A month after FDS tragedy, Larry vows to stay strong for children

KUCHING : A month after losing his wife in the tragic Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Larry Bilong continues to grapple with the painful reality of raising their two children without their mother.

His wife, Jessie Paya Jok, was among five people who perished in the helicopter crash on September 8, leaving behind their children, Abigail and Jayden.

In a heartfelt Facebook tribute on Thursday (Oct 8), marking one month since the tragedy, Larry poured out his grief, recalling the cherished memories they shared and promising to remain strong for their children.

“Today marks exactly one month since you left us. It has been a month since September 8, 2026, the day that changed our lives forever. Since the air crash in Long Lellang, our world has never been the same,” he wrote.

Larry admitted that accepting the loss of his wife, life partner, best friend and mother of their children remained an overwhelming struggle.

At times, he said, he still found himself expecting Jessie to return home, her face, voice and laughter remaining vivid in his memories.

Among the moments he missed most were the simple occasions they spent playing badminton together.

What might have seemed like an ordinary activity to others had become one of his most treasured memories.

“We played, laughed, joked, teased each other and enjoyed our time together. Back then, we probably never imagined that one day, such simple memories would become the things I missed the most,” he wrote.

Larry also expressed regret over the moments he wished he had appreciated more during their marriage.

He apologised for his shortcomings as a husband, including any words that might have hurt her feelings and occasions when he had failed to fully appreciate her sacrifices and love.

“If given another chance to be with you, even for a brief moment, I would embrace and thank you for being my wife and a loving mother to Abigail and Jayden,” he said.

However, beyond his own grief, Larry said the most heartbreaking part of losing Jessie was knowing that their children would have to grow up without their mother.

He spoke of the countless moments ahead when Abigail and Jayden might wish to share stories with their mother, hear her voice or seek her comfort.

“There will be days when they want to tell Mummy something. There will be days when they want to hear Mummy’s voice. And there will be days when they ask why Mummy is no longer with them,” he wrote.

Despite the immense responsibility ahead, Larry promised Jessie that he would do everything within his ability to raise their children with the same love and care she had given them.

He pledged to guide Abigail and Jayden to become kind, strong and compassionate individuals, while ensuring that their mother’s memory remained an important part of their lives.

He said he wanted their children to grow up knowing how deeply Jessie loved them and the kind of person she had been.

“I want them to know that even though Mummy can no longer hold them physically, her love will always remain part of their lives,” he wrote.

Drawing strength from his Christian faith, Larry said he would continue placing his trust in God, even as he struggled to understand why the tragedy had happened.

He prayed for Jessie to find eternal peace and for the strength to fulfil his responsibilities as a father.

Larry acknowledged that moving forward would not be easy, but stressed that continuing with life did not mean forgetting his late wife.

Instead, he hoped to carry forward the love, memories and dreams they had built together as a family.

He also promised that when Abigail and Jayden were older, he would tell them about their mother and the sacrifices she had made for them.

“Mummy, thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for being my wife. Thank you for being Mummy to Abigail and Jayden.

“Thank you for every sacrifice, every smile, every embrace, every piece of advice and every memory you left behind,” he wrote.

Larry ended his tribute with a promise to continue caring for their children, praying and loving Jessie until they meet again.

“Rest in peace, Jessie. Rest well, my wife and Mummy. We love you very much,” he wrote, signing the message on behalf of himself, Abigail and Jayden.