A PARENTING influencer has shared the “worst day of our lives” after she accidentally ran over her toddler son in a freak accident at home.
Kelly Hopton-Jones, 36, said her 23-month-old son Henry was injured “in a matter of seconds” as she pulled out of her driveway.
A parenting influencer accidentally ran over her 23-month-old son in her driveway Credit: Instagram
The toddler sustained pelvic fractures and minor abrasions but avoided more serious injuries Credit: Instagram
The family is in shock and grappling with guilt, but focusing on their son’s recovery Credit: Instagram
The Texas-based mom, who shares parenting tips with more than 63,000 followers on Instagram under Hillside Farmhouse, revealed the horror unfolded during what had started as a normal morning.
Describing the terrifying ordeal as a “true nightmare”, she wrote: “Today has been the worst day of our lives. Life can change in the literal blink of an eye.”
Kelly explained she had been taking daughter Lily to get donuts before a dance performance, while her husband Brian stayed at home with Henry.
“He helped Lily into the car and was waving goodbye between our car and Henry, who was in the garage,” she said.
“In a matter of seconds, our son was run over by our car. I was driving.
“Our neighbors stepped in immediately and took Lily and we rushed to the emergency room.”
Doctors later confirmed Henry had suffered fractures to his pelvis along with minor abrasions – but miraculously avoided more serious injuries.
Kelly said: “X-rays of his legs, chest and neck are all normal.
“CT scan shows no injury to his organs or spinal cord. Neurological exam has been reassuring with no signs of head injury or impairment.
“He does have fractures to his pelvis that will take time to heal as well as a few abrasions.”
Recalling the moment doctors spoke to her, she added: “What stays with me the most is the doctor saying: ‘He is hurt but this is something he can recover from.’ A true miracle.”
The shaken mom admitted the family has been left in shock following the accident.
“We are in shock. We are sad. But we are so incredibly grateful,” Kelly said.
“We keep replaying it, trying to understand how this could have happened when we were right there. I don’t have that answer.
“But I do know this has changed us.”
She also opened up about the guilt and “what ifs” that have followed.
“I can’t even let my brain fully go to how different this situation could be right now. It’s so easy to start questioning everything.
“If the morning had looked different. If B had gone to work like he normally would have, both kids would have been safely in their car seats.
“We could drive ourselves crazy with the what ifs, and honestly, we are a little bit. But accidents happen.”
Despite the ordeal, Hopton-Jones said the family is focusing on recovery – and holding their son “a little tighter tonight.”
Kelly shared the terrifying ordeal on social media Credit: Instagram
The Texas-based mom is known for sharing parenting advice to her 63,000 followers on Instagram Credit: Instagram
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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