She was 13 I thought?

She is in 8th grade, so she is probably more like 13/14. That being said, why is she crossing dangerous main streets like this? Prayers to her parents and brother! Stay strong!!

I agree. Way to young to be crossing that street. I thought she was in 8th grade. Maybe the patch could revise this story and it could be a learning experience for parents and children alike. Many, many prayers going out to the entire family.

Do we always have to be so quick to judge when a post about a young person is made? Seriously me in md, you never did something your parents told you over and over again not to do when you were a teen? Yes this accident should be shared with all teens and middle school-aged children so they can hopefully learn a life lesson and not wind up in a similar situation.

She's 13. I saw her and witnessed it. I'm her twin brother. Pray for her. I'm so sorry.

Daniel I will pray for you all and Debbie I agree with you we all did stupid things when we were young people are way too quick to judge.

Daniel,I'm praying for your sister and the family. I know it's hard for you right now just keep the faith God can do anything. Don't take to heart what's posted on here that's negative people don't stop to think that what they post could and do hurt the victims family. I've been there myself and the things people wrote hurt deeply.@ debbie i agree with you.

You people are whacked....way too sensitive. The only thing that anyone could have remotely concocted as negative was a comment asking why a young lady would cross such a busy road - didn't call her stupid, didn't say she deserved it or she was drunk...nothing. Making a plea that young kids ought not cross busy roads isn't insulting the injured at all. If we can't observe mistakes and comment on them nobody, NOBODY knows when and how to avoid danger. Crosswalks and signs aren't added hocus pocus when Ali Babba chooses...people observe danger, talk about it, the public responds and gets involved...they talk about it to the city or county council or the police and vwalaa; a crosswalk becomes more clearly marked or some such similar chain of communication. Sheeeshhhh...

Thank you. I am happy sometime else agrees that my statement wasn't judgmental. I have a child who his to school with Rachel. They are friends. I know this could have very well have been my item child. The importance now, after something like this happens, is to learn from it. Sharing the story with other children may help to prevent it from happening to another child. I hate pulling out on that road as an adult in a car, you couldn't pay me enough to cross it on a busy afternoon. Its important that other children realize they are NOT untouchable and accidents like this can happen to them as well.

To Daniel, your family and especially Rachael are in our thoughts and prayers.

@Debbie & Elaine please let me know what was hurtful or judgmental in my postings. Debbie you said exactly the same thing but insinuated it was a stupid thing to cross the street. I had zero condescending remarks in my posing. Kindly leave the negativity behind and stop being so quick to pass judgment on others. Wasn't that your argument? Take your own advise

More nanny state bullshit from the peanut gallery. Kids cross streets because its a legal means of public transportation.

Wah wah wah, you can't do that use I don't like that.

More nanny state bullshit from the peanut gallery. Kids cross streets because its a legal means of public transportation.

Wah wah wah, you can't do that use I don't like that.

Desire,
You, your daughter and family are in my prayers.
Please keep us updated!

Desire, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. What you said is so true that know matter what you tell your teenager they always test the rules of parents. I did when I was young. My heart and prayers go out to your daughter. May god bless your family and give you the strength to pull together.

Rachel is an amazing girl and she didnt deserve this and as soon as I heard I immedialty starting praying for her and could not stop thinking about. She is very lucky. I am extremely glad she is ok even though she is in tons of pain. She is a strong girl and I know she can get through this. Love you Rachel and Daniel prayers from The Kriss Family to the Meyers Family

Rachel is one of my best friends. You all need to get over the fact that she made a mistake and just pray for her. That's all we ask. Acting like children isn't helping and arguing what was judgemental. I'm 14 and it looks like adults can be nasty. All we ask is for you to pray for her. She's in extreme pain. Her family is very upset. Just pray.

I'm not sure who is acting like a child. All I've seen is well wishes. I've yet to see one single negative post. Still praying for my daughters friend and her family....

Desiree, Daniel, and Rachel...I am not sure how else to reach out to all of you. I, and all of your teachers at BAMS, are praying for you. We pray for the doctors to give Rachel the best care, pray for God to give Desiree the strength to get through this, and pray for Daniel to forgive himself. As far as I've heard Daniel, it was an accident and you could do nothing to stop this from happening. Stay strong.
--Mrs. Fonte

Omg rachle didnt diserve this!!!! She was always so nice and fun to be around she was one of the nicest girls i have ever met in my life. Rachle, daniel, and the rest of the meyers family will be in my prayer's. i am so sorry that this happend.

prayers for Rachel for a quick recovery, her brother and friends that witnessed the accident-I know it will be etched in your minds for along time, it was not any of your faults- it was a Accident ! Prayers for her mom and family for strength during this time.

Daniel please dont think this is your fault..... You could not have done anything to prevent it. We all make mistakes it is apart of life...... Daniel, rachle, and the rest of the meyers family are in my prayers. I am sonsorry that this tragedy happened ... Please all of you stay strong.

Sort of hard to believe that while in surgery; supposedly 15 hours of surgery both the mom and twin brother find time to post on a local blog. Not sure about anybody else but my kid is nearly killed after being struck by a car, wouldn't be my first, second or third inclination to log in and write about it to strangers. Don't believe everything you read on the internet.

What the flip Karl, you are an idiot. Did you ever think that the mother has been at the hospital for days and her child is asleep most of the time and needs to do something to keep herself occupied. Really..........

After hearing of this happening, I honestly sincerely hope that parents start to regain control of their children. I know for a fact that kids treat their limits everyday, mine included however I am also aware that my children would never have the freedom or ability to be in a situation like this to start with. When my child us in my care and custody, she is just that. I know where she is AT ALL times. If you give a child an inch they take a mile. Knowing this, my child is not outside walking around and getting into trouble. When my child his to friends houses rules are clearly laid out and in place with both the parent and my child. It's OUR job as parents to protect our children and keep things like this from happening. It's our job to raise our children to be productive members of our society. Parents have zero clue as to what is even going on in their childrens lives anymore. Facebook clearly paints a sad picture of the direction the youth of today are heading and if one good thing comes out of this horrible accident I can only pray it is that parents realize that they need to actually parent their children. I can't help but wonder if the support would have been the same if it were Joe Smo and not a popular child. Teachers and students alike have rallied behind Rachel which is warming to see however I'm sure it would be much different if it had been one of the children in the school who was deemed a no body. Just my two cents.

If something ever happens to your kids I hope no one treats you like you have treated this family. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. God bless the Meyers family and I hope everyone has the courtesy to send well wishes instead of adding to your pain.

If something happens to my children I can promise you it will not be because of lack of supervision. A 13 yr old chid shouldn't be given the chance to cross that darn street to start with. Adding to that the fact it was dark out not day time and it's asking for trouble. 2 friends parents also trusted this parent to supervise their children and because of the lack of parenting 4 children are now going to be scarred for life. Clearly not something that should be taken lightly.

And the person who hit the child is scarred too. I pray for all involved.

Yes, i totally didn't even think of the driver of the car who struck the child wearing dark clothing at night time in a poorly lit area. Every time they get behind the wheel they will think if this. The lack if parenting should be criminal

Some of you should get together and write a book on parenting, apparently you have the answer to raising the perfect children who will never make a mistake and obey everything you say. Unless your children are on leashes, don't even get me started on that, I would love to hear your methods!

I'm far from a perfect mother, my children are far from perfect as well and no they don't wear leashes, they are not animals. They are however parented. They have rules. Yes they test the limits however they would never have the ability to cross a street such as this one because 4 children outside after dark in the winter us asking for trouble. There are plenty of constructive things that pose zero danger they could be doing. 13 yr old girls walking at night is just skiing for something bad to happen. Besides being hit by a car there's rape kidnapping murder just to name a few. If like to keep my child so PARENT her.

I am sure your judgement on the events at hand is exactly what the family needs from you right now. I only hope when you, your family or friends experience a tragedy of your own that people will offer a supporting word to ease your pain and then you may finally realize that would be the right thing. No one, including the family, needs you all to preach right and wrong using their pain for lessons. The lessons are clear to everyone without your rubbing salt in wounds. That said, I know no why I don't read these things, and have learned a lesson of my own.

Thanks for the well wishes from everyone.
But for anyone trying to say negative comments, like you Karl.
Youre pathetic.
She was NOT in 15 hours of surgery, my mom never said that. Someone needs to brush up on his reading skills because she said theyve been in the hospital for 15 hours, she was only in surgery for like 3 hours. And Desire Meyers IS my mom, and we are the family. If you find it hard to believe we're posting on a local blog then heres an explanation for you even though you dont deserve it.
I've been at a friends and am still unable to see my sister because of sickness etc.
I've been either resting or on my phone talking and such. I have all the time in the world to be honest, but that doesnt mean im not completely devastated that this happened. My mom on the other hand, has been staring at a sleeping rachel for a really long time and she just picked me up a little while ago. So to be honest, we've had some time to look at social networks and such.

I cried for a very long time and for you to find it hard to believe we have any time to come online is.... I don't even know how to explain it.

You're pathetic, and I hope you can believe that it's us now. Even though you dont deserve any explanation at all. I have nothing more to say to you, youre just rude. Pathetic.

Seriously - the family that this happened to is one of the NICEST families, and any negativity isn't welcome here, especially given the situation. Sickofbs needs to learn how to use SPELL CHECK/GRAMMAR CHECK!!! Maybe you should use a dictionary every once in awhile (that is, if you own a dictionary). Karl needs to get a LIFE. I'm sure Rachel is asleep quite a bit, leaving Desire and Daniel time to post comments (and, sadly enough, DEFEND THEMSELVES, which they should NOT have to do - people should be more understanding and loving during this difficult time). Karl, might I remind you that many people have smart phones these days, and they can post things to the internet right from their phones?!? I know, it's quite amazing, but maybe, being the ignoramus that you are, you didn't know about smart phones!

Ha, sorry my spelling got to you, my smartphone likes to change words ;) yes I own several dictionaries. I use them often when needed not to please some internet stranger I'm never going to meet nor care about.... Being nice had nothing to do with this situation. The family could be the nicest people but it doesn't change the fact that this was totally avoidable. Oh and you are on patch. Really you are going to tell me I'm not welcome on a public news site for the town I live in? Ha yea ok. I'm actually welcome here, it said so when I signed up and your comments are not going to deter me from speaking my mind. This child and others could have been killed because of theses parents. Other parents could have lost their children because of the lack of responsibility and parenting. This was completely avoidable. Telling a child not to do something is basicly giving them permission if they do not enforce it. If you think allowing your child to be outside, at 630 with their where abouts unknown to you then I feel sorry for your children. My child has boundaries. IF she us outside she had a smartphone. I will be alerted if she goes outside of the area allowed. Not that shed be outside after dark because Id like her alive...... Stop being stupid parents and start parenting. It isn't hard

Unless her smart phone is GLUED to her, there will be no way for you to always have knowledge of her whereabouts. You do realize she can leave the phone somewhere and then wander outside of the "allowed" area, right? You're very ignorant, and I feel bad for YOUR children!

I highly doubt any child out even adult is leaving their phone anyplace and yes, I an aware of that which is why there are limited places she is allowed to actually go. I have a car and am capable of taking her the places she wants to go which also means she is supervised. No need to feel sorry for my child. She has a good life and good parents who are fully involved in her life and know her whereabouts at all times because we are her parents. Should there be a time when I trust her (which is is silly thing to do, I was a teen once and I know what I did) she knows she will be checked on, she has to check in and that she better be where she states. Did you know they make apps for just about everything? I can turn her camera in from my phone should I choose to do that and get a picture of where she is out I can turn on speakerphone and hear. Do I have to, nope. There are far more constructive things to be doing other then being up to no good outside. Family game, night, church 2x per werk, school, studying, reading (yes kids still do this!) Riding her horse, working, volunteering, chores, hanging out with friends while supervised, internet (why yes that is monitored) music, playing music, sports, after school clubs, movies, the list goes on. All constructive things for CHILDREN to be doing. Not paying in freaking traffic.

And like I've said thus entire situation was AVOIDABLE. All that was needed was proper supervision would have kept this child off the streets and out of danger and the damn hospital.

Sickofbs if you would kindly get of this page id be more than happy, honestly. I'm glad to see you're very attached to your child and I'm glad you are for
Her. Just cause my mom actually trusts her kids doesn't mean she's a bad parent. She made a mistake, all people do. Yes she did make the mistake of trusting us, but that gives you no right to bash her about it.
And we weren't playing In traffic, IT WAS AN ACCIDENT... ACCIDENT. People make mistakes, nobodies perfect.

P.S. there's a show calle worlds strictest parents and I think youd be perfect, check it out (:

Actually, I'm not strict. I just have rules and expect them to be followed. My child has a social life and plenty of friends. In fact, Rachel and You are her friends. There are pictures of you guys together on Facebook (I'd know because unlike most parents I check that as well. Accidents DO happen. Everyday. However when they are PREVENTABLE is when they upset me. This was NOT an accident, it was bound to happen. My child has asked numerous times to hang out at your house and the answer is always NO. I do not blame this on any of the children, they did what children do. It is a direct result of lack of parenting. I have and will continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery for Rache. I wish no harm nor ill will towards any of you. I just want parents to understand this sort of thing is preventable and shouldn't be happening.

No, I will no go away nor leave this page as it is an open, public page which is meant for this very reason. I'm sorry you do not like what I have to say and I'm not trying to hurt your feelings or the feelings of any others in your family. I'm simply expressing that this IS what happens when parents neglect to parent. I strongly encourage ALL parents to look at this situation as if Rachel were your own children and learn from it. Check Facebook, cellphones, get the apps it's worth the money and talk with your children. Knowing where your child is can make all the difference!

To all the fools that lash out here. I never blamed this family; didn't say anything negative about the tragedy here. My only comment regards having serious doubts about the nearly always immediate comments made by supposed brother, sisters and parents every time something horrible happens and ends up in the paper. There may be cases where the players are real, but my bet is most often it isn't. It isn't logical or believable that in the middle of a tragedy the entire families of the victims involved log and and converse with strangers rather than pay attention to thier loved ones. I'm just not that gullible. If it doesn't make sense and it doesn't seem logical it's normally not true.

I think we can all safely conclude that "sickofbs" is a paranoid, uneducated psycho with a superiority complex. I'm all for being a good parent (there aren't enough these days), but there is a fine line between being a good, responsible parent and being an overprotective whacko who your kids are dying to escape and rebel against. You might be dancing on that line.

Also, while I don't know the family at the heart of this tragedy, my most heartfelt prayers go out to you. I am so sorry that you have to see ignorant people bashing your parenting skills at a time when all they should be doing is praying for your daughter. Unfortunately, there are a lot of sick people in this world.

Buggles, I'm sorry to report that my child isn't dying to get away from me. As a matter of fact, my child and her friends all love being at my house. They have constructive and fun things to do. I have been and will continue to pra y for this family as I've said. I'm not uneducated nor am I paranoid. thank you very much.

This is Gianna, I also witnessed my best friend, Rachel, getting hit by the car. I've been nonstop upset the past 2 days, not being able to stop thinking about her. I've only met her a year ago, and she slowly started changing to my best friend, into my sister. It was irresponsible of me, as the oldest of the group, to cross such a dangerous road. I learned my lesson as a teenager to start paying more attention to my parents and do what I am told. They were buying a car at the time, directions given to specifically not cross such a busy, scary street. It is not their fault, I just want everyone to know that. I'm sorry Rachel, I will be by your side through the whole recovery, I promise. Can't wait to see my girl :) I hope you're doing okay Desire'. Love you so much Rach, I won't stop praying. Xoxo, your sister, Gianna.

Dear Sickofbs: Sitting in judgement leads to karma. Shame on you for judging a beautiful and loving family facing an emotional and scary time in their lives, the likes of which you may want to pray you never encounter. You and your children are not immune to life's accidents or tragedies, no matter how much you pride yourself on controlling your child's every move. Next time you want to stand on your soapbox and point fingers at the world, you may want to consider the notion that life may have yet a few lessons in store for you. Hope you don't encounter the likes of yourself should that day come for you. I will pray for you as well as I pray for sweet Rachel and her loving family.

I am in the 8th grade at Bel Air middle school with Rachel. While I do not know any of the people involved very well, I am sorry that they have to go through this. Since I have heard of this, I have gathered my Church family as well as my friends from outside the school to pray for Rachel and the entire Meyers family. My heart breaks knowing what each of them are going through and I am sure the parents of all of the children involved are also hurting so badly. To know that a student within my school was hurt is bad enough but to see people bashing them makes a bad situation worse. Who cares WHY they were crossing the street, it happened and nothing can change the situation. As teenagers, we sometimes make bad choices and decisions. I am sure they are all well aware that they made the wrong choice and that is something they will have to live with, they should NOT have it thrown in their faces by strangers! I assume most of you are adults and it would be nice to see you ACTING Like adults. While I am not close friends with them, I will do whatever I can to help the situation and help them all heal and recover from this. NO ONE has the right to point fingers. My Mother told me a saying "those in glass houses shouldn't cast stones" or something like that. I am sure having children or being a child yourself at some point you understand that NO ONE is perfect and it is NO ONES place to judge anyone. I will continue to pray for you all! Zoe

I'm also a student at Bel Air Middle, in 8th grade. I'm also on the same team as Rachel & Daniel, and honestly they are the most funniest, happiest, nicest, people I have ever met. Rachel sat right behind me in Math class, and it's so sad not seeing her. On Friday, me and a few friends, also with Gianna, Daniel, & Rachel, all went to the movies to see 'Mama' . Rachel was smiling and laughing the whole time. I've never met a person as happy as her, she literally has a smile on her face 24/7 and is ALWAYS laughing. It's hard to believe what has happened. Me and Rachel aren't very close, but this and with also many people in my class. and out of my class, (pretty much everybody in Harco) are so sad at the thought of what happened to Rachel, and we all just can't wait to see her again. I just wanna tell Daniel that he is so strong, and that me and LOTS of others are praying for the Meyers' family. Hang in there. Everything will be okay. I promise. <3

Sorry to hear about the accident.

Clearly, a lot of people clappity clapping their book report replies to complete strangers for emotional and irrational responses should publish a book on Parenting. It should be titled "Blame someone else" because that, ladies and gentlemen is the current mainstream thing in current day society. Yep, you got that right.

I'm going to blame the Public government school system for not teaching children how to safely negotiate a heavily congested traffic light controlled intersection at night....... Oh, wait, did I really?

This is such a great time for our children to see the importance of listening to there parents

Many kids todayddon't respect much of anything, including themselves and personal safety, they expect everyone else to do everything for them.
It's too much ask to.put away the hand held media device while walking.

I have never in my life seen such a lack of compassion. To Rachel and her family, there are people who are only wishing for the absolute best for you. Shame on all of these people who seem to think there is a reason to bash this family. Can we all remember that there is a young girl injured and simply keep her in our prayers? She deserves nothing less than that. And Daniel, my son is the same age at a different school. You are absolutely correct. This was nothing more than an ACCIDENT. You sound very mature in your responses...please do not let these horrible people cause you to believe anything else. Take care of yourself :)

Rose....YOUR COMMENT COULD NOT BE MORE CORRECT; the only comments made should be well wishes and prayers for these hurting families. The children that witnessed this accident are beating themselves up inside enough for the decisions they made that night. As for the parents they do NOT need a class in Parenting 101 from a narcissistic parent, yes YOU SICKOFBS, that feels she is the END ALL BE ALL most "educated", "non-paranoid", parent out there. Just remember the word that always seems to come back & bite people in the @$$ like you...... KARMA!!!!!

To the families: Everyday I am praying that Rachel has a full recovery, and her friends & brother are able to forgive themselves for a decision that many kids their age, younger & older make everyday on 22, 924, 543, 24, neighborhoods, etc. Stay strong and forgive yourselves. Your family, friends and people in the community will stand beside all of you while you travel over this bump in your young lives.

I can't hold back my comments. My heart is breaking for Rachel's family and friends as well as that of the driver. As parents we all teach our kids right from wrong. But unfortunately we can't be with them 24/7 and hope they listen to us. We all make mistakes and learn from them because that is how we become better people. Unfortunately this young lady and friends are learning a lesson the hard way. Let's hope that this can teach others from making the same mistake. I know my parents taught me right from wrong but I didn't always listen. That is part of growing up. As for those criticizing the family for sharing their story I applaud the family for sharing. Unless you are walking in their shoes you will never understand the pain and sorrow they are feeling. I am dealing with a life altering disease and blogging about my feelings not only keeps those who care updated without having to repeat my story over and over but it is extremely therapeutic to get my feelings out there. I am sending prayers and love to all those involved. If another life is saved because of this accident then this was God's plan. Kids are kids and as parents we can only do our best and hope some of it sinks in. Nobody is perfect so we shouldn't judge.

I can't help but to constantly fall back on this being is a public comment section on the internet. If you don't like what you read, I would suggest you stop reading it.

You certainly aren't going to stop someone from posting their thoughts (Positive or Negative) on the next article, and if you think you should dictate what people comment on, that's infringement. Do they teach that in school's anymore? I don't agree with the Westboro Baptist Church protesting, but it's in the legal right and means to do so, since we live in this great nation that allows everyone equally to express their opinion lawfully.

Nice or not, it's reality. Get over it and move on, or continue keystroking away replies on the internet to "feel" vindicated.

How is Rachel doing?

Wow, I read the first 20 or so posts, then I got so damn angry reading all of these negative, hateful and hurtful posts, I just couldn't read any more.! This was an accident - period! Poor judgement from a child! The problem is Harford County is so overcrowded and there s just to much traffic. It's not a good place to raise kds anymore.

Just reading through this....How is the little girl doing now? Does anyone know??

She's doing better. Thanks for asking!

Thats good to hear. No problem.