One special kid got a second chance at life and love when a big-hearted detective and his family rescued him from a real-life horror story.
Sole survivor
Nothing could have prepared Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Detective Mike Blair when he was called to the Oneal household following a horrifying 9-1-1 call.
Presiding judge Michelle Sisco would later say at sentencing that "For the rest of my life, I’ll be haunted by what I saw."
What she and Blair saw were the slain bodies of Kenyatta Barron and her disabled daughter, 9-year-old Ron'Niveya. The coldhearted killings were committed by patriarch Ronnie Oneal III.
Blair would learn that there was another family victim: 8-year-old Ronnie Oneal. He was alive, but his chances weren't good.
"We were told there was a child being medevacked to Tampa General, but he was not expected to live," Blair recalled to HCSO.
Miraculously, young Ronnie pulled through. When Blair visited him a few weeks later, both of their lives would be forever changed.
New family, new start
Blair brought Oneal gifts from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team, which he loved.
However, Blair told WFLA that it was one particular evening that transformed their bond.
"He kind of held on to my hand as I left, and he said, 'Could you watch a movie with me?' and I said, 'No I can't, I've gotta get back to work,'" Blair recounted to WFLA. "And I said, 'How 'bout I come back and watch a movie with you tonight?'"
Blair shared the moment with wife Danyel.
"I called my wife and we were planning to go on a date night that night and I said, 'Hey, instead of doing date night, do you mind if we watch a movie with this kid?'" Blair continued.
Danyel already knew that they had to do more for the young boy.
I had already known that I would want to take Ronnie home with us, starting that night.
- Danyel Blair
So when their local church asked the Blairs if they knew someone who could take in Oneal, the couple was all in.
Even their five kids were on board.
"My kids had come to me... and said to me, 'Dad, you just need to go with Mom on this; we need to start fostering,'" Blair told People.
For Oneal, his young life is very different, however he's grateful to be part of a loving family.
"I have a different brother and sister, different mom and dad, different house, but it's pretty cool to be with them," he said in the video. "They are really nice people. They are the best moms and dads, and they really take care of me. There is no one else better than them."
Love heals all
Despite what happened, Oneal keeps only warm memories of his late mother and sister.
"She was nice, she pushed me on the swings, she made me some good wings and food," he said of his mother.
"My sister, she couldn't talk but she could still move her head, so I learned sign language," he added. "She was very nice."
There's literally no way to process what this young boy went - and is going through. He's survived hell, and has the scars to prove it.
However, hell doesn't stand a chance against the power of family. In the Blairs, he's found a protective halo to give him the courage to fight on.
We should all be grateful for the family we have for giving us the power to get back up and shine.
The Blair family mantra - that young Ronnie repeats in times of stress - is one we should all adopt.
"I am safe, I am loved and I am part of this family."
- The Blair family mantra
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.