A tragic incident took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy sent a message to his mom before he was killed in a mass shooting. His heartbroken sister has also spoken about the terrible event.
The boy, Mason Schermerhorn, was one of four victims who lost their lives in the shooting. He had texted his mom while hiding in a school restroom, but sadly, he didn’t make it out. Ronald Clark, a youth minister and chaplain, shared this information. He also mentioned how he tried to help search for Mason during the chaos of the shooting.
This story has left many grieving and searching for answers.
On the morning of September 4, when the shooting happened, Ronald Clark had stopped at a store on his way home. He received a call from his wife, who told him about the shooting at Apalachee High School. Clark immediately went to the school and offered his help to the police officers who were working at the command post.
Clark was assigned to assist the teams working on the investigation. After about an hour, he began encountering injured students who were in shock.
He described the situation as “challenging” and mentioned that although he wanted to help everyone, he understood that there was only so much he could do in such a large-scale tragedy.
Clark also highlighted the bravery of the victims who survived. He was impressed by their courage as they shared their experiences with him, which was part of their effort to cope with the trauma they had endured.
During the chaos, Clark tried to assist Mason Schermerhorn’s mom, whom he knew through work, in finding her son. She told Clark that she believed Mason, who was autistic, was safe because he had texted her from the restroom.
Clark remembered the mother saying, “Hey, I can’t find him. I’m just here to pick him up. I know he’s safe. He texted me that he’s in the restroom. Can you please help?”
The youth minister also highlighted what a great kid he was told Schermerhorn was, adding, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
The youth minister also emphasized what a wonderful kid Mason Schermerhorn was. He said, “He […] loved life, didn’t have any issues with anyone. He was autistic, but that didn’t stop his glow.”
On September 5, WSB-TV released messages sent between a 14-year-old boy and his mom on Instagram. Although they didn’t reveal the boy’s identity, the messages provide a glimpse into how frightening and intense the situation was for those involved.
The boy reportedly texted his mom, “School shooting rn. I’m scared, pls, I’m not joking.” When she told him she was leaving work, he heartbreakingly replied with, “I love you.” In response to her question about where he was, he chillingly wrote, “Class. Someone’s dead.”
The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, is expected to be charged with murder as an adult.
Following Mason Schermerhorn’s death, his sister, Alanna Wallace, has spoken about the tragedy in an interview with Fox 5 News’ Brittany Edney.
Wallace shared that her brother was a wonderful person who had a profound impact on many people, echoing the sentiments expressed by Clark.
Wallace, along with her family, shared touching videos of Mason Schermerhorn with Edney. She also talked about the hobbies Mason had recently picked up. He had started learning to play the trumpet because he wanted to follow in his big sister’s footsteps, as she had learned to play the instrument first.
Mason Schermerhorn also loved playing video games on his PS5, exploring virtual fantasy worlds with his VR headset, and visiting amusement parks. Wallace described her late little brother as a positive, energetic person and expressed how she can’t imagine life without him.
When asked what she wants the world to know about Mason Schermerhorn, Wallace said, “That he loved everyone […] No matter what they had, what disabilities, he loved everyone for them.”
Regarding how Wallace is coping with the tragedy, Edney shared that Wallace has been trying to channel her brother’s positive energy. Despite being her little brother, Mason had a protective, big brother vibe and always looked out for her.
Edney also noted that when she spoke to Wallace, the sister was surrounded by about eight friends who were there to support her. They gathered in a circle with some donuts, reminiscing about Mason Schermerhorn’s life and reassuring Wallace that they were there for her. Wallace mentioned that this sense of community is what is helping her get through this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Schermerhorn’s family and all the families affected by this horrific tragedy. We pray for healing and comfort during this difficult time of grief. Rest in peace, Mason Schermerhorn, and all the other victims who lost their lives.
Sally Field, 76, was considered ‘ugly’ after choosing to age naturally – She discovered joy in being a grandmother to 5 children and living in an ocean-view house
Keeping up with the Hollywood glam sometimes means defying age with the help of procedures and plastic surgeries. It’s not a secret that many celebrities opt to go under the knife for the sake of the good and youthful looks and the opportunities that looks brings.
However, not everyone who is part of the film industry is willing to follow this trend, and actress Sally Field is one of them.
Having been part of films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump, and having received plenty of awards for her acting, including Two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards, and most recently the Life Achievement Award, it’s safe to say Field has a career she can brag about.
Regardless of her age, 76, she still looks as stunning as ever and accepts her natural appearance. During her speech for the SAG Achievement Award she wore a magnificent black gown and embraced her naturally grey hair.
“I felt guarded, reserved, and out of the spotlight. But I was never sure what I’d say or do on stage. I would astonish myself,” the actress said. “I wasn’t hoping for praise or attention, though it’s excellent.”
She continued: “Acting has always been about preserving those priceless moments when I feel whole, thoroughly, and occasionally dangerously alive. Finding a path there has always been a challenge.
“They allowed me to open up and let me know things about myself that I never would have known otherwise. I’ve been working all my life. She continued for almost 60 years; there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t been genuinely happy to identify as an actor.”
Back in 2016, she was asked how she felt about playing an elderly, eccentric woman, Doris Miller.
“It’s okay that I’m an old woman; 70 is old. My years have given me strength; I have earned the right to have them, and I have owned them. And even if I dislike my neck and many other things, it’s alright,” Field told NPR.
And when it comes the natural process of aging, Field opts to stay true to herself despite the fact that the fight against ageism in Hollywood is a real one. “’Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’ I think when I watch myself on television. Additionally, your eyes are bulging, and your face is collapsing. Then, though, I come across some of the women (who have undergone plastic surgery) who I once thought were stunning. Oh no, I’m feeling right now. Avoid doing it! And that would seem disrespectful to who they are right now,” she once said.
Field was married two times and went through two divorces. In 1986, she married Steven Craig with whom she welcomed two sons. The couple untied the knot in 1975.
She then dated Burt Reynolds before she married film producer Alan Greisman. Field and Greisman share a son together.
Eventually, she decided to commit all her time to her career but it was when she became a grandmother that her life took on a new dimension.
She embraced the new role and loves spending time with her grandchildren at her wonderful beach house with ocean views.
We love Sally Field.
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