It has now been six months since the terrorist attack in Brussels, just before Sweden’s European Championship qualifier against Belgium, where one Swedish man was injured and two lost their lives. One of them was 60-year-old Swede Patrick Lundström, who lived in Switzerland with his wife Birgitta.
– It is a great loss. We were married for a very long time. He meant everything to me. He was not only my husband but my best friend, she says.
– He was a happy person who loved his grandchildren and children. He was special.
Looking forward to the match
Even today, Birgitta remembers how much her husband looked forward to the Sweden match where he went to spend time with his two friends. But it was close that Patrick would not make it to Brussels as both his train and flight were delayed.
– After this, I’ve always thought that maybe it was meant that he wouldn’t go, says Birgitta.
The interest in the sport was great and even Birgitta and Patrick often went to away matches together.
– After the grandchildren, it was football. He wanted to see every single football stadium in the entire world. It was his dream – he lived for football, she says.
The police were outside the door
But this time it would be different. Before the match, the 45-year-old suspected terrorist, Abdesalem Lassoued, opened fire with an automatic weapon in Sainctelette Square. Two Swedish football supporters were killed and one was injured.
Although the family heard that something had happened in Brussels, it took time before they found out that Patrick was among the dead. Birgitta kept trying to call her husband – but never got an answer. When she came home after dropping the grandchildren off at preschool the next morning, the police were outside the door.
– They didn’t even have to say anything. I knew, she says.
After that, everything is like in a fog.
– It has also been difficult for the children. They have been living with me since it happened. So we still need each other, continues Birgitta.
Support from the football world
Many football organizations have supported the family since the crime. A support that has meant a lot, according to Birgitta.
– The Football Association has been a mainstay. And even the Yellow Wall has reached out and helped. There are many people in football who have supported and I thank you for that. It has been great.
Since the incident, Birgitta and her one daughter have gone to Brussels to lay flowers and participate in a memorial ceremony. They have also visited the crime scene where Patrick died.
– I thought about how scared he must have been. He was really backed into a corner. He didn’t have a chance, she says.
Going back to Brussels has been important to get a handle on the incident, she says. At the same time, it is difficult to move on from what has happened.
– I take each day as it comes. No matter what day it is. Everyone says it will get better, but I don’t know, says Birgitta.