Michaelhouse Bus Crash Survivor: “We Live in a Tragic World… But a Good Place”
One of the survivors of the Michaelhouse bus crash, Chris Waldburger, has written a heartfelt post about the aftermath of the 5 September 2017 tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in which one boy, Themba Dloti, sadly died. Chris wrote: “Quite simply, my whole family and I have been blown away by this community, which in a […]
One of the survivors of the Michaelhouse bus crash, Chris Waldburger, has written a heartfelt post about the aftermath of the 5 September 2017 tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in which one boy, Themba Dloti, sadly died.
Chris wrote: “Quite simply, my whole family and I have been blown away by this community, which in a dark hour showed just how compassionate it is.
“The countless visits and messages from so many; the care and concern from parents and staff and the Rector who was there from the accident scene to the many days after. Simple things like Sibs [Ncamani] being able to check on me on the side of the road, and seeing Shaun Thomson as I was stretchered into the ambulance, meant so much.
“Lying on the side of the highway, unable to help so many boys in pain, was a low moment for me. The paramedics and good Samaritans (including our own Cyle Wilson) who were attending us kept telling me all was well, the boys were fine. It was devastating to hear of Themba’s death just before I went into theatre.
“Yet, every time I see Sibs and Sizo [Chalufu] and we compare roasties; when I think of seeing all the moms together in solidarity at the hospitals , I am reminded of the fragile gift of life.
“We live in a tragic world, always at risk in some fashion; but it remains a good place nonetheless and every moment is a gift.
“In times like these we are reminded how much goodness and compassion is all around us, unnoticed, just waiting to be shared in times of trouble.
“I wish there was some way of reminding ourselves of this as we jostle in our daily lives.
“#michaelhouse #compassion #careandconcern#goodsamaritan #alliswell #simplethings#giftoflife”
In an update three weeks ago, Michaelhouse said that Sibs and Sizo would be back in their classrooms this quarter. Leruri Sealetsa had been discharged and was under his mother’s care. Matt Baird and Theo Gwilisa were still in hospital, but making impressive recoveries and in “good spirits”.
Counselling for all boys will continue this quarter.