An open letter from the Weekes family
I just read this emotional letter on GT now and thought of sharing it with my fellow Qlers
Lillie, Jackson & Willsher Weekes were true Kiwi kids; born prematurely in New Zealand, after eights weeks in intensive care they moved to their new home in Qatar. In two short years, we travelled the world together, inseparable as a family. We went to Greece, UAE, Thailand, Bali, Hong Kong & of course again to New Zealand but always back to Doha, their family home.
Everywhere Lillie, Jackson & Willsher went, people we didn’t know would come up to us and small crowds would gather. As parents this was at times amusing and at times quite scary (as we wanted to protect our children) but the triplets always made people so happy it seemed unfair not to share the happiness they brought with others.
This week, a terrible tragedy happened in Doha, a tragedy that touched not just our family, but many others too. To those families, our hearts reach out.
We also want to acknowledge and thank the many people from around the world--most of whom we have never met--who have sent messages of condolence and strength. We thank Lillie, Jackson & Willsher for yet again bringing people together to be here in our time of need when they cannot be by our side though they are always in our hearts.
We want to say a special thanks to all the people of Qatar, to HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who took the time to visit us at our home, to the brave emergency people, two of whom gave their lives to save others, our friends, the people who have called and texted, the hundreds of people who came to Aspire and gave us strength - Qataris and expats standing side by side together as one; so many nationalities bonded together makes a true community.
From our hearts and from the hearts of Lillie, Jackson & Willsher we now want only one thing from this tragic day and that is to learn. We want an understanding of what actually went wrong and how to ensure it never happens again. We ask that people allow the experts commissioned to investigate the fire be given the time to do their jobs and gather their facts and to truly understand the issues however long that may take. Yes, we all want answers and accountability, but we need to know what really happened and an extra week or even a month if needed to find out the truth will not hurt. It wont bring back our loved ones, but it will help to ensure this can never happen again. We also ask, because an event like this has never happened before in Qatar, that the Government seek the support from international fire and emergency experts (who sadly have had to deal with similar tragedies overseas) to work alongside the team here to gather the facts.
It saddens us to read, to see and to hear misguided speculation and innuendo about the fire in Villaggio and it saddens us that it is being misused to create blame and reflect badly on our adopted home in Qatar. We hope people will refrain from criticising the growth and ambition of this friendly country that we have called home for five years.
We ask for patience and to allow the experts the time they need to find and share their answers. Through knowledge, we will make progress. This process should not be about blame regardless of the hurt we all may feel now. This must be about learning so that no person need feel this pain again.
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=509216...
And WEEKES and other families of the victims, Please do not go away from Doha.Stay, survive and show the world that life will still go on, no matter what..
So strong couple i dont think i could accept it if it happens to me...may there souls rest in peace..
Wise words from a brave couple who have lost so much...
What strength and courage the weekes family have shown..My heart goes out to them and not forgetting the other families who are also suffering at this very sad time
Condolences to the Weekes family and to other families who lost their loved ones from this tragic incident. We may not personally feel your loss but what had happened is truly an eye opener for everyone. Throwing blames will never get back the lives lost but there are lessons learned. We really hope that in time Allah will touch your hearts to heal. Thanking you for showing us the faith and courage to face this kind of trial in life.
Those beautiful angels for sure is now rest in peace and God is taking care of them. There is no word we can use to express our condolences, to express how sad we are.
My prayers lots lots of prayers for the parents who had lost their little angels for strength and patience for the irreparable loss and my prayers to those teachers and fire fighter heroes families as they should be so so proud as they are called "HEROES".
Ibrahim, the son of Prophet Muhammad died sixteen months old (eighteen months old in another account) and under the care of a nurse when he died. Upon hearing what had happened to his son, Prophet Muhammad immediately went to the house of the nurse, where he held Ibrahim in his hands, and tears flowed from his eyes.
He said, "The eyes send their tears and the heart is saddened, but we do not say anything except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, O Ibrahim, we are bereaved by your departure from us." Then he turned his face towards the mountain before his and said, "O mountain! If you were as sorrowful as I am, you would certainly crumble into pieces! But we say what Allah has ordered us: (We are the servants of Allah and we will return to Him; We thank Allah, the Creator of the Universe)"
These days all the time I can't think any other but the angels of villagio, tears fill my eyes especially at evenings, being away from my wife and 2 years daughter.
May Allah save and protect all our children and give patience and strength to those who lost their beloved ones.
I could barely read this article through tears on my eyes.
Completely agree with you Xena....
Hats off to the Kewi Family, indeed it is a Difficult time for Them & the rest of the Families who lost their loved ones... May the Departed Souls Rest in Peace.
Indeed this Tragic Incident has United all the People irrespective of Race, Color, Religion, Nationality.
heartbreaking...am crying while reading this letter..once again condolences.. :(
Completely agree with the Xena, she completed the letter,
It's not the time we bash Qatar or the authorities, let them do the job, if Parents of triplets can wait for a long time for the truth, why can't we?
More respect for the Kewi Family, they are truly a brave parents. May Allah bless them and give them more strength and patience
way FathimaH, especially when one is so close to the situation. The reaction for most people is to ask why and turn on God or grow angry with him, but the rationale is that there is a reason for everything.
Dear Weekes,
You remind me of the missionary and sons who were killed in India, years back ...Your testimony will stay inspite of all the pain you are going through right now.
Thank you for being better than anyone of us...
Agree completely. This is my belief as well. Perhaps, Insha Allah, the tragic deaths of these wonderful beings will bring about some great changes and good that will benefit generations to come. We can truly hold onto hope!
the Weekes' are. I have seen so many pics over the last few days of them, but even in their grieving they are full of courage and strength.
The words posted in this letter are so true. As said, even in death, the triplets are bringing people together. Could it also be said, that their deaths opened peoples eyes?
I am very philisophical about things like this, and I am a firm believer in God having a plan for everyone and he didn't take these children without a reason. Even though, we may not see it, these young (kids), talented (teachers), heroes (firefighters), had achieved their goals in life, according to God, and their lives on earth had been fulfilled OR are still going to be finalised.
No matter the gaps they have left, these deaths are part of a bigger plan.
To the Weekes family and all the other families that lost their loved ones. I send my deepest sympathy.
Yet filled with timely advises as well. Amazing it is the strength some people posses at times of such horrendous trials and yet so many crumble at far lesser ones. Kudos to these two people who despite their suffering,know better than to just play the blame game.
to Qatar Government, please help the parents please do the necessary about this issue.. Thank you..
Oh my Lord, so sad. cant stop my tears from falling. Rest in Peace sweet little angels... :(
They are brave parents I must say ................
this is very courgeous letter too...
hope there questions are being answered....
will understand the message and essence. There are times to grieve and there are times for other things.
God those poor parents. :( I can't even look at pictures of the triplets without crying. I wish I could give them both hugs and make things better somehow.
Yes Khanan, it is very sad and heartbreaking :(
letter had me teary since morning...
:'(