Parting Gift

Parents’ love protects infant from deadly storm

They say a mother’s love knows no bounds.

And if anyone had any doubts about it, they need only to read the front page story in Tuesday’s edition of the Texarkana Gazette.

On Sunday, warnings of bad weather had many in our area concerned about safety. Thankfully most passed the night without incident. But not everyone. A tornado touched down in a trailer park near Nashville, Ark. A portion of the park was devastated, with some residents losing everything they owned.

For one young couple though, the cost was much higher.

Or should we say the price they paid. Willingly.

Michael and Melissa Mooneyhan, along with their 1-year-old daughter, Emily, lived in a trailer that was hit by the twister. Friends and family describe the couple as high school sweethearts who married young. A pair who were devoted to their only child.

That night, Melissa took her baby into her arms on the ground, covering her as a shield against the storm. Michael wrapped his arms around his wife and child to protect them both.

The next day rescue workers found the couple. They were dead.

But miraculously, little Emily was still alive. She was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and she should be just fine. Her grandparents are caring for her.

Howard County County Coroner John Gray told the Associated Press the Mooneyhans’ mobile home flipped over and “exploded.”

It’s hard to believe anyone who was inside could have survived. But Emily did. Because of her parents. It’s true that, as they say, a mother’s love knows no bounds. And neither does a father’s love. God bless the Mooneyhans. And God watch over their daughter in the years to come.

Years that were a last gift from her loving mother and father.