Australian couple Anthony Maslin and Marite Norris have opened up about how they contemplated suicide after learning their three children had been killed after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine almost five years ago.
WATCH: Couple who lost three children in MH17 thank Australia for caring
In an interview with the ABC’s Australian Story tonight, the Perth couple describe their unimaginable grief up on learning their three children Mo, 12, Evie, 10, and Otis, eight, along with the kids’ grandfather, Nick Norris, 68 had been killed when it was shot down over eastern Ukraine on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, killing all 298 on board.
Where we were was hell,’ Ms Norris said through tears. The couple admit they thought about whether to jump off an Amsterdam rooftop separately or together in the hours after receiving the catastrophic news.
However, in an act of remarkable strength, Anthony and Marite managed to pull through with the love and support of their friends, family and community.
‘The whole of Australia cared for us and we’re really grateful for their kindness,’ Ms Norris said.
Part of what we’re trying to do is to let them know how we are and let them know how far we’ve come.’
As well as creating a dedicated art space and sustainable farming practice, the couple credit the birth of their youngest daughter, Violet in 2016 with helping them overcome their grief.
‘Violet’s birth is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate,’ the couple said in a statement in 2016.
‘We still live with pain but Violet, and the knowledge that all four kids are with us, always brings light to our darkness.
‘As Martin Luther King said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’
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