Almost two years ago, Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine by pro-Russian forces due to an unfortunate miscommunication. All of the 298 passengers aboard the Boeing 777 were lost in the tragedy.
Aboard that flight were the Mo (12), Evie (10), and Otis (8). They were traveling back home to Australia with the grandfather Nick (68) after a European vacation.
When news of the tragedy made headlines, the world stood still. No doubt that many mourned the losses of those who perished that day, but an argument can be made that no one suffered quite like the parents of the aforementioned children, Anthony Maslin and Marite Norris.
Anthony and Marite could’ve very well been aboard that flight with their children and Nick. However, they decided to stay in the Netherlands to extend their vacation for just a few more days as the kids and grandpa headed back early.
Following the events of that day, the couple has referred to their loss as an experience comparable to “living in a hell beyond hell.”
While their loss is hard to imagine, it is part of human nature to push onwards with our lives. That’s what these two parents did. Even though their past, namely the last few years, has been filled with overwhelming pain and loss, the couple can finally celebrate something wonderful: the birth of their baby daughter.
Violet May Maslin was born on Tuesday, and has finally brought positivity to a family in desperate need of a source of joy.
“We still live with pain, but Violet, and the knowledge that all four kids are with us always, brings light to our darkness,” the family told TODAY.com
Clearly, they received a much needed gift in the form of their beautiful baby daughter. While a child birth may not be miraculous in nature, they believe there’s more to baby Violet’s birth than meets the eye:
“We believe that Mo, whose 14th birthday was Saturday, Evie, 12 next week, Otis, 10 next month, and Grandad Nick have sent us an amazing gift. Violet’s birth is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate.”
Whether you believe Violet was sent for a reason, or just a lovely coincidence there’s no denying they will love her just as much as they love, and continue to love their 3 lost children.
“We will continue to love all four of our children equally. Violet brings some hope and joy for us. We hope she brings hope and joy for you, too.”
READ: Baby left for dead in dumpster 20 years ago reunites with rescuer
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