abby’s grandmother:
Helene and I exchanged more emails and became friends on Facebook. A couple of years ago she she started a foundation name Abby’s Ark that educates young people in their community about the devastating effects of drunk driving. She shares Abby’s story with others.
October 23rd marked the beginning of RED RIBBON WEEK. With all of my heart and soul I want all of you to remember the consequences of driving while intoxicated. Please, please do not allow, facilitate or encourage your teenagers to drink. For those that do drink, please take action and designate a driver, give your keys to someone else at the beginning of the night and don’t put your self in a situation where you could be the cause of such a tragedy.
I cannot image going through something like this…I am amazed that after thirteen years I was able to contact this family. I have never again seen the commercial on T.V., but I can remember exactly where I was in the delivery room when it came on and how devastated I was when I saw it. It really was an instantaneous decision to name her Abby…it was not a name that had ever come up in our discussions. After delivery, when I was somewhat coherent again, I felt almost sheepish for being so insistent that we name her Abby, but I have never regretted it. I am thankful that for whatever reason all of this came about, it has given some measure of peace to Abby’s family to know her story has touched our lives forever.
By Rachel Reed
(Contact:********@aol.com)
Killed September 8th, 1996 while on her way to being born
| I’m on my way into the world, Mommy and Daddy’s little girl. Grandma’s in the car ahead. My Aunt is close behind. There is no need to hurry though. We still have lots of time. Oh no, what’s this? It cannot be!
A man driving drunk Heading straight for me. I hear the crash, I feel the pain.
Now someone’s screaming Mommy’s name. It hurts so much, so very much. It’s more than I can bear. Oh Mommy and Daddy he’s killing me, Too drunk to even care. Why would this man choose
To drink and then to drive? Now I hear the doctor saying There’s little chance that I’ll survive. “Oh God please let my baby live,”
I hear my Mommy pray. But the Angels have already gathered To carry me away. They say I must go, they say it is time.
With my life I will pay for this man’s crime. There is nothing I can do. I know I am going to die. Can you hear me Mommy and Daddy? I’m trying to say Good-Bye. You’ll never hear my laughter,
Or watch me run and play. All your hopes and all your dreams Have died with me today. I’ll miss you both, I love you so.
Jesus calls, it’s time to go. Heaven’s gates have opened wide. Now the Angels carry me inside. As they place me in my Savior’s arms,
I make a final plea. To anyone who drinks and drives, Please STOP! And think of me. |
