Roger and Bonita Bott paused yesterday to thank everyone who offered their “overwhelming” support after their three daughters died in a farming accident.
One week after the children died when they were trapped in a truck loaded with canola, the couple held a news conference to give thanks for the support and share details of their three daughters.
“As far as wondering what our girls were like, we have a biased opinion on that. They were awesome. The best girls in the world. They were cool to be with, they were comfortable with themselves and with other people,” said Bonita Bott in a prepared statement she read with her husband outside the Withrow Gospel Mission in Withrow, Alta.
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“They all really enjoyed the farm and activities like camping, fishing, quadding and horseback riding. They were becoming a big help around the farm with yard work and cooking, and not Kraft dinner either, although we’ve had plenty of that. They would fry chicken or prepare chili and spuds. They loved family outings and spending time with their cousins,” she said.
“As far as missing them and not being able to ever see our kids again, that part is OK because we are going to see them again,” said Roger.
“We don’t believe that God did this, but we’re believing that he has taken this and he is making something incredible come out of it,” he said.
Catie, 13, was becoming a role model for her younger siblings, who rode horses and read a lot.
“She was totally embracing becoming a young woman,” he said.
“She was consciously working at being mature and responsible.”
Eleven-year-old twins Dara and Jana were different in their personalities.
Jana was quieter.
“She had a soft personality. She was gentle with everyone,” he said.
Dara had a strong personality.
“If there was a job to be done, Dara would be my girl,” said Bonita.
“Just the other week I told her that. ‘You know honey, you’re going to be a really good mom someday and you’re going to really know how to run a household and you are going to do a good job of it.’ ”
Almost $120,000 has been raised through online funding and an additional $40,000 was raised through a cattle auction.
“We think the reason it has touched so many is this is different. Losing one child is an unspeakable tragedy. Losing three at once, I don’t think there’s even words to describe it,” Roger said.
Part of the money will be used for professional help as the family tries to deal with the tragedy.
“It’s the here and now that we are faced with. So, how we are going to get through this? Actually, we are not going to get through this, but the Lord is going to bring us through,” he said.
The funeral takes place in Red Deer tomorrow.
mary.macarthur@producer.com
