Heartwarming photos show the moment a Missouri mother who was seriously injured in a tornado that killed her nine-year-old daughter found her daughters injured for the first time after 24 days.
Meghan Rackley, 32, was pictured smiling in an ambulance and raising her hand to five of her daughters Avalinn, 7, and Alanna, three, during the emotional New Years Eve reunion. in a coma after last month’s tornado and only regained consciousness last week.
Tragically, Rackley’s eldest daughter Annistyn, nine, was killed by the tornado. The two surviving siblings sustained injuries, with Avalinn breaking vertebrae in her back, forcing her to wear a support brace.
The photographs show the mother greeting, hugging and kissing her children as she lies on a hospital stretcher.
Pamela Moore, the girls’ grandmother, said they were unable to go to the hospital but were able to see their mother.
She shared that the hospital plans to bend the rules the next day to let them in for a “long visit,” adding: “Just that little time was good for everyone’s heart.
Meghan Rackley reunited with her daughters Avalinn, 7, and Alanna, 3, for the first time on New Years Eve after being seriously injured in a tornado 24 days earlier.
Photographs show Meghan waving, hugging and kissing her children (Avalinn wears a knot in her hair. Alanna has a ponytail) as she lies on a hospital stretcher.
Trey Rackley is seen walking towards the hospital where Meghan is receiving treatment with her daughter, Avalinn
Meghan and her husband, Trey Rackley, 37, were sheltering in the tub with their three daughters when the tornado swept their family home, throwing them into a nearby field. A haunting photo taken moments before the tornado hit shows the three young girls sitting in the tub and smiling, apparently believing they were out of the weather.
Rescuers located the family and took them to a nearby hospital where Avalinn told doctors, “I was flying in the tornado and I begged Jesus to take care of me, and he spat me out – and the tornado spat me in the mud. ‘
Trey and Alanna suffered less serious injuries and were released from the hospital shortly after their admission.
The plight of the Rackley family caught the nation’s attention when a photo of the three sisters sheltering in their bathroom went viral after more than 30 tornadoes unleashed in Kentucky, Missouri and three more. States in early December, killing at least 90 people.
Avalinn, left, was with older sister Annistyn, 9, holding a doll in the bathtub, and younger sister Alanna, 3, taking shelter in their bathroom when one of more than 30 tornadoes destroyed their Caruthersville home. Annistyn was killed in the tornado
The family home was among hundreds razed to the ground after a series of tornadoes hit five states last week
Their loved ones have documented the family’s journey on social media as they go through this tragedy and work for recovery.
A week after her operation and a few days before the Christmas holidays, Avalinn was filmed walking in a neck brace wearing a neck brace and using a walker to walk the hallway at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
The eldest daughter, Annistyn, 9, was killed when the tornado hit the family home
“The ground is a little slippery,” the brave girl was heard to say as she continued her brisk walk through Memphis hospital.
Avalinn was smiling – and even giggling – as her grandmother Pamela Moore cooed, “Look at you!” Look at yourself, go ahead! ‘
That same day, Moore captured Avalinn drawing a heart around a photo of her and her sister Annistyn.
– There you go, said the little girl, finishing the drawing.
Off-camera, Moore was heard say through tears: “It’s beautiful, baby. Sisters forever. ‘
The grandmother shared the two clips on Facebook with the caption: “So I’m going to fill your heart with joy and break it at the same time (welcome to my world).
“Physically, Ava is doing wonderfully. If that last drain comes out, maybe we can go home tomorrow. Emotionally, she misses Annistyn.
Avalinn Rackley, 7, was filmed wearing a neck brace and using a walker to walk the hallway at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital less than a week after the operation in a video posted by her grandmother on December 20.
Avalinn drew a heart around a photo of her and her sister Annistyn, who was killed by one of the deadly tornadoes that swept through five states in the Missouri Valley on December 10
The family has received a wave of support, including from former President Donald Trump, as they go through this difficult time.
The former Republican President and his wife, Melania Trump, sent boxes of Christmas presents to the family.
“These boxes came in the mail and they are from… President Trump!” These two boxes. Can you believe it? ‘ Moore said in a video filmed on Christmas Day as Avalinn smiles expectantly.
‘Oh my God!’ Avalinn screamed in joy while wearing a back brace and matching Christmas jumpsuits with her dad and younger sister.
“Donald and Melania Trump have sent a package! They have Donald Trump signed hats, Presidential blankets, American Girl Dolls, President Trump and Melania signed books, pens, bracelets and more! Moore posted to Facebook on Christmas Day with the video of Avalinn discovering the gifts.
The family has received a wave of support, including from former President Donald Trump, as they go through this difficult time. “Donald and Melania Trump have sent a package! They have Donald Trump signed hats, Presidential blankets, American Girl Dolls, President Trump and Melania signed books, pens, bracelets and more! Moore shared on Christmas day
Moore also posted the touching letter the former president and his wife sent to cheer the little girl up during this difficult time in her life.
Moore also posted the touching letter the former president and his wife sent to cheer the little girl up during this difficult time in her life.
“We are so encouraged by the strength and determination you have shown during this very difficult time. You will remain in our hearts for complete care and comfort as you continue to recover, ”the letter read.
“With your unwavering spirit, the unwavering strength and support of your wonderful family and many friends, your future potential is limitless.”
The Missouri community also continues to rally with the family and has created a crowdfunding page to help cover funeral, medical and other costs.
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