Mr. and Mrs. Graves,
Firstly, I would like to say how incredibly sorry I am for your loss. Although I am not a mother, I cannot even imagine the unbearable pain you are both suffering from. It is so incredibly upsetting that something so tragic could happen in Disney World, also known as “The Happiest Place On Earth.” As a common Disney World vacationer, something like alligators have never crossed my mind. Just three weeks ago, I could remember standing on the monorail headed back to my hotel watching those residing at the Grand Floridian walk on beach as if they were in no danger. As we see day and day again, tragedy can strike anywhere at anytime, but nobody expects it to happen to them.
On behalf of those ridiculing your parenting and making crude remarks like “These parent’s should be investigated.” I apologize. I wish those who are actually making these remarks could realize how foolish they sound, but some people will just never understand. One thing that hit home was seeing other parent’s on social media not only defending you stating that this was just a horrible accident and nobody should be blamed, but also posting pictures of their young children standing on that same shoreline where they believed they were safe.
Personally, if my child were walking on that shoreline dipping his or her feet into the water, I would have never questioned what could have happened. Some may say it’s because I’m from New York and not as alert for alligators, but I believe nobody ever expected something like this to ever occur.
The signs along the shoreline did state "No swimming," but do not even for a second, doubt your parenting skills when people say that Lane shouldn’t of had his feet in the water in the first place. Swimming is defined as the sport or activity of propelling oneself through water using the limbs. Something Lane was most definitely not doing. God only knows what that alligator could of done. It could have easily come up onto the sand and gotten a hold of anyone.
You did as much as you could to save your son. I could never imagine trying to fight off an alligator. If a state champion wrestler couldn’t have fought him off, I’m nearly certain nobody could of. This was truly just freak accident that should have never occurred. I wish it didn’t take something like this to happen for Disney to take it’s next steps in making their establishment safer for vacationers, even after multiple alligator warnings. Although many on social media have showed you compassion and love these past few days, I just wish it was everyone.
From my family to yours, our hearts are with you during this tragic time. Lane will forever be remembered. Not only by your family and friends, but also those around the world mourning the loss of your sweet innocent boy. May he rest in peace.
Victoria
