A Canadian-based daughter has expressed gratitude to Hong Kong citizens for "weeping with those who weep" after her elderly mother and the family's domestic helper both perished in the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po.
Agnes, who was in Toronto when the fire broke out, described receiving her brother's call about the blaze at their mother's second-floor unit in Wang Cheong House. Despite initially hoping her mother might be attending church activities, confirmation came through police discovery of personal belongings that both her mother and their long-term helper had died.
During her flight back to Hong Kong, Agnes experienced what she called a "divine arrangement" when her taxi driver turned out to be a fellow churchgoer from her mother's congregation, providing comfort through shared prayers and connections to Cardinal Stephen Chow and Father Franco Mella.
While acknowledging ongoing grief and questioning "why such a big fire? why us?", Agnes emphasized her Catholic faith's perspective that "earthly life is temporary" and urged mutual understanding in the disaster's aftermath. She particularly thanked neighbor Will who attempted rescue, saying "you saved two people already, did your utmost" and appreciated learning her helper stayed with her mother until the end.
Agnes expressed profound gratitude to frontline workers and countless strangers across Hong Kong, noting "many Hong Kong citizens experienced this with us, weeping with those who weep" and emphasizing the community's collective support through this difficult journey.
