Haley Scott DeMaria ’95
A Notre Dame swim team tragedy brought Haley Scott DeMaria ’95 unexpected loss but also an unexpected moment of grace through a simple offer of prayer.
“I couldn’t identify it at the time because I had just suffered immense trauma, but looking back, Monk’s words gave me an overwhelming feeling that I was safe and would be okay. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t Catholic. It didn’t matter that I might never walk or swim again. I was a part of the Notre Dame family, and they would take care of me.
“In this Advent season, let us ask ourselves how we might share the gift of our presence with those most in need of love and the assurance that everything will be okay.”
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Incredible story! Incredible inspiration! Glad to have shared same major.
Thank you for your reflections…. Notre Dame is indeed a special place. I hope you have a blessed Advent season ☘️
Spectacular. Perfectly said
Thank you for sharing your story!
Beautiful
This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how
you presented it. Too cool!
I do remember when this accident occurred, It was so impactful for me that I still have an article about it. I have learned over the years that the Gift of each individual’s Presence is profound. This Presence may be conscious or unconscious to either the giver or receiver of Presence. Yet I attempt to start each day with the Intention of Being Present to All I come into contact with. Each of us emits a Special Frequency when we are Present to Another. Thank You for reminding and modeling this for us Haley.
Thank you for this, beautiful!
Thank you Haley for this precious reflection. God bless Monk for his compassionate presence and his simple invitation to pray together. What a healing moment!
Haley , Your presence and perseverance has changed the lives of so many. Your life’s journey is a true inspiration and a testament of the Notre Dame family.
Wow. Thank you 🍀
Haley,
Thank you. Continued blessings and hoping you have a prayerful and joyous Advent season…
Haley,
You fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith. (From 2 Timothy 4:7)
I like people with scars on them.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am so glad Fr. Malloy was there to comfort you and very happy you became closer to God following the tragedy you endured.
Blessings, Frank Woidat53’
Haley,
Thank you for your incredible story of resilience.
Beautiful!
Yes, we are all God’s children meant to love each other! Fr.Malloy’s compassion should be all of our compassion each day. Yep, Haley, even non-Catholics! Thank you for sharing. Dennis F.Butler “62”
I remember when this happened I was listening to a radio interview with Coach Holtz. When he heard about the accident he ended the interview . It is good to hear about your emotional and physical recovery. This is so inspirational. I am actually a Methodist but felt completely at home at Notre Dame.
Thanks for continuing to share your powerful message, Haley. RIP Meghan and Colleen.
I know that the entire Notre Dame family prayed for you and your team mates; I remembering asking God to heal you. We are all so very lucky to be part of such a wonderful family.☘️
Haley, Love it, you did a marvelous job. God had and has a wonderful and blessed plan for you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family from a fellow 220 mile plus pilgrim.
Pat Hellman
Thank you…may w all blessed with the warmth of Christ’s love by those in our life
Haley. Thanks for sharing. What an inspiring story with God at your side. He had a plan for you!
John McIntyre ‘74
Thanks you Haley for such an inspirational story. For me, it was a blessing sent by God. Let me explain … On Dec 3rd, I had a conversation with our parish priest about our Prayer Ministry and our prayer ministers praying “with” others. Your story, Monk asking to pray with you, and you’re coming to understand the value of a faith community is God whispering in my ear that praying with people works as we call Him into our conversation.
Thanks you for sharing. I’m confident your story will affect others well beyond our Notre Dame community.
Bob
’80
Beautiful and such an inspiration. I’m glad you’re here.
Thank you for sharing your story. BLESSINGS.
Thank you for story! I was a lifeguard at Rolfs and on campus when you were swimming and remember how tight the team was. I remember the mass honoring those who didn’t survive the crash. The entire school came together to support and show their love for one another. Your story shows the power of prayer and resilience and inspires so many – even outside of the ND Community – thanks for sharing!
Haley,
Your story is so beautiful and is an example to all that a kind word or invitation to pray with those in need can be so powerful. The ND family is so blessed to have Fr. Malloy on campus where he continues to impact student’s lives as he did yours.
Thank you for sharing this advent season. Blessings to you and your family always.