On Saturday, the mom of three kids who were killed in an alleged drunk-driving accident last month released a statement, along with a video showing her children practicing a dance routine.
Mom Jennifer Neville-Lake shared the video on Facebook, writing, “Today is the day we bury my family. Ed's and my hopes for the future, our legacy and our dreams will be committed to the ground for eternity along with my father who was the ‘patriarch’ of my family.”
Neville-Lake’s kids – Daniel, 9, Harry, 5, and Milly, 2 – were killed in a collision in Vaughan, Ont. on Sept. 27. Her 65-year-old father, Gary Neville, was also killed in the crash.
While a funeral was held on Oct. 4, the family delayed burial until Neville-Lake’s mother was well enough to attend.
In her Facebook post, the mom explained that the kids were practicing a dance routine to share with her and husband Ed on their wedding anniversary, which was Oct. 2. “Ed and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary looking at the caskets full of our broken and stolen dreams,” she wrote. “But our day was supposed to have another beginning and I came across the video that shows it.”
“Here is the only rehearsal I have on record but it shows the personalities of each of them,” Neville-Lake continued. “If you knew Harry please take note of far he had come by seeing how he dances and twirls. Milly giggles throughout as my beautiful Daniel directs his brother and sister. You can hear the exasperation in his voice when they don't always follow his direction and see how lovingly he helps to guide them.”
Since being posted, the mom’s video has been shared over 8,000 times. Many Facebook users left positive comments to show their support. “This was a very beautiful moment,” one wrote. “Thank you and please keep sharing your beautiful kids’ memories. They are in our prayers.”