The couple who lost three children and their children’s grandfather in the downing of MH17 has today announced the birth of their baby daughter.
Violet May Maslin was born yesterday and has been welcomed by parents Anthony Maslin and Marite Norris as an “amazing gift” from the family members who died in the crash.
Mr Maslin and Ms Norris' children Mo, Evie and Otis, and Ms Norris' father Nick Norris died when the Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over the Ukraine on July 17, 2014.
"Our family was torn apart when MH17 was blown out of the sky by the violent anger of a nationalist missile," the couple said in a statement.
But the couple said Violet's birth "is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate."
"We still live with pain, but Violet, and the knowledge that all four kids are with us always, brings light to our darkness," they added.
"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'."
"We will continue to love all four of our children equally. Violet brings some hope and joy for us. We hope she brings hope and joy for you too."
This article originally appeared on the ABC.
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Top Comments
Fantastic news for this family. I often think of these parents and can't imagine the void in their lives. If the happy, larrikin faces of Mo, Evie and Otis caught in snapshots are anything to go by, then little Violet has got herself a great set of parents. Much to celebrate and best wishes to them.
I think about this family so often and wonder how they have survived after this horrific tragedy.
I am so happy that they have little Violet in their lives and know she will bring them so much love and joy again.