This morning Australia and the World continues to be rocked as news of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe seige unfolds.
The news becomes even more tragic when this morning we learned that one of the hostages that was killed in the gunfire exchange in the final moments of the seige was 38 year old Mum to 3 young children aged between 4 and 10, Katrina Dawson.
This mum was Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson – who yesterday morning would have no doubt got her children organised for their day and then kissed them all as she left for work. None of them were to know that this would be the very last time she looked into their eyes, held them tight or kissed their precious faces.
She then met a work colleague, barrister Julie Taylor, for a coffee at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. It’s been reported her friend was halfway through her pregnancy – both women were then caught up as hostages when the horrific seige began.
It’s also been reported that the children’s father, Paul Smith from law firm King & Wood Mallesons and Katrina’s family prayed the seige would have a positive outcome so had not told any of their children about what was unfolding and the fact that it included their mum.
When she was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital just after 2am this morning, their World changed forever. This morning they would learn that Mummy wasn’t going to be able to come home anymore.
Words can’t describe the tragedy of the situation; a beautiful Mum taken from her family in such horrific circumstances and a family who will forever feel the gaping hole left by the fact that Mummy isn’t there anymore.
There is nothing that can be said or done to ease their pain. This loss will ripple across their lives forever. Time will allow them all to grieve, to process their loss and to (very eventually) begin to move ahead. But life will never be the same. It is just so crushingly heart-breaking that loss like this has to ever occur.
They had everything ahead of them – Christmas, a family holiday with friends, Katrina was an outstanding barrister and had a very successful career ahead of her … they had the rest of their lives.
All we pray is that Katrina now rests in peace and her children and family are enveloped with love, kindness and understanding.
From the thousands of Mouths of Mums mums, we send out our thoughts, love and blessings.
Edit (11.40am 16.12.14) Official news has now been released of the other victim, TORI JOHNSON, the 34 year old Manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe. Conflicting reports are coming in as to whether he died from gunfire or a heart attack.
Our hearts go out to Tori’s family today also; the tragic loss of life will forever remain etched in our minds. You can read our report for Tori Johnson and tribute here.
Much love,
Nikki Hills xo
(Founder of MoM and mum of 4)
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