Sebastien Bellin’s homecoming surprise
After six surgeries and 79 days at a Brussels hospital, bombing survivor Sebastien Bellin traveled home to Michigan, where he was greeted with a very special welcome home celebration
He left Brussels Erasme Hospital at 4 a.m. to embark on his trip home to the U.S.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien chose to fly out of an airport in Amsterdam, rather than a closer one in Brussels. “There’s still vivid images of the attack in my mind and I just don’t want to wake anything up,” he said.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien was greeted by airport personnel on his 13-hour flight home. “I can’t wait for Cici and Vi to run to me to me – three months in the making – a long time,” he said.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien arrived at Detroit Metro airport. His wife, Sara, ran to embrace him. “I couldn’t stop smiling,” she explained.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien’s 4-year-old daughter, Vanessa, jumped onto her father’s lap. “I missed him so much when he was gone,” she said.
A Homecoming Surprise
Daughters Cecilia and Vanessa, and nephew Grayson show their affection.
“The amount of love that was in that group was just unbelievable,”said Sebastien Bellin.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien Bellin and his sister-in-law, Emily Shimmel, embrace.
“All of a sudden it’s a realization that hey, the toughest part is behind you. The road is still long, but you got all these people that have your back,” he explained.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien Bellin’s daughter, Vanessa, accompanies him out of the airport as he heads to the ambulance.
A Homecoming Surprise
Sebastien Bellin is taken by ambulance to the University of Michigan where he will spend two weeks in rehabilitation before returning to his house in Battle Creek.