Thank you everyone for your kind words. They mean a lot to me at this incredibly tough time. I am very touched to see so many of my close friends have posted here, besides already having contacted me thru other means. And I'm glad they did not post the details they knew, but gave me the time to come in and share what happened.
My mother and I flew to Mumbai on Nov 26th. We checked in to the Trident hotel for what was to be a 2 night stay. The terror attack started in Mumbai that evening. I had a work related dinner at Colaba where the Taj Hotel is. My mother had a work dinner with some of her colleauges at one of the restaurants in The Oberoi.
We were both caught up in the attacks. My group in Colaba was trapped from 10pm onwards on the 26th. Thru the night we could see parts of the hotel burning and of course the continuous blasts and the shooting. We spent the night huddled in a dark locked room with the curtains drawn. We eventually managed to escape and got out after daylight on the 27th around 7am.
My mother however was one of those unfortunate people who was taken hostage at The Oberoi and was forcibly moved with a couple of dozen people to the top floor of the hotel. From what has been pieced together, there were a total of 3 women in that group. The terrorists separated the women from the men and moved the three women to another room. They told the men that they would be sparing the women and were taking them away to be freed. The three women were then executed at point blank range in that other room. My mother was one of those three.
After a night and two days of waiting in the street outside the hotel, finally finding out the news that all survivors were now out, and then having to identify her body was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life.
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Dear God, AJ, that's one of the most appalling things I've ever heard. It fills me first and foremost with profound sadness, but also outrage and anger.
As I have found out for myself this year, losing your mother is a desperately sad experience, even when it is expected. For it to happen as a result of an act of unspeakable wickedness must be almost beyond endurance.
More so than ever, know that many good people are thinking of you and your family at this terribly difficult time.
Dear God, AJ, that's one of the most appalling things I've ever heard. It fills me first and foremost with profound sadness, but also outrage and anger.
As I have found out for myself this year, losing your mother is a desperately sad experience, even when it is expected. For it to happen as a result of an act of unspeakable wickedness must be almost beyond endurance.
More so than ever, know that many good people are thinking of you and your family at this terribly difficult time.
I can only echo this. Having lost my father in the last 2 years, I know how hard that it. In those circumstances...
I am so sorry to hear about your mother, AJ. Thank you for sharing this tragic event with us. It must have been unbearably difficult for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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AJ, my very sincerest condolences. I echo what others have said, you're in my thoughts and I find it difficult to really express what I think about this awful tragedy.
I lost my father a little over four years ago and understand how tragic the loss of a parent is. However, I cannot begin to comprehend your loss in these terribly sad circumstances.
I really hope that you find some peace and comfort soon.
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Dear AJ, I have only just seen this thread and wish to add my condolences to you and your family. I cannot begin to imagine what you have been through.
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AJ, I have just had my attention drawn to this thread and I, too, find myself without appropriate words. My deepest condolences at this incredibly harrowing time after this unforgivable event. My best wishes to you and your family, this is truly awful
