'Forgiveness set me free' – Leila Abdallah
Woman's Day Australia|February 06, 2023
Following the horror crash that took three of her children, Leila did something totally unexpected
By Courtney Greatrex
'Forgiveness set me free' – Leila Abdallah

Each day when Leila Abdallah wakes up, she feels grateful for her children, husband and family.

But her grief never goes away.

On February 1, 2020, seven children were walking and riding their bikes on the footpath to buy ice-cream in Oatlands, Sydney, when a reckless driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol crashed into them.

Despite the tragic loss of her three beautiful children, Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna, eight, as well as her niece Veronique Sakr, 11, Leila was able to forgive the driver.

She says it was her Christian upbringing that taught her the importance of forgiving in times of despair and allowed her to forgive Samuel Davidson, who was travelling at 133 km/h in a 50km/h zone before the accident occurred.

In the moment, it came to Leila instinctively, and it's an act she says has given her a sense of freedom.

"Sometimes things happen to remind you how precious life is and how easily it can be taken," she tells Woman's Day from her home. "Let's live our days with peace and love and with forgiveness." Leila, 38, a mother and housewife, wants to spread this powerful message across the world.

"Forgiveness has allowed me to focus not only on my own pain but also on others who are grieving," she says.

HELPING MY KIDS HEAL

Leila reveals that it is through this act that all three families involved in the tragedy were able to stick together despite their grief and pain.

Bu hikaye Woman's Day Australia dergisinin February 06, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Woman's Day Australia dergisinin February 06, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WOMAN'S DAY AUSTRALIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'
Woman's Day Australia

ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'

We hit the set of the sunny spin-off to Death In Paradise and meet the cast!

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
Woman's Day Australia

5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

His No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has a new instalment

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
Rolling the DICE
Woman's Day Australia

Rolling the DICE

Hobart's iconic Wrest Point Hotel Casino is looking better than ever

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
Woman's Day Australia

UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE

Quality of life is at the forefront of this approach

time-read
3 dak  |
September 16, 2024
OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!
Woman's Day Australia

OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!

When Runt arrived in town, locals couldn't wait to play a part!

time-read
3 dak  |
September 16, 2024
ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'
Woman's Day Australia

ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'

The mum-of-two speaks with affection about her daughters

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'
Woman's Day Australia

KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'

He's sick of playing second fiddle to a string of hunky co-stars

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!
Woman's Day Australia

GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!

The Voice Australia gets an ultimatum from its number-one coach Guy Sebastian

time-read
2 dak  |
September 16, 2024
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Woman's Day Australia

THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!

Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD
Woman's Day Australia

ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD

He's often seen as one of the nicest guys in music, but Ed Sheeran's cousin has exposed their secret feud - and claimed that Ed has even made legal threats against him!

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024