In her first TV interview, Maitlyn Gandy reacts to the confession of her daughter's accused killer and opens up about what broke her while laying Athena to rest.
My heart breaks for you mum. For Athena’s little sister. Athena’s dad and stepmom. This should never ever have happened. I’m so sorry that it did. There are no words. Sending love and strength from Australia. ❤❤❤
The fact she did her daughter’s hair & dressed her for the funeral & ultimately, her burial speaks volumes about how much she truly loved her daughter….
I hope Mom knows how strong, brave, and inspiring she is! Her baby girl is watching over and saying, 'Yep, that's my mommy!' Rest peacefully beautiful Athena...❤
My 8-year daughter loves the muddy puddles too. I can't imagine. I really can't. We lost our 12 year old daughter to cancer about 10 years ago. It left a giant hole in our hearts. We think of her often. But, we got to say goodbye and it wasn't sudden. I can't imagine someone murdering my child. Especially so senselessly. We are praying for you.
Sweetheart, don’t ever be sorry for crying for your precious daughter. You deserve to feel all of the emotions that you feel and more. My prayers will continue to be with you and Athena’s entire family.
I recently lost my daughter. In July. I understand this mama's pain and I wish I didn't. It is the worst pain I have ever felt. I can't compare another hurt to this hurt. I pray for her.
She's numb and all cried out, but I did see some tears. She's grieving in her own way just like everyone who grieves differently, but I can tell that she's suffering and struggling with what's happened! She clearly loves Athena like we all do, even though we've never met her before! Strong woman!
You have to stay num for your younger kids but inside you feel like zombie you are dead inside but had to go on living for the people that needs you here I lost my son and people will see me something fine a lil happy but even feeling happy you feel guilty for feeling this lil but of happiness because you miss you son you daughter isn’t the most painful thing you can’t never recover or forget it’s shock first then acceptence then realizing you are never going to see then again the anger it’s on stagers but the pain is there
This woman is incredible. She is the face of so much suffering, yet, she is willing to face questions during the worst possible time in her life thus far. She is a brave woman and I wish her easier days ahead. A parent's grief is horrible and those who go through it, say it is hard to describe. I believe it. We should do everything we can to bring comfort to parents who are suffering a loss like the loss of a beautiful child.
When she said that, I imagined myself doing that for my daughter and my soul shattered... she really is a strong mama. It's such a beautiful act in such a horrible situation. 💔
That made me break down crying!!!! I cannot begin to imagine the strength it took to do that for her daughter… but, you put it so well, “if that’s not a mother’s true love, I don’t know is”. This woman’s strength, overall, is admirable!!!!
@@methatlovescats3602 you're correct, I should rephrase to, "if that's not true love, I dont know what is." Not every mother is capable of love, unfortunately
@@YouAreGoingToLoseMe87 It’s not like they have no idea when for the entire 20 years…. More like how much beyond the set date will it take?? I appreciate that he will live “on death row” up until his time finally comes!!! And I’m glad this is in TX, as I think it’s fair to say, especially nowadays, it’s the most likely state in the country for him to be sentenced to death!!! And being his victim is a child makes it even more likely…. Not to mention, it’s the sentence her parents want!!!!
She shouldn't apologize for breaking down when she speaks of her daughter, it's extremely recent and its absolutely understandable for her to cry, I would be mentally crazy if I went through what she has gone through 😭😭😭
Me too, Specially being the morher of my only son, i would feel the same, I would be mentally crazy..😭 I dont think I would be that strong in a situation like this!!!...💔
I don’t know how this beautiful mother was able to do this interview, it was incredibly hard to watch. I’m at a loss for words. But, I can promise her mother, Athena will never be forgotten. That beautiful, precious face will always be in our hearts. Our prayers, support and love will always be with Athena’s family. 🙏🏻💗
I can’t imagine losing any of my children to something like this. I will probably be put into a mental hospital due to losing my child. My heart goes out to this mom and her family!
Same. I lost my father suddenly in 2020 and it was the worst pain and deep sadness and yearning i’ve ever experienced, the year following I nearly had to go to a mental hospital because my mental health deteriorated so severely. I can’t even imagine what I would do losing any of my kids. I feel so heartbroken for this mom, this shouldn’t have ever happened.
I had to bury a child in 2007 and the pain never stops.. time does not heal all wounds. What she is feeling is her heart being ripped from her chest. What she is feeling is guilt for allowing her kid to go to her dads house.. but she can’t understand this is not her fault. She has to go through the stages of grief to come out on the other side being able to carry on with her life. Holidays, birthdays, and they day she died will always bring it to the day it happen. It will feel like it just happened yesterday even if it’s been 20 years. Word of advice …. There’s nothing you can say to a mother to make it better and please never tell us that our dead child is in a better place because they are not!
Thank you 👏🏼 for saying exactly what I have been feeling. I lost my 18 yr old son on 6/28/21. My heart has been obliterated. I wouldn’t wish this debilitating pain on anyone. Like you said, time does NOT heal this kind of wound. I will never be the same. The pain takes your breath away…and it will come on strong with certain triggers. I had a few family members tell me that my son was in a better place and that hurt so much and angered me because he is NOT. A better place would be ALIVE and with me, his Dad, and his brother. He didn’t get to live his life. He never even got a chance to drive a car. There was so much to do and see and he was robbed of that. I feel pain for him, all while grieving for myself, my husband (who found him), and his younger brother that is all alone now. The pain is constant. I am so incredibly sorry that you lost a child as well. Sending you strength and my deepest condolences 🙏🏻 😢.
@@codreaming9304 I am sorry for your loss. Allow yourself to feel it and to cry because you have to let it out. I can't tell you when the anger stops because I'm still angry . It is not fair that we had to bury our children and as angry as we are we would never wish this on anyone. I pray that your pain comes in small waves and you find the strength to get through it.
Seriously why make this poor heartbroken mother describe her feelings & experiences, HEARTBREAKING, all my love being sent her way 😢💔💔💔 Fly high Athena you absolute beautiful Angel 👼🏼
I did it for my Grammy, but I’m an older woman and my Grammy was 98.5. I felt honored to beautify her and be with her. This is completely unnatural and I pray the monster who did this gets the death penalty. 🙏🏼♥️🕊🌸
I apologize for all these demons leaving inhumane comments in this section. So sorry for this women’s loss. She was so beautiful. May she rest in paradise 🙏🏽👼…
The only demon here is you, and you will find out when you get to the other side one day that you are a demon just like the rest of this world, everyone is born of evil, and only Jesus is pure.
Why are you apologizing? Are the ' demons ' your friends, did they follow you here? What exactly is your connection to the demons? If they are your demons please remove them immediately. Unbelievable! Yeah, yeah, yeah,....whatever Erckle....just go,,,,ty!
Hey Eggy, you should also apologize for the demons making unhumane comments about the killer being a child molester, there is no proof whatsoever that he is one, but idiots all over here are saying he is.
I know that feeling. When I lost my daughter, her sister did not understand why her sister could not come home. She would ask why I will not let her come home. To young to understand. This poor mom is only 2 weeks In. She has a long painful road infront from her. People will never understand how hard this interview had to be for her.
Even the interviewer was crying. You can just hear it in his voice but also see it when the angle of the camera was at different positions and not on him. She is more composed than him and that just goes to show how incredibly strong this woman is.
I lost my 16.5 year old daughter to a freak accident, 25 years ago this upcoming March. I wouldn’t Dare say I know what this Mom, or Any other Mom who’s lost a child of Any age, is feeling, or the Repetitive Nightmares she’s having, or say she’s coping so well. I Can say that I quickly realized how Blessed I was in my loss, bc I know she didn’t see what was coming,& I know she died Instantly, while there’s too many Moms like This Mom,& Mom’s(&Dad’s)leave this earth, never knowing what happened to their child, until the meet again in Heaven. I Still remember, hear, & feel the Horrific Scream that came out of me, from the depths of my toes & soul. One of the Worst, yet so heartfelt in The Moment is when people say, “Gone, but Never Forgotten.”Because it Is true for family, while everyone moves on,& actually get freaked out when a parent Remembers something bc of a song, a place, whatever,& says their name-Please work on that Folks!!! It’s Not done for attention, sympathy, any words of wisdom, or anything else, besides we can’t,& Never Want to forget that child,& be able to have those little moments every parent we most likely know, all have,& we have with our other children, if we were Blessed with more than one. The first thing I see in the morning, is my baby’s Beautiful Senior High pic,& it’s the last thing I see turning out my light at night. It Never ends with time,& in many ways it gets harder with wondering what they’d be up to if they Were here. The Greatest Gift you can give to those of us who have no identifying name like Orphans have, is letting have those moments without you wanting to run, bc it’s awkward & painful. Having a Conversation where you laugh &/or cry is Beyond whatever measure of Priceless is. And prayers are Always helpful.🙏
Some people in this comment section are monsters themselves... this mother did absolutely nothing wrong! Her baby was stolen from her and this mother is a victim point blank!!
👍You are so correct and very polite! They are nothing but disgusting, low life scumbags, who are no better than the perpetrator! Maybe someday, they will walk in this mums shoes - then they will understand! 🤬 Bless you for being so decent!
@@michmor6221 I'm just a momma myself and some of the comments really upset me so I can't imagine how it would make her feel reading them.. this world can be a dark place
As a mother I could never imagine having to go through such a loss. My heart breaks for Athena's family! You can tell how very loved she was. Such a beautiful ray of sunshine! She will always be remembered by everyone!!! Prayers of strength go out to her mommy especially. I know it had to be hard to stay strong during this interview. I just wanted to hug her! Justice will be served to the monster that took her away from her family!!! Rest in Peace Athena 💗💗💗
My heart grieves for Athena, her mother, & for her whole family. It’s an unimaginable pain to loose a child, unfortunately I know that pain as well. I can only imagine it’s worse if it is not by natural processes & pray Athena & her family are able to obtain justice & find some peace.
This is heartbreaking! So sad that this happened to Athena and the pain the family has to endure because of this senseless act! Still praying for the family. I am so proud of the mom's strength during this interview!
What his excuse is for taking this precious baby's life is in fact NO EXCUSE!!. He had no business putting her in that truck and not telling her mom that he mistakenly hit her with the vehicle and offered help to seek medical attention. He is a monster for even thinking to do harm to such a precious life. He should have called 911 and reported the incident to the company. That was the right thing. She was such a beautiful young lady. Condolences and prayers to her parents, family, friends and everyone that knew her. ❤️
Why does anyone believe him? No sane person would do that. He's a predator and saw her and grabbed her because he had the opportunity. If he didn't have his way with her before killing her it's only because he couldn't for some reason. He just doesn't want to go to prison as a convicted child predator and have all his family know what he is.
I feel so bad for this mom.Dont know if I could be so calm.The worse part for her will be the trial of this Evil Monster.I wish I could talk to this mom and just hold her ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My heart breaks for her and her family! That 7yr old baby was taken away to soon. I hope that monster gets what he deserves in prison!! I pray that he will never see the light of day, so that he can't ever hurt another child!!
please remember a quote ive come across.. i also lost a loved one in an untimely way. "those we love dont go away, they fly beside us every day." Athena watches over you now and please find comfort knowing you will meet her again. prayers of love and light, strength and peace im so so very sorry for your loss. you dear are so strong you should be so proud of the way you've carried yourself with such grace. please take care.
I have never commented before but my heart goes out to this baby and her mum I am so sorry for your loss I am in the UK and have been following this and this is just terrible I wish you and your family all the best RIP Athena 💔💔💔
The best healing advice and loving advice I can give is to keep talking. Keep telling the world about your beautiful Athena 🦋 Sending love from Georgia ❤
There just aren’t any words to type that could ever come close enough to comfort for this sweet mother in the rawest of pain. I’m just so sorry her beautiful little girl was taken from her for nothing. Athena deserved to have the life she was given and her family deserved to have a front seat to it. This demon that showed up to take and destroy pure innocence, pure beauty deserves his life taken from him. May the wheels of justice turn swiftly. May sweet Athena Rest In Peace 💖
I've never believed in the death penalty , but hearing those words.." Every breath he takes is one that my daughter doesn't"." Makes me rethink the death penalty that much more!! I kept avoiding anything/video relating to this case. I have 5 children and it always makes me put myself in that situation. I can't even imagine.. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is always in my prayers!!
Praying for this mama , I can’t even begin to imagine her pain . My heart breaks for her. Your baby girl was absolutely beautiful and I hope she’s up in heaven dancing waiting for you ❤
I can not even fathom this kind of pain, I pray for her and her family and for strength for her to get through this . This should never happen this is a nightmare
In Australia, hadn't heard about this awfully sad case. I just googled and read the article. Saw Athena's photo..what a beautiful child, reminds me of my 3 yo granddaughter...the pain this family is in can't be explained nor should it..let them grieve and my heart goes out to them all, especially her parents..brave mum...❤️❤️❤️ RIP little angel
Praying for your healing and peace. Cry as much as you need to. I'm not expecting anything else from you. My heart breaks for you and your baby Athena.
Such beautiful words spoken for her daughter. Sounded like she had a beautiful funeral for her daughter. To add to her beautiful name that she had given her. We all need to do our part in watching out for the children in our neighborhoods, on their walks home from school , I've came across at least six incidents if not more. that did not look right. Learn to speak up. Have the right telephone numbers to be able to call on hand. We as a society need to look out for the children . My heart has always been for the children need our protecting . I told the children in the neighborhood about the cliff inside the woods (I tell them the words is not for the children.) I pick up sticks or glass that I see were children might be playing.
if you read this, athena was beyond blessed to have you as a mother. you honor her tremendously and I can feel how much you love her from this interview. you will make it. you are so strong and your other girls need you 🩷 i pray proper justice is laid on him in this life and the next
Athena was an angel here on Earth & is now unfortunately an angel above… I wish I could give her mom the biggest hug. Nothing will ever lessen this pain for anyone who loved her. 😔
My heart breaks for this woman💔💔. Anytime I hear her talk my heart breaks. I just can’t imagine what she’s going through. Such an evil world we live in 😭💔
That is one of the strongest women I've listened to in a long time,.just being able to do this interview ! My heart breaks for her and most of for Athena 💔 rip little 😇 angel!
Don’t ever apologize for crying for your beautiful little girl! I am so sorry for your unbelievable loss! I am praying for God’s comfort for all of those who loved her.
Maitland, your strength and grace exudes through the screen. I am so very sorry for your loss. For the world's loss. Our family will keep you in our hearts and prayers 🙏 Rest easy sweet Athena 💓
I would not be able to do this if I was in her shoes. I would be a hot mess. You wouldn’t be able to pick me up off the floor for days on end. Praying for you mama I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m so sorry this happened to Athena 😞
I don't have any children and cannot begin to understand the pain Athena's family and friends are going through. Rest peacefully Athena. You're flying with the angels and you'll be missed here.
Her strength 😭 I could feel every word of this as a mother. I can’t, and don’t like to, imagine her pain and pray I never know it. My heart and soul aches for her and her family. Praying, hard, for them 🙏 “We need to do better to protect our children and expect better of other people” 😢
Prayers and strength for you and your family, she was a beautiful little girl. I feel it's too early for you mom to be going through an interview you're still grieving
@@bellat4484 I been wondering about the stepmom, I hope she wasn’t negligent. Some stepmoms don’t really want kids from the previous marriage or relationship around. I hope this was not the case. Since hearing this story, been wondering what kind of relationship the stepmom had with this little girl. We may never know
As a mother, my heart absolutely shattered into pieces hearing her talk. She spoke with so much strength and conviction, it was admirable. You can literally feel her pain and I wish I could squeeze her so tightly. Momma, nothing anyone says will take your pain away so I won't even try, but I am praying for you and your family to be able to find peace and tranquility in this horrible time. I hope one-day you are able to remember only the happy, wholesome precious times you had with Athena for the 7 beautiful years you has her. She sounded like a lovely sweetheart and everyone will remember her forever. Athena will always be with you 💞
I could not imagine losing one of my children. You can tell she’s in pain and misses Athena so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. 😢
The strength of this mother is beyond my own comprehension of my own abilities as a mother... I'm in awe of her and it's so easy to feel inferior as a mom after hearing what this woman has done for her babygirl regardless of how difficult it was for her, because she was still thinking of and putting Athena first, and what she would want and need in those moments... Which is her mom 😣💔 I can only imagine how strong of a girl Athena must have been after seeing her mom...
