Ariel Naomi

About Rie

While I called Rie, my soon-to-rule-the-world daughter, she was sweet, kissed me all the time, hugged me and smiled at wacky faces. She also touched my cheek as she slept at night, I was her comforter along with her dummy of course. I miss her waking me up at 3am for us to sing Daddy Finger, I miss our selfies – which mostly just show her forehead. I miss Rie’s iPhone swiping skills, how she knows how to skip ads in YouTube.

Rie also has a five-second rule – when she doesn’t get what she wants, she cries for five seconds and when she realises it’s getting nowhere, she stops. Yes, I’ve counted several times, it’s always five seconds.

When Jam was told after the ultrasound that he would have a brother, he said, “I’ll pray to God that I’ll have a baby sister.” To our surprise on the next ultrasound the radiologist said, you’ll have a girl. Jam jumped saying “I knew it I knew it! I prayed really hard I really wanted a sister”. Rie and Jam had a special bond from the moment they laid eyes on each other. Rie loved every time Jam sings her favourite song to her. Rie would always laugh at Jam’s jokes. Rie would listen intently to Jam when he reads her stories from the Bible.

On that fateful day, Rie was rescued by a very special person from the burning car. She was airlifted to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital (LCCH) where she was looked after by dedicated professionals. My siblings and I received the much-needed support from the LCCH team from the moment we arrived. Before the tube was taken off, I was able to hold my beloved Rie one last time. That special moment will remain in my heart for lifetime.

I would like to recognise the efforts of the LCCH team who work tirelessly to help sick kids and their families. Every 1st of June, which is Rie’s birthday, part of the funds raised will be used to give away treats to LCCH staff as a way of saying thanks. This may not be much but I hope it will bring a clear message that families are truly grateful for their dedication.