Pain lingers for families a decade after Kinabalu earthquake tragedy
Soutim Sumbin, 62, the mother of mountain guide Valerian Joannes, said the loss still haunts her.
"The last time I met him was a week before the incident, during our big family gathering. Losing him still feels like it just happened yesterday. He wasn't sick; he was healthy and hardworking.
"That is what made it even more painful because he left us while doing what he loved.
"Although it has been 10 years, it is certainly something that cannot be forgotten forever. I am thankful that despite many years having passed, he is still being remembered," said the mother of 10, when met during the 10th Memorial Service held at Kiau Gap View in Kundasang, near here.
Karen Jhala, 58, whose daughter Sonia was among those who perished, said she still misses her.
"I still miss her terribly. I will never get over it. She is still a big part of our lives. We haven't forgotten her.
"But now, our memories are of the naughty things she used to do, the things that made us laugh, and her character.
"She inspires us every day and reminds us to be compassionate and kind. That is the kind of person she was.
"We use that to channel strength as a family. I believe we are stronger and closer now.
"We appreciate and value our relationship as a family, even though my two children, my son Dillen, 25, and Karishma, 28, work in Australia. Our bond has grown stronger," she said, adding that both her children returned for the memorial service.
The family first climbed the mountain and attended the memorial service in 2016.
Today marked their second time remembering their departed family member.
As for Lina Solungin, 61, the elder sister of mountain guide Joseph Solungin, she recalled their final conversation, which was about a tree she had asked him to find.
"A day before the incident, we talked over the phone about the tree, but I never expected it would be the last time I got to talk to him.
"I was recalled to work at Ranau Hospital on the day of the quake on June 5. I felt uneasy, especially when I could not reach Joseph despite many calls.
"I could not be with my family while waiting for my youngest brother. I could only be there when his body was sent back home to Bundu Tuhan here, after it was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu," said the retired nurse, adding that Joseph was loved for his kind and fun character.
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