Fallen firefighter's mother recalls pain of losing daughter
Arlene Zang's daughter, Robin Broxterman, killed in line of duty in 2008
Saturday will mark seven years since Arlene Zang lost her daughter, Capt. Robin Broxterman, when she and fellow Colerain Township firefighter Brian Schira were killed in the line of duty.
Daryl Gordon바카라 게임 웹사이트s line-of-duty death brought back all her emotions this week: the shock, the grief, and the importance of continuing support.
"I remember waking up the next day and thinking, 'How can that sun shine. I feel so bad. Why is that sun out there,'" Zang said.
That 7-year-old sadness came rushing back as she watched Gordon's family cry tears all too familiar.
"Amazing Grace makes me cry. It just always makes me cry. When they ring the bells for the last call, I just remember, it's like that made it all real," Zang said.
She remembers the shift from public tribute to private mourning. It바카라 게임 웹사이트s one the Gordon family will also come to know.
"You have a week that is so hectic, and the phone's ringing 30 times a day and people are calling and knocking on the door. Then all of the sudden, nothing. It stopped," Zang said.
What follows are years and years of reasons to remember.
"I guess the thing that really gets me is that empty chair. The holidays are the worst. I can't imagine their family with Easter coming up," Zang said.
But she said hope comes in even the smallest packages. Calls, cards and quick visits made all the difference for her family. She said that kind of continued support will carry the Gordons though.
"If there's any decisions to be made, just invite the family. They can always say no if they don't want to come, but make sure that they're invited. Make sure that they're included," Zang said.
She said she plans to be there for Gordon's family the way fallen firefighter Oscar Armstrong's family was there for her. She'll pass on the strength she got from Armstrong바카라 게임 웹사이트s mother, Annette.
"I knew I was going to be OK when Annette came up to me and gave me a hug. She told me I could do it, and that was so comforting," Zang said.
Broxterman바카라 게임 웹사이트s family will spend the seventh anniversary of her death as they usually do; placing flowers where she was killed, visiting her grave, and spending time with the firefighters she worked with. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony Saturday at a new memorial at Northgate Mall.
Broxterman바카라 게임 웹사이트s family will be among those raising money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation during a golf outing June 5. The organization offers support for those who've lost loved ones in the line of duty.