Attack victim's dad: "People are good to their core"
Family members of two Mormon missionaries from Utah injured in the Brussels attacks expressed gratitude Saturday less than a week after terrorists set off bombs in the Belgian capital's airport and metro system.
Joseph Empey, 20, and Richard Norby, 66, were among the 270 people hurt in the attacks that left 31 dead.
"I wondered if I'd feel anger when I saw the pictures of the suspects, and I truly didn't," Empey's father, Court Empey, said in an interview with CBS News. "I felt complete gratitude that my son was alive, and then the aftermath of the support that's been shown to us just confirms to me that people are good to their core."
Joseph Empey suffered burns to his head, face and hands and shrapnel injuries to his legs that required surgeries, but his father expected him to make full recovery.
Amber Empey said it was a dramatic sight when she saw her son "all bandaged up" after the attacks but that she was thankful he was alive.
"It was amazing and just peace of mind," she said. "You know, there's this anxiety, like you've just got to get to him quick, and to be able to be there and feel him and see him and hear him was really amazing."
Norby was still in a medically induced coma when his wife, Pam Norby, spoke with CBS News Saturday. She wasn't able to accompany her husband Tuesday in driving three other missionaries to the airport to send one of them off on a mission to the U.S. because of the size of their car.
He called his wife after the bombs went off.
"As soon as he said, 'Pam,' I instantly knew that something had happened; I could just tell in his voice," Norby said.
Their call was soon disconnected, and she didn't find out where anyone was until hours later. She said her husband's prognosis was good with long-term difficulties expected.
She hasn't been alone since the attacks. The Norbys' son, Jason, traveled from the U.S. to be with his mother.
"It was difficult; it was hard to be that far away, that far removed and to not know how to help, to not know what to do," Jason Norby said.
His mother said she's received prayers and best wishes from people all over the world, not just from her immediate family.
"There has been good that's come out of this, and we're grateful for that," Norby said. "People have been absolutely marvelous. People in Belgium are warm people. I think it has something to do with everyone coming from a different culture and coming together."
