It’s been almost three weeks since Sally Faulkner returned to Australia without her beloved children. Today, she writes an open letter about her promise to her children – and how you can help remind her children how much they are loved.
To all who cried tears with my children and felt sadness with my heart I thank you for your support.
It’s been a long road to this point. Over a year has passed since my fight began and to be honest it has been the hardest struggle of my entire life! I struggled to keep my heavy heart above my drowning tears. But one thing I want to make clear: I am not a victim and neither is their father.
As I heard those last words from our daughter and saw their innocent and trusting faces that last time, I closed my eyes at night and realise I couldn’t just shake it off.
“Mummy is it just a holiday with daddy, and we come back to you very soon?” My reply to that – “yes sweetie it’s just a fun holiday with daddy and mummy will come and bring you both home very soon.”
But what followed was hell on earth…”Mummy I want to come back but daddy won’t let me.”
Hearing my two year old boy at the time crying in the background saying "I don't want mummy to go" and my then four year old daughter begin to cry, "mummy I miss you"....The urge to throw up hit me hard in that moment like a sledge hammer to the chest.
For any parent who hears their children crying for them and not be able to hold them or fix the problem straight away it is crippling.
I knew in that moment - and I made a promise to them in that last conversation: "Mummy will find a way to bring you back to Australia, everything will be okay don't cry".
I remember her smile appear through her tears, "Okay, Mummy."
Top Comments
Hi Sally - we don't know each other but like any parent following this story I have felt sadness for you and your babies. I don't know your situation intimately and nor do I want to, I just wanted to tell you as a stranger on the outside that I think you are incredibly strong for doing what you did and are continuing to do. I would of done the same thing regardless.
In the future your children will learn and appreciate what you have tried to do and in this situation actions do actually speak louder than words. Your actions are much louder than any other words or media hype here. Keep in mind that one day your children will be able to read the reports and see the video footage. They will be able to see mum at that particular time trying to bring them home and the way their dad acted.
Keep the faith Sally and know that are a lot of people who are supporting you from the sidelines.
Sally my heart breaks for you. You were so incredibly brave trying to get your kids back and it was just so unfortunate that it didn't work out. I would have done the exact same thing. You are a beautiful mother and your kids will love you even more than they already do when they are old enough to understand what went on. We all cried with you when you had to say goodbye to your precious babies and leave them with a man who cares very little about anyone else except himself. I pray and hope you get those kids back here, and from your words it sounds like you will. Never give up and know what an amazing job you are doing. We all stand with you. Hope you get lots of letters for your book xxx