Simone Ballack remains "only pictures" of her son
Three years ago, Michael and Simone Ballack's son Emilio passed away at just 18 years old. On the third anniversary of his death, she remembers him with emotional words. Comfort comes from prominent friends.
Emilio Ballack, son of former professional footballer Michael Ballack and his ex-wife Simone, was only 18 when he died in a quad accident during a holiday in Portugal on August 5, 2021. On the third anniversary of his death, his mother posted a Reel on Instagram, compiling childhood and teenage photos of Emilio to the sounds of "Pictures Of You" by The Cure. "Pictures of you... When all you have left are memories and pictures of your child... Three years without you. I miss you more than words can express," Mecky-Ballack wrote alongside the video.
The emotional post resonated in the comments section, with not only her followers but also many prominent friends expressing their condolences. "I think of you often and your loving family," wrote presenter Marlene Lufen, while singer Eloy De Jong left heart emojis as a comment. Actress Simone Thomalla commented: "I think of you." Carmen Geiss wrote: "I believe you, dear Simone, but he will always be in your heart and thoughts. You are so strong, stay that way for your other children." Simone and Michael Ballack have two other sons: 19-year-old Jordi and 22-year-old Louis.
Ballack is grateful despite grief
In 2022, Simone Mecky-Ballack spoke about her grief in an interview with RTL presenter Frauke Ludowig. "Thoughts keep circling. But that's also the beautiful thing, you want to remember." She wished for Emilio to live on in her memories and conversations. She was grateful for the 18 years she had with him: "Other people lose their children very early, as babies or toddlers, or some can't have children at all." Her message then was: Life goes on and must go on.
Despite the profound grief, Simone finds comfort in the heartfelt messages from prominent friends. Three years into her journey, Simone expresses her unspeakable longing, acknowledging that she misses Emilio more than words can convey.
