The family of Reem Al-Nahari, the teacher who died tragically during the fire at Bara'em Al-Watan Girls' Primary School a week ago, are still struggling to come to terms with her death. Reem saved all the children in her class, but suffered a fatal injury after she jumped from the burning building to save herself. During a visit to the family home earlier this week, Okaz/Saudi Gazette met the grief-stricken family members, including Reem's maternal grandmother and her four brothers. The grandmother disclosed that Reem was in charge of the family's affairs and the main breadwinner. Reem, along with her sister Rania, also shouldered most of the responsibility for Saud, 14, their disabled brother. Members of the family recalled how they launched a frantic search for Reem when they heard about the fire at the school. The shocked family eventually found her body at a hospital in the city. The grandmother said that Reem's mother died 15 months ago. She said Reem was a good Muslim and was always reading the Qur'an and supplicating Allah to shower His mercy on the soul of her mother. Rania could hardly talk about her sister. “We don't want blood money (Diyah). All the money in the world will not compensate us for the loss of Reem.” Anwar, 23, one of Reem's brothers, expressed deep sorrow at her death. He said she took care of all the affairs of the home. He recalled how she promised to help him prepare for his wedding which was supposed to take place in six months' time. Another brother Ahmad, 18, said: “We were able to ask her anything about the religion. She used to take our brother Abdul Rahman to school and help him with his revision.” Mahdi Al-Areeshi, Reem's maternal uncle, said: “Reem used to help our children with their homework, revision of their lessons and taught them how to recite the Holy Qur'an, without accepting a single riyal. She died while rescuing the fire victims.” One of Reem's female colleagues said she made Reem say the Shahada, that “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet”, before she passed away. __
