Happy birthday, Darling! Until we finally meet...
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This is so sad to hear what had happened to her. I cried in class when I found out that she had passed away and no one did anything about it. Your in a better place now where no one is harming you
I too remember reading Ursula's story. So heart breaking...
I read your story when I was a child and I never forgot you. I have always wondered how anyone could have treated you that way; I've thought of you often throughout the past 20 years or so. We are about the same age and I look at my life and think about what yours would have been like. Your story still breaks my heart to this day, but I'm glad you can rest in peace. I love you Ursula.
I knew Susan . In the book where it mentions the boyfriend who left her and was now married to someone else....well that was me....Susan regularly called my now ex husbands brother to say Donald was abusing her and Ursula he drove to her house in altamonte to help her once to be turned away at the door with Susan saying everything was ok. Susan was a very weak person and easy to take advantage of. That's no excuse for what happened....Susan only turned Donald in after he left her in California . I befriended her in her first year in prison and spoke with her regularly . She was scamming men she was meeting on a prison love connection line...she was having them send her packages and money into the prison. She had me meet one for her to help pick out tennis shoes, clothes,and assorted things she needed sent after she received the packages she never would speak to him agin after . When I realized what she was doing I cut all ties. The first thing she did years later when she got out of prison was look up my ex husband (whom I was long divorced from) he had remarried and was not interested in even seeing her. She's a sad sad lady. Pray for her...I hope she has changed her life
Our class started reading the book a few days ago and its really descriptive so far..many people in my class has cried about the horrific things these people did to you..dor what its worth i am extremely sorry that you went through these inhuman things..you were just a little girl, you didn't deserve any of this..we love you!! i will continue to read your story </3..and continue to spread the word about the book..i think every child should read it.
I've been reading the book about you for the past few days. We are at the part where your step father Don beat you so much that you could barley feed yourself. I'm surprised he actually gave you food for once.
You seem like an amazing young girl, i wish you could have gotten out sooner.
But now.. It's to late. ):
You were absolutley beautiful and everything that happened to you was so not right. I love you Ursula with all my heart & I wish I could have been the one to take your life.
Rest in peace babygirl. <3 :'(
i read the story about ursula over 25 years ago and it broke my heart to even think how a mother would do this to her own flesh and blood her own heart?
and to let some slimbag hurt her baby. to know that Ursula reached out for help and no one NO ONE even cared enough to help her. Ursula was one of God's many children sent to the world to be loved, and adored ,cherished. there are no excuses ever why this happened to Ursula or any child. even though i never got to know this angel my heart cries for her and all children who are put on this earth only to die at the hands of a monster. Ursula my dear i'm so very sorry you went through all you did and not even my love could save you or other children who suffer every day at the hands of pure evil, and the only escape is death. i never got the chance to meet you.i will see you one day so much love and hugs and kisses from me to you! please watch over all children and keep them safe.
forever crying
christine
well my dad showed me your book and it was sad.. your parents did not deserve such an angel rest in peace<3
Cant believe there are such heartless adults out there even parents .
I know its hard to see really whats going on behind closed doors until its too late . Especially with small children or babies who dont understand why this is happening to them and even if its normal . I wish I could have the chance to meet him ,I would invite him over to my place and what a most horrible agonizing time he would have with the men I would hire to torture him for weeks on end . I d make him swallow the largest box of tide detergent i could find ...
My mother read this book to me & my sister when I was 12 & my sister was 16. My mom read it to us every night a little at a time. I cried every night. This is the SADDEST book i've EVER read! I'm now 21 years old & have an amazing daughter of my own that is now 5 years old as of 2011. She is the GREATEST thing that ever happen to me. I just don't understand how a mother could let something like that happen to her 5 year old daughter. & as for him, how could he could do that to a 5 year old little girl. =/ She was so BEAUTIFUL! R.i.P BABYGiRL, <3
I read this book when I was in the 7th grade, I am now 30 years old with two children. To this day I still think about this little girl and the abuse she went thru. I do punish my children and whip their butts when needed, but when it comes to someone else punishing my child I freak out and insist it was uncalled for. I think I am like this because of this book. I was sexual abused by my stepfather for several years in elementary school. This story still haunts me to this day and sometime I judge people and watch people around my neighborhood all the time. I have called on someone before just because I wanted to make sure the child was ok. I made sure to tell the people that I called that I wasnt 100% sure something bad was going on, but I did have a bad feeling and wanted to make sure everything was ok. I also stated that I didnt want to feel quilty if something did happen and I didnt call. If you suspect something is wrong, let someone know. Ursula Sunshune Assaid will always be remember and loved by me. I feel like I know her and she is a part of me. A part to make me more aware of people around me. My children when they are of age, I will have them read the book and make aware of child abuse and how talking and speaking is the way to go, not to keep it inside and hope that no one finds out. Speak Up you could save a life. RIP my angel.
Jennifer
I was 9 years old and Ursula lived across the street from us. She would spend the night at our home and we took her to see the movie Bambi. To this day I still remember that vividly.
It really makes me angry when I hear that people knew things were going on and never said anything. My parents who were called as witnesses at Donald and Susan's trial told the prosecution my mother had went to our school and spoke to the principal because Ursula seemed sad. She had always been a very happy girl but towards the end she wasn't.
Her mother did my parents she couldn't have anything to drink but that was later and her explanation was " she wet the bed" so when she spent the night they didn't want her to have an accident.
She never was thin or had any bruises on her. My parents did inquire several times as to where she was and they were told she had moved to her fathers in California.
I wish people would understand no one had any idea she was being tortured or starved......the author of the book specifically says no one did anything about her abuse and we were silent.
If you noticed a little girl who seemed sad over a few weeks time would think she was being tortured and abuse??? Especially if there was not a mark on her?? No, you wouldn't......the only ones guilty of her death were Susan and Donald, not the neighbors, teachers or friends.
I am glad Ursula is no longer suffering....she really was a beautiful, sweet little girl.
I first read about this horrific tale of abuse about a year ago and I can not shake it from my mind. Probably because I have two little girls of my own, 6 and 3 years old, and couldn't ever imagine of hurting my children or letting someone else hurt them. They would have to get through me first! The only consolation I have from this is to believe that she is an angel in heaven watching over other children. Rest in peace sweet angel, play and be happy wherever your spirit is.
this affected so much that I convinced my daughter to name my grandaughter ursula,she was born july 28 1987,Im from orlando fla,
I read the book while in college for an edcuational psychology class. I will never understand why one person would hurt a child in that way and why a mother would stand by and not say or do anything. I brought the book to work and some of my coworkers read the book as well and they were put into tears because of the horrid abuse that Ursula was put through. This story has made me realize, if I don't say anything, who will?
i was in 2nd grade wenn my oldder sister read this story to me I WAS so young and just couldnt quite understand how could someone just sit back and watch this happen to their child???? I prayed for her every single night for about a whole night......I later read her story on my own when i was in 7th grade and it brought tears to my eyes...I am now in the 11th grade and i still think about this child who life did not have to end the way it did....rip ms.Sunshine
I was about 12 years old when i read this book. I am no 37 years old and this book is still impacting my life. I will never ever forget Ursula or the horrific things she was put through. I have a 15 year old daughter and am currently shopping around on line for the book.. I think every child should read this.. actually everyone should read this story. Eyes need to be opened ...
So far every where i look sells the book for way more than i can afford. I do not remember this book being so expensive when i was young. Some places have it for over 100.00 dollars? eeek.. will continue to look
I first read this book when I was about 11 or 12. I would read it over and over again, and I remember being so sad for her and just wishing I could jump in the story and save her. I am now almost 30, and have not read this book since, but have thought about her and this story a lot. I am going to order this book so I can have my daughter read it, and maybe it will help her understand these kinds of situations and maybe speak up for a person who cannot speak up for themselves.
when i read this book i was horrified that everyone could ignore the sings of abuse on this poor baby. Now jsutice has allowed another baby to die, Callee Anthony. i will never forget Sunshine, and i am dying inside to see another abused child killed, and penalty ignored for the mother.
JUSTICE NEED TO BE SERVED
Ursula lived across the street from us. There were no signs of abuse....she never was thin or had a bruise on her. My parents were witnesses at Susan and Donald's trial and said the only thing they noticed was that towards the end she didn't seem happy. Her eyes didn't have the same flicker they used to. My mom went to our school principal and mentioned it.. I'm sorry I read the book and some of it is simply not true.
I read about Ursula when i was 8 years old. her story got me through mine. i have 4 children now and am 31 years old. i wanted to give up on life before, but how could i when this 5 year old little fought so hard for her life. i have never and will never forget this little girl.
We started reading this book in my family dynamics class but we didn't finish so we watched a movie on it. But this story was so heartwrenching. I can't believe someone could do that to that poor little girl. She lives on in our memories and will always be remembered <3
We started reading this book in my family dynamics class but we didn't finish so we watched a movie on it. But this story was so heartwrenching. I can't believe someone could do that to that poor little girl. She lives on in our memories and will always be remembered <3
i remember reding this book some time in 5th grade, we actually had class discussions on this, and were read this story two more times while in florida schools. this was definantly a stand out book in my childhood, just so sad, and sad that things like this still continue to happen today
I read the book for the first time when I was 12. I realized then that we were the same age. The ironic thing was you spent time in the same city in which I live. We could have been friends. Your memory lives on. I have just reread the book and now from an adult's perspective, you were stronger than any child should ever have to be. I hope you have God's peace now and know that you will forever live in the hearts of those who will never forget your name.
I havent read the whole book but we are reading it in my Parenting class and it is so sad that, that can happen to her and no one tries to stop it! Its so heart breaking it. I need to finish reading the book though to get more answers.
I read the book when I was 10 years old. I was in 4th grade. My cousin had the book and I picked it up and read it in one night. It touched my heart in so many places. I remember crying a lot when I read it.
I'm now 19, and a freshman psychology major. I would love to work with CPS after I graduate.
Ursula, you would have been 34 years old this year.
Even though you are gone, your story has touched SO many lives and will forever be engraved into my heart.
RIP sweetie.
I remember being 10 when i found the story of the last week of her life . I had grabbed the book from my sister who had read it back in middle school as a reading assignment . iM NOW 27 I never forgot about this story. I wanted to remind you all of how in 1996 Don finally was murdered in jail . Like Thomas and Susan my divorced was finalized when Jaylin my daughter was 4 . I now Have a boyfriend ,hes played a wonderful role as a step dad. I always wondered even as a child how a mother could look away no matter what the circumstances if my boyfriend ever tried uncalled for discipline Id kick him out , or id leave. I wouldn't look away. Her story has impacted thousands/MILLIONS(GOOD OL' INTERNET) or so people who have read the book. I think it is a book everyone needs to read because it is hard to read and it leaves you angry and never lets you forget her and on top and most importantly , never put up with someone like don. Right now there are probably several dons in your area. Please , step in if you believe a child is being abused. And never let anyone abuse your child No matter how dependent you are. i Leave in apopka, fl.1/2 mile from altamonte springs fl.. This happened a little before i was born. It still hits home.
Ursala your story has been engraved in my head and my heart.
God bless you Thomas & Family.
i wasnt alive when this all happened, but i was in the 5th grade when i first read the book. Because of you im now majoring in child psychology because i want to help children like you. no child should EVER be abused, wheither it be physically, sexually, or mentally. i've thought about you often and i will never forget your story. i love you, and i hope you're happy wherever you are.
~brigitte
I was 15 when Ursula died, I think I was in high school when I read the book, and I have been trying to find the book again for a very long time. I couldn't remember the title, only the sad phrase, "Hi my name is Sunshine" that I couldn''t get out of my head. This book has been in my heart for more than 30 years because I lived that life, and it was the first time that I knew that there were really people in law enforcement that gave a damn, and that it was NOT okay for parents to treat their kids this way or to allow other people in their lives to treat their kids this way. My father told me I killed my mother when I was 5 because I was born a girl and that it was my fault she got Cervical Cancer and died at 28. Following that was 13 years of emotional, physical, psychological and sexual abuse that lasted until I left home at 19. I am still broken inside, but I have a family of my own and I am trying to make it right. No child should have to live like this, and certainly no child should ever die like this. I pray ever night that somehow Ursula's spirit has finally found a Momma spirit to gently love her forever.
Wendy, My heart goes out to you. No child should ever have to live a life of torture or ANY form of abuse. Unfortunately, it takes these kinds of stories to make people realize that this horrible world exists for so many children. I have tried to figure out my entire life what I wanted to do as a career. The only thing that kept coming to me was that I wanted to help children and after the tragedy of Caylee Marie Anthony, I have decided to move forth and give everything I have in me to help children that are being abused. I want to thank you for being honest and courageous to put your story out there. I also want to thank you- because its people like you that make people like me realize that helping children in need is one of the most important things to be. Thank you and God Bless you, Juli
I was 7 and I lived 4 miles away (Casselberry) from where Ursula lived and died. I remember crying and not completely understanding why she was killed (my parents allowed me to watch the news and then would explain things to me). There were 2 things that happened in my childhood that stole my innocent outlook on life from me. The first was Adam Walsh's kidnapping and murder, the second was Ursula's abuse and murder. Both having occured within 14 months of one another and in my home state of Florida probably helped make the fear more real and lasting in my memory. I read the book later in my teen years and cried the whole way through it. After some research I realized that I had been in her neighborhood and knew the area where the lake was...where her body was discarded. I have since had 3 teenage moms read this book. I knew them and felt they needed to read it. I did it in hopes that they would make certain that they never treated their children the way that Ursula had been treated, and that they never allowed a man in their lives who would do that either. PLEASE DO YOUR PART AND REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ABUSE, DON'T STAND BY AND WATCH A CHILD DIE!
I was a social work major and read the book "Death By Child Abuse and No One Heard." I had never heard of Ursula Sunshine Assaid. Horror stories that as a student I heard about, were only that.....stories. Reading the book, over and over, and burning Sunshine's face in my heart, totally changed my perspective on social work and what kind of practice I wanted to have.
I was 11 years old and living in Citra,FL when the tragic death of Ursula Sunshine occured. I can remember it like it was yesterday. More people need to learn it is all of our responsibilty to save our children. The horrific truth is nobody wants to get involved with what is happening today. IT IS UP TO US ALL TO STAND UP FOR THE CHILDREN AND TO KEEP THEM SAFE.
I read Ursala's story when I was going to Sandford middle school in Sanford FL. I remember crying myself to sleep for a week. I just didn't understand how a mother could allow her boyfriend to do that to her child. I am 22 now and a mother myself and I would do anything to protect my daughter.
I remember reading the Ursula Sunshine book while I was in the 6th grade. I can't put into words what it meant to me and how her story effected me. I myself had been a vic. of child abuse and though I lived I can relate to many of the things she went through. I read it over and over wishing there was something I could do to help this sweet girl knowing all along it was too late but still wishing. I found that reading her story actually gave me strenght and helped me deal with my own life of hell that I was living in. God bless this little girl and thank God she is now in a place of peace.
I remember reading this book also years ago. I have been looking for it and trying to track the book down, and I finally found it. Once I read this book back in school, I never forgot the story. I just found it online. I just cannot believe how cruel people can be
i read this book when i was 10 and have never been able to get it out of my head! i cant believe what he put this poor child thru. im 26 now and have an 8 month old daughter... god help the man who ever tries to put his hands on her!
Even though this has been a long time ago I still remember this beautiful child and think of her often. She didnt want us to forget not only about her but for all others children that are suffering from child abuse. People please if you see it or hear it Tell it thats the only way we can save our babies.
R>I>P Angel
I remember.....not long after father was busted I read this book. My mom was friends with a lady that started an organization in Ursula'a name. Thank God for that woman because she helped my mother through dealing with the fact that my father had done terrible things to me. That was many many years ago. I will never forget Ursula and the horrors she endured. Am quite frankly having flashbacks as I type this. Sleep little child...we love you!
Yes, i remember going to school in Maitland Florida and it was the saddest thing! Im now a mother and sine at that I dont even want a boyfriend!!!!
HI
Ursula's story is so sad, she have had such a restless life and such a cruel death !!! no child should ever face this horrendous treatment.
I will be very much interested in reading the book about her life so please if anyone can scan it and send me a copy it will be great.
Here's my e-mail: ghassen_nouira@hotmail.com
Thanks a lot
My name is Rena....My memory... is when I was 17, my mother gave me this book to read...It was the story of Ursula. I remember reading and crying and reading some more and crying...and not understanding how this could ever happen to a child. A few years later, I had my own daughter.....when she turned 17 I gave her the book. She is now 20 with her own child. This story touched me....and I have remembered it my entire life.....While I did not know Ursula, I am from Orlando......and it seemed so close to home for me.....God Bless U.S.A!!
i remember reading a book "her book" the tragic story of little ursula i was maybe 11yrs old when i 1st read her book and i can't even begin to express my horrer of her story i am now 34yrs of age and still i think of that precious little girl and what she endured at the hands of that man and her mother how could a woman ever allow a man do torture her own child i will never understand nor will i ever understand how our justice system could allow that disgusting pig of a human,susan to walk free after 5 yrs. how does that woman even face herself in a mirror every day? i appluade the man who killed McDougal and regret that the women in susan's facility did not have the same courage.and i also regret that we have such a crappy judicial system it makes no sense to me how such a horrid crime can result in nothing more than a mere slap on the wrist. susan if you ever read this i hope with all my being there is a hell and a place there waiting for you you are disgusting you deserve no mercy which is exactly what you gave that precious baby.the last thing i would like to say is i hope we can all gain something positive from this and remember it is all of our responsibility to protect gods children because sometimes they don't get that protection from their parents. in the book i read i remember ursula's teacher thought it was strange that susan wrote a note expressing that ursula was to have nothing to eat or drink at school and i recall neighbors admitting thinking it strange that ursula would stand all day under a big tree in her yard with a pair of soiled panties on her head i also remember thinking how could these people not find these things strange enough to be re3ported to the authorities so please people always remember this little girl and lets all help to guard gods children. and tom i know this isn't enough but i've kept your little girl in my heart all these years
GOD BLESS!!
My name is Monique Ward I too remember this story, I never forgot how it broke my heart, I was so young, but even then knew what had happen was wrong! I vowing NEVER 2 allow anyone 2 harm my kids when I have them. Little was I to know that my very own child would be murdered by her father, and he walked away scott free! My heart just aches for justice, but it will never happen, My daughter was named Ashley Elizabeth Holt, she was killed by drownding by being dropped off of the roof of our house in to Lake Appopka, Fl in July 8th, 1995 I belive ANYONE who kills a child should be KILLED!
Mike, I knew Susan as well. I have not shared this before I read your comment. We are approaching the anniversary of little Ursula's death, and, that I believe is generating a renewal of love and energy for this little angel. I did not know she had any siblings, and it is for that reason I will not print the additional, never revealed facts that I have tried for these years to suppress. Susan, is more culpable than the evil Mc Dougall was... she was her biological mother! Who does a child have to protect her if not her mother?! I needed to share just this little bit. Thank you and let's say a prayer for all the innocents. KC
I knew Susan Assaid. I was around her when she was pregnant with this precious child in california. She was married to Thomas Assaid whom I am trying to locate now, hope he reads this and responds. Tom, this is Mike C, you remember from fort bragg 1972. I am in Austin Texas now. Tom and I were both in the military and the war. She even stayed with us in our home. That poor child. So sad. God Bless you child, I will add her in our prayers. Both those maggots got off easy.
regards Mike
Hello Mike. My name is Tasha. Tom is my father. I would love to pass on your info to my Dad and have you guys reconnect. Please Email me @ sunshine102907@hotmail.com. Regards, Tasha
Hi I just read that book, and i really want to try and get in touch with the father of Ursula Sunshine Assaid and or Mother. I really want to get in touch with the family so if someone could contact me with some information.
Susan Assaid died years ago and was stricken with remorse because of her role in her little girl's plight and death. As far as I know Thomas lived in Cali then moved to the Bahamas
Hi Mike, I am asking you an unrelated question. Did you live in Fort Bragg/Carolina during the 70's? if yes are you familiar with Jeffrey R. MacDonald who was an army officer there in the late 60's and early 70's and was convicted for the murder of his entire family? I am collecting details about this case and it will be great if I can discuss with people who knew him closely. Thanks in advance
how did susan assaid die?
what neighborhood did it happen in?
analys perez
13 years agowow i feel so bad for her i wish someone who helped but you are a great friend to her.
analys perez
13 years agowow i feel so bad for her i wish someone who helped but you are a great friend to her.
Victoria
12 years agoYou never saw her standing under the tree? Or notice that she wouldn't show up for school?
Victoria
12 years agoYou never saw her standing under the tree? Or notice that she wouldn't show up for school?
donna mazey
12 years agowhat neighborhood?