Why I’ll always light a candle for Flight 182
Dr Bal Gupta, who is now the co-ordinator of the Air India Victims Families Association, tragically lost his wife in the disaster. She was only 20 years old at the time.
As I reflect each June 23rd on the pain experienced by Dr Bal Gupta and all who lost loved ones as a result of some men’s cruelty and disregard for the sacredness of life, I cry as I recall how on that very day 20 years ago, at the same time, I experienced the natural pain of giving birth to a 6lb 11oz daughter whom I called Ruth Joy.
As the midwife handed me my beautiful, precious gift of life, I overheard two nurses talking about a plane crash that had occurred off Cork.
Immediately I asked what had happened as I was working with Aer Lingus at the time and I was very concerned to hear such news.
My heart felt as if a knife had pierced it when I was told what had happened. I was filled with joy at the birth of my new daughter and, at the same time, consumed with grief.
As I placed Ruth Joy on my breast my mind was filled with confusion and my heart was heavy simultaneously with joy and sorrow.
The physical pain of childbirth did not compare to the pain I felt as I pondered how anyone could wipe out the life of another? To wipe out 329 lives in seconds is barbaric.
Giving birth to Ruth Joy on June 23, 1985 imprinted an ‘invisible knowing’ of the absolute preciousness of life deep within my being.
Each year, when Ruth celebrates her birthday, I light a candle in memory of those 329 people whose life’s journey was so cruelly ended. While we do this, others sadly go to the sundial memorial at Ahakista.
Yesterday, as the dignitaries led by the President of Ireland and the Prime Minister of Canada, and the victims’ relatives, attended the memorial ceremony at Ahakista (the land point nearest the disaster site in the Atlantic) I celebrated my daughter’s 20th birthday with her - and lit an extra candle for all those lost on Flight 182 .
Derry Ann Morgan
103 Park Avenue
Swords
Co Dublin
