This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On a day when most children are excitedly thinking about what they want for Christmas, Shalom Sithole's thoughts were different. The 8-year-old girl from Zimbabwe wanted something simple yet profound - to spend time with her family.
But fate had other plans. Shalom's life was cut short in a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of her parents and younger sister, Shekinah Sithole. The incident occurred on a fateful day, leaving behind a family torn apart by grief.
Shalom's father, Godfrey Sithole, shared a heart-wrenching letter she wrote to her parents, expressing her Christmas wish. The letter, a poignant reminder of the value of family, reads:
'Dear mom and dad, All I want for Christmas is to spend time together as a family. Love from Shalom'
Godfrey Sithole praised his daughter for understanding the importance of family at such a tender age. He wrote, 'Going through messages in the Christmas cards, I came through this moving request from my 8yr old then. It is when the kids understand the value of family that they write such messages. Remember when all is gone, you still have family.'
As the family mourns the loss of their loved ones, the community comes together to offer support and comfort. May Shalom's family find peace in this trying moment and may her memory live on as a reminder of the importance of family.
