Emma Schols, mother of six, defied all odds when she saved all her children during a life-changing event when her house caught on fire. She braved through the flames and miraculously survived with a body that was 93 percent burnt during the ordeal.
A scary ordeal
In the middle of the night in September 2019, Schols awoke to strange noises. On her own since the father of her children was not home, Emma quickly saw that there was a fire burning downstairs in her home, and heard that two of her youngest sons had gone down to investigate and were cowering in the playroom to stay safe. In only her underwear, Emma sprung into action.
I threw myself like a shield over the boys so that they would not be injured. When the flames hit me, it was as if my whole back was on fire. But I kept going. I threw the boys out the front door and locked them so they wouldn't come in again. They were terrified.
Emma Schols
Heroic plan
Emma grabbed her two youngest sons and ushered them out the front door, then immediately turned back into the house and locked the door behind her. She knew that if she left the door unlocked, the boys would be too afraid and try to get back into the burning house. Once they were safe and sound outside, she ran upstairs, through the flames, to get her other children, burning the soles of her feet as she went.
Then there was fire in the whole staircase. For each step I thought that ‘this is not possible’ but then I thought that it must go for four of my children who are still up there. It was so hot that the soles of the feet start to drop from the feet. They just hang like threads.
Emma Schols
Once upstairs, Emma found that her daughter, Nellie, aged 9, had jumped from an upstairs balcony to go get help. Eldest son William, 11, was lowering a ladder so the other children could get out. That was when Emma noticed that her baby, Mollie, was not with the rest of the children. She knew immediately that she had to go get her.
The final fight
Fearing that baby Mollie would no longer be alive, Emma fought the flames and made it to her room. She found the baby frightened and crying, and used all of the strength left in her burning body to get her to safety.
It was such thick smoke and so hard to breathe. I was so terribly tired but could see through the smoke how Mollie stood there in her crib and cried and was terrified. Then I suddenly got such an enormous force and managed to get to my feet and lift her up.
Emma Schols
A miraculous recovery
Emma, and all six of her children, survived against all odds. Staff at the Swedish hospital where Emma went to recover let the family see their mother after 6 long weeks of recovery. Some of the children were frightened of their mother, who was unrecognizable after so much of her body was burned. Slowly, things got better and Emma was able to play with her children again, revisit her passion for horseback riding, and, above all, become the carpool mom again. This story is inspiring beyond measure. The things we are able to do for our children are miraculous.
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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.