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THE mother of a Clare child who died tragically in a car crash has paid tribute to her daughter in an emotional message in the new time capsule section of the Census.
Amy Dutil-Wall’s daughter Estlin Luna died in a crash on her way to creche on March 15 2017 in Inagh, just days before the youngster was due to celebrate her fourth birthday. Estlin’s father Vincent also suffered a brain injury in the crash.
There was controversy recently when it emerged the man who was convicted of careless driving causing Estlin’s death was seeking the early return of his driving licence (see Champion story here).
For the first time, Census 2022 featured a time capsule section, a dedicated space at the end of the census form for people to leave a message for their descendents, future generations and historians which will be released in 100 years.
Sharing her time capsule entry on social media, Amy said she felt “comfort” from being able to ensure Estlin will be remembered for generations to come.
Feeling such comfort today after filling in the time capsule section in the #Census2022 last night. Estlin never was counted in a census but 100+ yrs from now she will be remembered & our ancestors will be able to read about her. Just incredible. pic.twitter.com/ZL1eyZdUpZ
— AmyKDWall (@AmyKDWall) April 4, 2022
“Estlin never was counted in a census but 100+ yrs from now she will be remembered,” she stated.
Her heartbreaking message for the time capsule read, “Tonight as we count those in our house and our family, we are thinking so much of our beloved little girl Estlin Luna. She was tragically taken from us five years ago, just before her fourth birthday, in a car crash. Estlin was our first born child and the love our lives. She was never counted in a census and so we are so relieved to be able to mention her here. She was beautiful, creative, funny, so smart and clever and confident beyond her years. We were honoured to be her parents and honoured still to grieve her for the rest of our lives. Estlin Luna, we carry you in our hearts, love always, Mommy, Daddy, Mannix and Lucie.”
After posting an image of the message on social media Amy was inundated with messages of support, and Estlin’s name trended on Irish twitter. Responding to the reaction to her message Amy stated, “To see my daughter’s name trending on Irish Twitter…my god, I don’t have the words. I never imagined my tweet would touch so many people. But loss connects us all, we all understand that pain. We all want our loved ones remembered.”
She added, “And tonight, Estlin is remembered & thought of & my heart feels so full. Grief is our love, restless & relentless. I share Estlin because I have to. I am her only voice now. Thank you so much to everyone who listened.”
