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Danny Abdallah has revealed the heartbreaking reason he and wife Leila have forgiven the drugged driver who killed their three children and their cousin in a tragic car crash one year ago today.
Siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 8, and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, were killed on February 1 last year when an out-of-control ute mounted a footpath in Oatlands in Sydney’s west.
The four children died at the scene. One year on, Mr Abdallah described how his heartache continues.
“I’m still in pain; I still cry and I still miss my children,” Mr Abdallah said on 2GB.
The Abdallah couple chose to forgive driver Samuel Williamson David, and to dedicate their lives to promoting the rare act in honour of their children.
I4give Day was launched on Sunday at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian in attendance.
Mr Abdallah revealed the inspiration behind he and Leila’s difficult decision to forgive the driver was for the couple’s other three children.“ We had to make a choice on which path we wanted to take,” he said. “I didn’t want to lose my whole family; my three kids I have alive deserve to live a full life.
“The reason why I overcame the anger (was) my kids, Liana, Alex and Michael, I didn’t want them to be angry or feel like they’ve lost their dad through revenge, anger and bitterness.
“My soul isn’t imprisoned anymore; I’m free now.”
Mr Abdallah encouraged others to cut bitterness out of their lives by reaching out to someone they may have disagreed with.
“If you’re not talking to a friend, a brother or mother, it’s time to reflect,” he said. “Look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘You know what? I want to free myself from the bitterness and anger and forgive them.’ Or, ask for their forgiveness.”
The driver, Samuel William Davidson, faced a slew of charges over the crash including driving under the influence of drugs and speeding. He pleaded guilty in October.
Mr Abdallah said family and friends would hold a memorial service tonight at 7pm, which was approximately the time when the four children were killed on Bettington Rd, Oatlands.
A website i4give.com will also be launched where people will be directed to links dealing with grief and trauma counselling.
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