It is every expats nightmare--a sudden emergency back home. Having lived overseas before, I have heard of expats getting a late night call and rushing to book the first flight back to the states. It is frightening to even contemplate.
Sadly, it was our turn to have a family tragedy and fortunately, for my husband and I, we were both back to the states for our first visit since moving to Munich.
Tuesday morning, around 1:00 am, I was awoke by my son to learn that his wife, my daughter-in-law, just got a call that her sisters' daughter, 16, was killed in a car crash. I rushed to my daughter-in-law's side and stayed with her until I was sure she was stable and able to sleep. I stayed awake for hours, and I know she did too. My son left to go to her sisters. Tragically, she had just lost her husband only months before.
We were not aware of it at the time, but her daughter had been despondent over her father's death and according to a newspaper report, unconfirmed, she left a note saying she wanted to be with him. However, she drove on the wrong side of the interstate into an oncoming semi and died instantly.
Today was the funeral.
My heart goes out to my daughter-in-law, her sister and her two remaining children, their parents and siblings. Words fail me at this time. It is unnatural for a parent to outlive their children. I cannot imagine the sheer enormousity of this for my daughter-in-laws' family. Other than be here for comfort and offer to babysit my grandchildren, I know of nothing else that will suffice to bring them peace. I pray that our Lord and Savior will be able to strengthen them at this most challenging time. May they be blessed with His presence and may He bring them the care and guidance they need. May God bless this family.
ME
- Expats Again
- Munich, Germany
- I am married to the love of my life and am finally able to shower him with all of the attention he deserves. I am now retired and living the life here in Europe. I am an American, he is an Australian, and this is our second overseas address. The first was Shanghai, China and now Munich, Germany. Come along and live the life with us as we continue our adventure of discovering all Europe has to offer.
3 comments:
I'm sorry this has happened to your family.
Any word about the semi's driver or other incidentals?
So sorry for your family and these horrible events my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thank you, Cliff and Frau for your kind condolences. Her name was Noura Hattar, age 16, from Milford, MI. The driver survived the accident, but my heart goes out to him and his family. This had to be so devastating for him to experience.
There is a wonderful video memorial about her from her best friend on You Tube. The comments show how much she will be missed and how sad her friends are without her. Needless to say, her mother,sister and brother will bear her loss for the rest of their lives. My daughter-in-law, her parents and siblings will also mourn her loss for a very long time. Depression is so dangerous. What a sad waste of a very young life. May she rest in peace.
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