She left them behind, but not alone

This text is replaced by the Flash movie. Every morning when he wakes up, and every night before he goes to bed, Leland Heroux hears how much his mother loved him.

[Hammerhead]

Wow NoDoubt, that was really sad. I feel bad for you.

Regarding Heroux, God bless him and Leland. Leland, dedicate your life to making Mom proud.

[NoDOubtYouAreAJa ckass]

NoDOubt...there is a time and a place. This was neither.

[st paul mommie]

This is a bitter sweet story, men be grateful for the women in your lives. God bless.

[here we go]

This is possibly the saddest story ever. But also inspirational. I've been following this and trying to imagine the ecstatic joy this man must must have felt at the birth of his new son, followed by unbelievable pain. On top of it all, he now has the responsibility of being a single parent, through no fault of his.

On the bright side, it appears this man has a huge support network, which he is going to need for a long, long time. As long as those within this network step up and lend a hand for the next 18 years, this baby will have plenty of love to see him through.

[ICKEY]

NoDOoubt wrote:

The story of this officers wife is a gut wrenching read. I hope he finds a better outcome tomorrow and with the support he has received, it sounds like he will.
Their are few things about his experiences that really make it apparent he has lived the good life in terms of working as a police officer versus what exists as benefits through a private employer. The ability to stay off the job until he is 'ready' and the ability to financially have afforded the luxury of traveling to Spain, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and different parts of the United States at such a young age is a wonderful thing, but not the norm for 'average' working folk. With all that, a pension to carry him through retirement and now this benefit, this guy is riding the tail coat of Jesus, all the way to the bank.

Well, my heart goes out to you "No Doubt". Only someone that is miserable with their own life can take an inspirational and loving story and piss all over it. Maybe it's your "positive" attitude that has limited you from finding success. You're right, cops are not 'average' working folks. Cops have to deal with people having diseases, people trying to shoot, stab or fight them, dead bodies, injured bodies, victims of domestic assault, sexual assault and other violent crimes, people who have lost love ones, rescued people from burning cars or buildings and many other situations. Your right, cops are not the 'average' working folk.

[To each their own]

NoDOoubt wrote:

The story of this officers wife is a gut wrenching read. I hope he finds a better outcome tomorrow and with the support he has received, it sounds like he will.
Their are few things about his experiences that really make it apparent he has lived the good life in terms of working as a police officer versus what exists as benefits through a private employer. The ability to stay off the job until he is 'ready' and the ability to financially have afforded the luxury of traveling to Spain, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and different parts of the United States at such a young age is a wonderful thing, but not the norm for 'average' working folk. With all that, a pension to carry him through retirement and now this benefit, this guy is riding the tail coat of Jesus, all the way to the bank.

Not sure what sort of crappy job you work, but most people get vacation time, sick time, and are entitled to FMLA time. How one chooses to use their vacation time is up to them. I'm sure Heroux was a smart person and banked sick time in the event of a major life changing event, and he is certainally entitled to FMLA time. A lot of people pay into long-term medical disability insurance as well.

[Dagger]

Best of luck to the family!

[Der]

To each their own wrote:

<quoted text>
Not sure what sort of crappy job you work, but most people get vacation time, sick time, and are entitled to FMLA time. How one chooses to use their vacation time is up to them. I'm sure Heroux was a smart person and banked sick time in the event of a major life changing event, and he is certainally entitled to FMLA time. A lot of people pay into long-term medical disability insurance as well.

Just to clarify for others that don't understand what FMLA is; FMLA is not paid time off. For those that qualify, it is a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12 month period of time (there are some additional caveats). Most everyone takes PTO in conjunction with it so as to have an income during the time off. However, if you run out of PTO during your FMLA leave, then you are without income. If you have a short-term disability policy that covers the situation you have taken the time off for, then you can use this to supplement your income.

Hopefully Officer Heroux has banked plenty of PTO over the years and had plenty on the books for him to use. I wish them both well.

[Dagger]

Wowzer

[Shanna]

Der wrote:

<quoted text>Just to clarify for others that don't understand what FMLA is; FMLA is not paid time off. For those that qualify, it is a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12 month period of time (there are some additional caveats). Most everyone takes PTO in conjunction with it so as to have an income during the time off. However, if you run out of PTO during your FMLA leave, then you are without income. If you have a short-term disability policy that covers the situation you have taken the time off for, then you can use this to supplement your income.
Hopefully Officer Heroux has banked plenty of PTO over the years and had plenty on the books for him to use. I wish them both well.

Der, do us all a favor and quit wasting space on this story. What makes you such an expert?

[Shanna]

To each their own wrote:

<quoted text>
Not sure what sort of crappy job you work, but most people get vacation time, sick time, and are entitled to FMLA time. How one chooses to use their vacation time is up to them. I'm sure Heroux was a smart person and banked sick time in the event of a major life changing event, and he is certainally entitled to FMLA time. A lot of people pay into long-term medical disability insurance as well.

In addition NoDOubt, have you ever heard of DONATED VACATION TIME? Apparently NOT!

Leland's definitely a cutie! It's good do hear that he's doing well.

[Shanna]

asian person wrote:

you mean get a life loser

yes, asian, I did..thanks for reminding me :P

[Cindy Stainker]

If tears do not well up in your eyes when you read this story, you have no heart. I can't imagine how devestated this family felt when Brienne died so soon after giving birth. It is sad that Leland never got to be raised by both his parents, but it sounds like his dad will not let him ever feel he is without his mother's love. I hope the benefit that is going on right now will help bring more awareness to HELLP, and that what happened to Brienne Heroux will never have to happen to another family.

[Ann]

This brings such joy to my heart!

[mom in cottage grove]

the thought of how wonderful and awful at the same time bring little Leland to the hospital to be baptised before mom passed away-just heart wretching-all my thoughts and prayers are this family

and to all you bitter, mean spirited writers out there-learn some compassion, there but for the grace of God this could be you in a similar situation someday

[dropandroll]

Disappointed wrote:

Since when is raising a child alone constitute front cover news? What does he want a medal? Hundreds--no millions--of women across this country raise children alone without the support of a husband, friends and family and they most certainly don't reap the benefit of a fundraiser. Good grief, he is just doing his job as a parent. I fail to see how this is a newsworthy story.

Not only did he NOT ask for a medal - he has asked for nothing. When a person is as decent as Andy and Bri are - they have friends who WANT to help. If you were not an a**-hole and had friends, maybe you would get it.

[dman07]

Reginald Lisowski wrote:

There were lots of drunk cops there that is fo sho.

Wow, people like you waste no opportunity (no matter how inappropriate) to voice your hatred for cops. I really do feel bad for you.

[Saint paul Resident]

GREAT JOB Mary Divine.
This is one of your best articles.