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A Silly Little Rhyme: A Mother Remembers Her 9-Year Old Daughter Killed In ATV Crash
October 13, 2011
“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite…I love you momma, good night.”
It was perhaps a silly little rhyme, a nighttime ritual of sorts around the Wilburn household. But it was the way daughter Meagan would tell her mom good night each evening, including Monday night, the very last night of her short nine years.
By Tuesday night, mom Rebekah sat next to Meagan’s lifeless form at Sacred Heart Hospital and said the rhyme on more time.
“Mom loves you Meagan, good night.”
Nine-year old Meagan Wilburn always loved to ride her bicycle around the family home on Occie Phillips Road. The home sits in a wooded area about a quarter mile off the roadway. The driveway is an adventurous child’s dream; it has steep terraces (like little hills) throughout to prevent erosion.
Meagan and two others were on an ATV Tuesday afternoon on the driveway when they lost control within sight of the house. The two others were uninjured. But the ATV overturned and landed on Meagan, a part — most likely the handlebar — piercing her chest.
A panicked Rebekah and her father knew it was a very serious injury and rushed Meagan nine miles to the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue where first responders were waiting.
Rebekah stood outside the ambulance in the parking lot of the fire station, wringing her hands and watching through the back windows as first responders worked on her youngest daughter. She was in the front seat of LifeFlight as Meagan was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital for emergency surgery. After surgery, she was moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
“The doctor told me I could go in and see her,” Rebekah said. But it began to seem like a long time, and they did not come out and get me.
“Then they called ‘Code Blue’ to the Pediatric ICU,” she said. “We knew it was her.”
“She was such a fighter; she fought for five hours” mom Rebekah said Wednesday. “She was a fighter, stubborn, hard-headed, crazy crazy tough.”
“She had the most beautiful sky-blue eyes and the cutest freckles…those eyes were so hard to say ‘no’ to.”
Meagan enjoyed gymnastics and loved school. She had a perfect straight-A record at Bratt Elementary School, was a member of the Sunshine Math team and received numerous awards. She had recently decided that she loved the color pink.
“Her casket will be white with a pink trim and the outside will be pink.” she said. “There’s a picture in the top that shows ‘in God’s hands’.”
“I didn’t know what else to do for my baby girl. It wanted it to be beautiful. She was so beautiful. It was like she glowed all the time; she was always so happy.”
Rebekah said the one of the things she will miss most about Meagan is their little nighttime ritual.
“It was every night before bed; it was such a stupid saying,” she said. “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite…I love you momma, good night.”
“I told her that when I left her at the hospital last night…Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite…Mom loves you Meagan, good night.”
Pictured top: Rebekah Wilburn watches through an ambulance window as first responders work to save her 9-year old daughter Meagan Tuesday afternoon following an ATV crash in Walnut Hill. Pictured top inset: Meagan Wilburn’s Bratt Elementary school photo. Pictured bottom inset: Rebekah Wilburn remembers her daughter Wednesday afternoon. Pictured below: Straight-A student Meagan Wilburn received numerous awards at the end of third grade last May at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
69 Responses to “A Silly Little Rhyme: A Mother Remembers Her 9-Year Old Daughter Killed In ATV Crash”
I don’t know the family but am so sorry for the deep sorrow they must feel… I feel sad even though I never knew Meagan. After seeing the picture of her mother, I can see where she got her beautiful eyes. May God tenderly comfort all who are grieving.
I have a 10 yr old that reminds me of your little girl. I can not imagine the pain you are going through. You are in my prayers..Crying for you and hugging my baby girl tight..you never know when it will be the last time.. But for the grace of God go I…I am so so sorry no mother should ever have to go through this. I pray you will find peace somehow.
I cried while reading this. It isn’t anyone’s fault for this accident, accidents happen and they happen for a reason. God wanted her to be with him and she is in a better place now. After reading about what happened people may say that they will never let their child ride on a four wheeler now because of this but you can’t stop your child from doing fun things such as that. Letting them drive in a car is the same difference. You can’t keep your child in a bubble for their whole lives. This mother may regret letting her ride and she may wonder what if? but things happen for a reason. I have a little one and I can’t imagine losing a child. I am sorry this happened to that family. God Bless you Meagan, and God Bless you family as well as they get through this horrible tragedy. Sleep tight Meagan!!
I lost my sister several years back. The song, “Surrounded By Angels” was sung at her funeral. Such a comfort came over me as I could she the Angels surrounding my sister. I know that Angels are surrounding your sweet little Megan! God bless you and your family and my prayers are still with you. May you find some comfort knowing that Angels and God is surrounding her!
I know there are no words for what you must be feeling right now but she is there with the good lord and I can say this has surely touched my heart.i will definetly cherish the moments with my 9 year old daughter in a different light from this day forward.God Bless and be with this family.
Rebekah,
My heart hurts for you. I lost my baby in a miscarriage….didn’t know I was pregnant until it happened. I didn’t know it at the time because it was in the very first few weeks. I never told anyone about this except the dad. Never got a chance to meet her, but I do believe the baby would have been a girl. I can remember a dream I had one night still to this day where God showed me her face and I knew that my “Angel” was watching over me and will always be with me. I am just waiting to meet her in heaven just like your baby girl will be waiting for you in heaven. Just remember you will always have your angel, Meagan, watching over you and helping to protect you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Praying you will find peace in the Jesus’ arms.
Ma’am, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my oldest grandson of 18 years, two years ago to the Swine Flu. I was so angry and hurt at why did this have to happen, people came up to me later and said it will get easier and I wanted them to get out of my face; but I have to truthfully say that the pain is not so bad any more; but it still hurts and not a day goes back that I do think of him and wish he was still here. I just want to say, talk about her, keep her pictures close, laugh about things she told you and know that for the short time she was on this earth she touched alot of lives. God bless you and your family during this terrible loss.
Dearest Rebeka and Family,
We just found out about Meagan and are so sorry. Savannah ran to her room and grabbed the picture of the three girls and started crying. After loosing my mom this summer, and now loosing Meagan, Savannah is having a hard time. We will miss her and we do miss you and the kids deeply. You were great neighbor in Arkansas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
I am very sorry for your loss. I also lost a son 4 1/2 yrs ago. Although my son was killed in a car accident and he was 16 the pain is the same. Always remember she is with you in spirit. You will always remember her smiles, giggles and everything she did. Go with your heart. If it is something you want to do for her, Dont let anyone change your mind. You are the one who has to bury your child. This may sound strange, but trust me, soon you will be able to adjust to your life the way it is now. My best advice is to always talk about her. My walls in my house are filled with pictures of all of my children including my son who was killed. some people told me I should take them down so I could get “over” it quicker. You will never get over it. I feel like there is a big part of my heart ripped away and will never be the same. Yes I do get up and go on with the day, but I always , always think of him.. Sometimes you just gotta fake it.
Advanced Mathmatics and Science, this little Angel was on her way to making a difference in this world. I pray for her loved ones and us all.
My heart is breaking for you right now. I cannot imagine losing one of my children. It has got to be the single hardest thing a parent can go thru. Today after reading about this I held my daughter a little tighter, a little longer. My daughter is 10, with the same beautiful blue eyes as your daughter. I thank God for her every day. But tonight I feel especially blessed. We, as humans, take so much for granted. But this could have been me and my daughter as well as anyone elses. I pray for God to send you strength to get thru this, and altho I realize no words can make it any easier there is something I would like to share with you. My mother lost 2 children before I was born. A 12yr old daughter and a 9 month old son. She always told me that while it was the most painful thing she had ever been thru that if she could lift the veil back and see where they are and how happy they were that she would not wish them back again. For they, as well as Meagan now, have taken the journey we all must take oneday. Only they are most certainly with God as they have the innocence of children. Oneday you will see your daughter again. Until that day just know she IS still with you. She is in the air you breathe, she is in the flowers that bloom and the mist on the ground in the morning. Most of all she is in your heart and she was put here on this earth and in your life for a reason. Her purpose was served and God needed her back. He needed her to stay innocent and perfect and unflawed. He needed her to not have to suffer the bleak future we will most certainly face ourselves as this world gets more corrupt everyday. I know none of that eases our pain right now. But we grieve because WE will miss those we love an lost. We cant grieve for them because they are so much better off than we are. They are in a much better place than we are. I wish I could give you a hug and listen as you recall all the beautiful memories you have of your daughter and the years you were blessed to have her. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope God will make this bearable for you. And I hope you find comfort in the words of strangers and friends alike when we tell you how your story has touched us and made a differance in our lives as well as your own. Much love to you Rebekah.
Our saying is “Sleep tight……don’t let the bed bugs bite, and if they do use dynamite!”
So very sorry for your loss. When you tell you kids to be careful, make sure they do!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My head is bowed at this very moment . Pondering what I could say to ease the suffering .But, the truth is there is nothing to be said . Except I am so sorry , And that God will be by your side and give to you and your family the comfort that is needed now. I pray that Angels and even heaven itself will look down and remember the devastation that has occurred here .and cry their own tears even as you have.God bless you and your family….
such a horrorble accident. I pray for all involved.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jesus, be near.
You have the whole support from fellow Bulldog students and parents. Having hurried a child myself I know the pain is unbelievable and no words are going to help. May God wrap you in His warmth and keep your family close with comfort.
I am deeply sorry for your loss! 5 years ago I lost my son. Although different circumstances, the pain is the same. Meagan will forever be loved and remembered by her family, friends, and community. The hole in your heart will always be gaping, but the pain seems to dissipate slowly! Know that God had bigger plans for her, and she will no longer hurt for anything and will always be comforted in angels wings. As a mom or a dad, that doesn’t seem comforting now, because we feel it isour duty and honor and responsibility to take care of our child. As times get increasingly worse around us, I am relieved my son doesn’t have to endure it and I know I don’t have to worry about him, for he will always be safe and taken care of. I hope one day, peace, or at least partial peace, fills that hole you now have in your heart for Meagan! My prayers are with you every step of the way!
I know at times we ask “Why God Why GOD” and at we can not answer that question but I prey that that our Lord and savior will be with you during this time of your life to comfort you and to know he is with you. May God bless you and keep you
Gordon and Zena,i am so very sorry for the loss of your granddaughter.I lost a grandson years ago,and while the pain does lessen,the loss remains forever.Only the Lord can bring the comfort your family needs at this time.Cling to Him and let Him sustain you day by day. God does all things well.We may not ever understand those things but we have to live by faith.
Rebekah,
We are so heartbroken over your loss.it is sure from all the comments and photos that you were blessed with a beautiful, intelligent, and caring little lady! You are in our hearts.
Jason and Janice Parham
“God, bring comfort and peace. Peace is your essence. Peace is your name. Bring peace to this family who has lost their precious child in death.
Our Prays go out to your entire family.
Rebekah, I am so terribly sad for you. You are such a sweet special person. I am hurting with the pain of your loss. Each of my kids have their own little song, cherish those memories with Meagan, I know you will. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Lisa Ward Warner
I am so sad for you, Mom. My heart goes out to you, and I am crying my eyes out for you.
What a tragedy. I don’t know this family, but my thoughts and prayers go out to them. What we think is silly are those precious things we remember in times of loss. Treasure them. Also, remember to keep in prayer the others that were on the atv with her – as I can only imagine the survivor guilt they are feeling. May God comfort and bless all of you in your time of loss and tragedy.
Meagan is my neice. I just want to say thank you to everyone for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. She was an amazing little girl. The sweetest thing ever was that little voice. I know there will always be a whole in my brother Jimmy’s and Rebekah’s hearts forever. Let’s also not forget about her sister Cailee and her brother Tyler. May God hold them close and help them deal with this tragedy. Meagan me, Uncle Brian, Lauren, Cori, Blake, and Baby Dillon will never forget you. We love you Baby girl
Rebekah, I don’t know you or your beautiful little angel but I was told last night by my daughter that my granddaughter, Angel played with your daughter all the time. Even though she is only 5, she is a mature 5 yr. old. If my Angel picked your Angel to play with, I’m sure she was a wonderful, sweet little girl, because Angel was very picky who she played with. Angel has a very tender heart and I’m sure she is going to miss Megan very much. And as far as the little poem before bedtime thing. I have said the same poem to my children before bedtime when they were smaller but it was a little bit different. ” GOOD NITE, SLEEP TIGHT, DON’T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE, IF THEY DO, GET A SHOE, AND BEAT ‘EM BLACK AND BLUE! Now that is a silly bed time poem, isn’t it? So don’t ever think the little sayings you say with your children are silly. It’s the only thing you have between the two of you, so that alone makes it a special little night time poem. May GOD be with you and your family and I pray that you will be able to endure your pain as easily and as painless as possible.
Ma’am, terribly sorry to hear about this loss. Please remember God is with each and every one of us each and every day. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless
So sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. Some things we don’t understand we just have to trust God.
‘ Someday God’s wisdom
Will make it very plain
Why problems were permitted
And how He uses pain.
” Until we’re home with God
Some answers must wait.
Until his plan unfolds
We’re called to live by faith”
This should make all of us hold our kids longer tonight.
Hang in there.
You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I never got to meet her but she was part of my family. I have a 7 year old and it is just so hard to here this. My love, hugs and prayers goout to her mom and dad. I hug you both from so far away out here in California. I am just in tears and sad.
I have hugged my son so hard since we got home and i am just in shock. Please know that your being comforted by so many people around you no matter where they are.
Susan Bishop Robeson
Rest little Meagan in God’s arms. Rebekah, you have an angel watching over you. May you find peace and I’m continually praying for you and your family. God bless!
Even though I didn’t know your daughter, my heart still goes out to you and your family because I’m a Mom as well and it could have been me or mine. Just remember, God doesn’t put any more on us than he know we can stand to bear. Pray and ask God for the strength to carry on and be there for the rest of your kids and he will provide. You will always be in my prayers!
My heart goes out to this family. The mother mostly, you must be so strong… always know there’s a beautiful little guardian angel looking out for you and watching over you each and every moment… God bless you, and you will forever be in my prayers.
May God give you the strength to get through this time. But remember the words to this song, “if you could see where I am-you would’nt cry.” But I know that would be hard not to. My prayers are with you and your family.
Beautiful eyes,just like her momma’s!! What do you say in a moment like this?
Praying for this family. I know she will be missed, but at least she is away from the pain of this world, and in the Lord’s hands, safe and sound, and waiting to see her family again one day. God Bless y’all.
Meagan you will truly be missed. Heaven got a beautiful and sweet angel. Going to miss joking with you. Rip you wonderful angel. Love you
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
My prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
Danny Morris
I am so so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful little girl and I pray for your family during this tragic loss. This story upset me so bad I could not hardly see the end of the story for all of my tears. I cannot imagine what you are going through I pray for God to help your family through this horrible and sad time.
Meagan, I’m sure going to miss them phone calls asking “is Savannah there” in that sweet little voice and all the days and nights you have spent with us and as your mom said those beautiful eyes, I couldn’t say no to. We love you so much and going to miss you!
Dear Rebekah, thank you for sharing this with all of us, I know it took a lot of strength. That is sweet that you and Meagan shared the little poem each night. Even though she is not here in the body anymore her spirit will always be. Meagan is where we all long to be whenever it’s our turn to go and that is with Jesus the Lord forever more.
God be with you and your other children and with your Mom and Gordon and all of the family.
When you spoke of her blue eyes it reminded me of what I had read once, that blue is God’s favorite color….in a scripture it reads that God instructed to sew blue into our garments. I read that blue speaks to us of the eternal presence of Jesus.
My heart aches for you and the family for this great loss.
Love to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. When I seen the picture of Megan the Angel I couldn’t stop crying. It goes through my mind that could be me in a way. Accidents happen but you never know when, why ,or how they happen. Every time I even think about Megan it breaks my heart. She is now in a better place watching over her family. And mom don’t ever stop saying that at night because she can still hear you and she will be waiting for you every night to say it back.
To NEIGHBOR: Your words are so beautifully spoken. Thank you for sharing! To the family: Thank you for letting perfect strangers be a part of your sweet little girl’s life. She was precious! God Bless You!
i can’t imagine the words to say to this family,i almost lost my daughter as she was born 9 yrs ago and all that goes through my mind is my story,i’m VERY saddened for you’re loss,as a mom and a parent we try and protect our kids,and sometimes that protection goes beyond security in this situation security would play a measure,you’re a brave mom and god has her as a angel in the sky watching over you now.RIP lil megan we will forever miss you and always will keep you in our hearts!
I did not know her or her parents but I am crying for your loss.
I am so sorry and saddened for your loss. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. God Bless your heart and may each day bring you peace and strength! Your story really touched my heart! My husbands family is from Walnut Hill. We also have 3 children. Our Youngest is Sarah she is 13 and I always say that sweet little poem with her before bed! It is special and you will always have that! We will be praying and thinking of you, your family and Megan!
Although I have not known Rebekah and her children a long time, I knew the first time I met them we had a special bond. It has only been about 5 months, but I love her and those children as they were my own. They are sweet, kind and most respectful. Meagan was a little shy but I could get her to talk. She always had that angelic look about her and could melt anyone’s heart. She loved the water and would have been a duck if she could have. She is now an Angel in the most high with our Loving Lord. We (I) will truly miss her and remember her always. Rebekah, Cailee and Tyler and to all the family, GOD’S Peace be with you in this time and always. I love you and will be here for you, keeping the prayer’s and the faith.
I cannot imagine your pain and I am truly sorry this happened, we do not know God’s plans for our lives and why we as the ones left behind must endure these things, I pray the Lord gives you his Divine strength and in the days ahead, I pray He wraps all of you in His arms and comforts you. God bless your family.
Ps 9:9-10: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you (NIV).
There is a unique vulnerability that comes with parenting. We long to protect our kids from hardship and pain. But when we see suffering as something to be feared, we have a harder time understanding why God allows difficult and sometimes unfair circumstances into our lives and the lives of our children.
God has a different perspective on suffering. He calls us to seek refuge in Him during these times and to trust in His goodness. When we fully grasp His love, we can rest in the security that our circumstances, no matter how painful, have eternal value. God may not always deliver us from those circumstances, but He promises to walk with us through them and never forsake us. When we look at trials through eternal eyes, we may be more willing to be perfected because we know we have not yet reached our final destination.
Trust the Lord; even in suffering
I am so sorry for your loss. My wife and I say this same little rhyme with our girls before bed each night, but, from now on each night when we say it I will be thinking of your family and Praying God will have his arms around each of you.
God put his loving arms around you, comfort and Love you thru each and everyday you are on this earth without her.
Look UP, this life is short and eternitity is coming soon. Look forward to time your time here on earth is over, you’ll live with her forever in heaven where Jesus will wipe away your tears. Blessings, Rena
Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite, or the night creatures or the night critters, dont forget to pray and don’t have scary dreams. I love you Meagan… goodnight…………… That was what my baby said to me everynight.
The last words I got to tell Meagan was I love you, she looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes and shook her head yes.
What a beautiful angel! Praying for you & your family in your loss.
Meagan…it was a privilege knowing you…you are such a dear child to Abby, john and i ! you will truly be missed!!!…love ya…Kim
Thank you for having the strength to share these precious memories with the ones of us that did not have the opportunity of knowing her. She’s a very beautiful angel. I have 3 daughters of my own. The oldest is 9. I cannot imagine how much pain your family is in right now. Praying that the strenght that you have shown us here continues to grow stronger_______
I feel your loss and sadness. Our situation was different, but laying a child to rest is terrible regardless . Find peace in your life a nd cling to it . I did a lot of writing. Don’t let anyone tell you how to grieve, you’ll find your own way. Just keep her close to your heart. Last night my son prayed for all of you, then we read a book to Meagan. He wanted her to here his favorite story! Words can never express the loss and heartbreak you feel. But know that there’s an outpouring of love and prayers being sent your way by so many people. In God’s Love, Another Mother to Angels
This just breaks my heart. What a beautiful angel. I used to say the same rhyme to my boys when that were little and still do sometime even though they are now in their 20’s. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I do not know you or your daughter but I feel the pain of your loss. Please keep God close to your heart because He will help you through this tragedy. Lean on Him and friends for support. Meagan will forever be your angel watching over you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you today and in the days ahead.
My heart is broke for you…Seeing that picture just took me over the edge..What a beautiful Angel you have…
Memories are one thing that death cannot take away. The loss of a child is, without a doubt, the worst thing that can happen to a parent, I know first hand.
I also know that the Heavenly Father has this child safely in his loving hands
and will comfort this family as it is he who holds tomorrow. God bless and keep
this family.
This is so sad. My heart and prayer goes out to the Wilburn family.
It wasn’t a stupid little poem. I say that same poem with my daughter every night. I am so sorry for your loss and prayers go out to you all. I can’t even imagine!
My family’s prayers for yours. I cannot help crying as I read this story. I am so sorry for your loss, Don’t let the bed bugs bite is what I say to my grandson when I put him to bed at night. She is in god’s hands now and as beautiful now as she was in life. You will hold those memories for a lifetime and they will always be precious.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your little Angel girl. Hold Gods hand now, let Him heal this hurt.
This is so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Just remember, it’s never really goodbye…it’s “see you later”!
Lord, be with Meagans family through this difficult time.
My heart breaks for the family What a beautiful little girl
this breaks my heart and i to am crying I can not imagine going thru what this brave momma had to endure those hours after the accident,, that has to be the hardest thing to do. and although the rhymes may seem silly those things r what we hold dear to our hearts forever. Thinking of the family during this time , you had a beautiful daughter, and yes those eyes are as blue as the heavens , God Go with you all your neighbors in alabama
Rebekah there is nothing i can say to ease the pain and heart break you are going through! You are a dear friend to me that will always remain close to my heart. I know there is not a soul that has read this story that does not hurt with the pain of your loss. And i am sure soo many look at there children in a different light today,with so much love. my prayers and thoughts are with you and you family. call me anytime day or night if you need anything! Love You,
Brian Belle
I can’t get that picture at the top out of my mind. As a mom, I can’t imagine standing in those shoes looking in that ambulance window. God Bless you Meagan, and God Bless your family. Sleep tight, little one.
Oh my God. I’m crying my eyes out. What a powerful story. I’m going to hug and hold my little girl now.