Dear Maud and dear Ona,
No more getting up in the morning with you, preparing your school bags and taking you to school.
No more picking you up at daycare and having to hear: ‘Mommy, I love you.’
Never hear again how much fun it was at one of your friends’ birthday parties.
Never again going to the swimming club on Saturdays.
No more pranks and jokes, no more creative works of art, no more puzzling or playing games…
Nothing left, except the urn with your ashes on my cupboard at home…
No more Sinterklaas, Christmas, New Year, birthdays, family gatherings, holidays…
We will miss you forever. Although you enjoyed all those events so much, everything is so painful now.
You were the most important to me and to many others. You were the most precious thing in the world to me.
Now only memories remain.
We love you.
It’s nice to constantly hear how loved you were by everyone.
Your school ‘De Kiem’ tries to keep in close contact with me. I am welcome there and the teachers keep me informed of class events, as if you were still going to school there.
Your death has clearly affected everyone at school deeply.
The special rest area on the playground, which will be inaugurated on November 16, is a tribute to both of you.
It was originally a place at Maud’s request to relax when she was having a hard time. Unfortunately, she will no longer be able to experience this place herself, but we hope that other children will use it when they need some peace and quiet.
One year ago I received support from the entire community.
I am grateful for the quiet place that the municipality of Oostkamp set up at that time.
I am grateful for the many expressions of support, cards, hugs, works of art, flowers, drawings, messages, invitations and visits.
Sadness, loss, pain… I wake up with it every day and go to sleep with it at night. If you can sleep at all… No day is the same. My family is destroyed, my family torn apart.
Maud and Ona will remain physically absent, but they will live on in our hearts, FOREVER.
I love you!
Astrid Gadeyne (mother of Ona & Maud)