Estella Rhineheart's Monday morning was as routine as it gets.
“Went to the bank, went to the gas station on New Road, drove down toward the apartments,” she recalled to WKBN.
However, it turned out to be anything but routine when, while driving down New Road, Rhineheart was stopped by a shocking sight.
There was a little girl running, not on the road but next to it, and it didn’t look right.
- Estella Rhineheart
Her mommy instincts activated, Rhineheart frantically called the girl - age 4 years old, barefoot with no jacket - over to ask what happened. What she heard was beyond belief.
“I just kinda called her over to me and said, ‘Hey, come here. What are you doing?'” Rhinehart explained. “She said she was allowed to be outside and her mom doesn’t mind if she was going to play.”
However, not wanting to overreact, Rhineheart stayed with the little girl, figuring a parent or guardian would come running any moment. Yet when no one arrived, Rhineheart had no choice but to contact the police.
I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt but I mean, after 20 minutes, I expected someone to peek their head out…Nothing. And that was disturbing, that was upsetting.
- Estella Rhineheart
It wasn't the first time
Fortunately, the girl was fine. When police arrived, Rhineheart was shocked to discover that it wasn't the first time she was left to wander.
“About six months ago, the child was outside. The mom was out pretty quick, said she just lost sight of her for a minute,” said. “Then one week prior to this time, the child was out wandering and it took about 20 minutes to figure where she lived.”
Police are currently investigating the mother, 26-year-old Kirsten Adkins, on charges of child endangerment. Adkins maintained her innocence. Meanwhile, the girl was set to stay with her grandmother.
Watch our children
Rhineheart said we shouldn't be quick to pass judgment, adding that we don't know the other side of the story or what Adkins might be going through.
It’s a terrible thing. Something could have happened, but we don’t know her. We don’t know what she’s going through, we don’t know what she’s struggling with
- Estella Rhineheart
Like Rhineheart, I'll try to give the Adkins the benefit of the doubt. Let's hope Adkins at least sends her an Amazon gift card for saving her little girl from definite danger.
Rhineheart does drive home an important point: Keeping kids safe is not just about their wellbeing. It can be also be about making sure their parents might need a helping hand too.
If you're driving and spot a child in distress, know that in that moment, you're extended family and your routine can wait.
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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.