When my granddaughter Ashley threw me out after I got married at 80, I decided I couldn’t condone the disrespect. With my new husband, Harold, we devised a daring plan to teach her a lesson she’d never forget, leading to a confrontation that would change our family forever.
I never thought I’d be telling this story, but here we are. My name is Margaret. I lived with Ashley, who I raised after her parents died. But when I told her I was marrying Harold, she said, “You’re too old for a wedding dress,” and kicked me out. After everything I had done for her, I felt so betrayed.
Harold welcomed me into his home, and we got married in a small ceremony. We decided to teach Ashley about respect. Knowing she loved photography, Harold anonymously sent her a ticket to a local photography gathering where he would present his award-winning photos.
At the event, Harold showcased our wedding photos, saying, “I found love at 79, proving age is just a number.” I addressed the audience, “When Ashley’s parents died, I sold my house to pay for her education. I raised her as my own. But recently, she forgot that love and respect.”
Ashley approached us, tears streaming, “I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” We hugged, and she invited us to a family dinner, promising never to take me for granted again. As we left that night, I felt a renewed sense of belonging and hope for a new beginning.
21-Year-Old Gymnast’s Life Ended in Tragedy – Boyfriend’s Arrest Raises Serious Questions
Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old star gymnast, has left her loved ones devastated after she was shot and killed. College friends have identified the person responsible as her boyfriend.
Kara, a national champion, was found dead in her off-campus apartment on August 30. A friend of the couple said he wishes he had spent “just one more” moment with her, hoping it could have “changed” what happened.
On August 31, Sierra Brooks, Kara’s best friend and former teammate, learned the tragic news that Kara had been shot the night before.
“I can’t believe someone could do this, especially to such a beautiful person,” Sierra wrote in a tribute to Kara. Kara was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she was majoring in business and economics.
In 2023, Kara won an individual gymnastics title on the vault.
Kara Welsh, a student from Plainfield, Illinois, was found dead in her off-campus apartment around 11:54 p.m. on August 30. She had been shot several times.
When police arrived, they found a 23-year-old man, who knew Kara, in the home. It was determined that an argument had taken place between the two before the shooting.
“Heartbreaking”
Sierra Brooks, Kara’s friend who trained with her at Aspire Gymnastics Academy, shared her grief. “Absolutely heartbreaking to get a call like this. Kara, you deserved so much more. I wish I could see, laugh, and hug you one more time.”
Aspire Gymnastics Academy posted several photos of Kara along with a tribute on their Facebook page.
“As Kara grew, so did Aspire. She was a steady presence in a sport full of ups and downs. She was full of life and personality,” the center wrote. “Her facial expressions spoke volumes. Aspire lost a part of its heart today. Kara, we love you.”
Corey King, the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW), released a statement on August 31, calling Kara Welsh “a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team.” He added that “news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community.”
A friend on Facebook also expressed sorrow, sharing a tribute posted by Aspire Gymnastics Academy. “I hate that evil touched this sweet girl’s life,” they wrote. Referring to Kara’s sister Kaeli, they added, “The Welsh sisters showed us what it means to be gym sisters, but so much more. Kara was all heart. This loss is unimaginable.”
‘I beat myself up’
The police have not yet released the suspect’s name, as he has not been officially charged.
However, friends revealed that Kara was dating the man, identified as Chad Richards, and he was helping her move into her apartment.
Brayten Wilkerson, a friend of both Kara Welsh and the suspect, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Sometimes I beat myself up, thinking if I had seen them that day, maybe… just one more joke, one more memory, could have changed things.” Wilkerson, a member of the UWW wrestling team, told ABC’s WISN, “Kara was a sweetheart. She was one of the best people you could meet. Her family raised her to be a wonderful woman.”
A GoFundMe organizer shared that loved ones are “deeply saddened” by Kara’s death. They said, “Kara had a special ability to bring joy to everyone she met, always making people smile with her sense of humor, support, and kind personality.”
“Kara, 21, was looking forward to her senior year as a gymnast at UW-Whitewater, but her life was tragically cut short on August 30 by a senseless act of violence.”
The Whitewater Police Department stated that charges for first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed are being sent to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office.
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