Nothing is scarier than a newborn in distress. Mothers follow all of the rules and try their best to protect their children. Nevertheless, sometimes things happen and infants get very sick, or pass away suddenly. Ask any new mother, fear of SIDS is something that keeps them up at night.
One woman was living every woman’s nightmare when a police officer found himself in the right place at the right time, and sprung into action.
From High-Speed Chase to an Endangered Infant
One late summer day, New York State police officers were involved in a traffic pursuit when they heard a strange commotion. They had just apprehended their target, and were getting ready to leave the scene when they followed the sounds of distress to a young woman and her two month old baby. Initially confused as to what was going on, the police quickly realized that the woman’s baby was in critical condition and had stopped breathing.
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“We just heard a loud commotion from the area, looked over and we went over to that area, seeing what was going on," said Detective AJ Phillips. "I saw a woman frantic with a 2-month-old baby in her hands, lifeless."
The Syracuse Detective Springs Into Action
The detective on the scene, Detective AJ Phillips, had been a medic in the military and was quick to perform first aid. At first, everyone thought the baby was choking, so Detective Phillips sprung into action, performing back blows on the baby.
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Once he realized that the blows were not working, he switched gears and began performing rescue breaths on her. The baby began to stir, showing signs of life. Just in time, medical help arrived to take over.
Legacy of a Survivor
The baby, whose name is Legacy, survived. Her mother Aaliyah Young was grateful to the police for taking time to look into what the commotion was during their traffic chase, and then dropping everything to make sure her daughter lived.
The true Legacy in this story is the life of the little baby, whose community loved her from such a young age that they rallied and did everything they could to make sure she thrives and lives a long and prosperous life. Her story and that of the heroic detective will always be intertwined. When life calls on you to be a hero, you'll be ready too.
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.