Sven de Leijer on Keeping the Memory of His Son, Bob, Alive

Belgian presenter Sven de Leijer has spoken openly about the enduring impact of the loss of his son, Bob, who was stillborn in 2021. De Leijer shared his feelings in the VRT podcast ‘Peter Van de Veire & De Zandloper’, emphasizing the importance of keeping Bob’s memory alive within the family.

A Presence in the Family

“Bob is still incredibly present in our family,” De Leijer stated. He expressed gratitude that those around him continue to mention Bob’s name, finding comfort in the fact that he is not forgotten. VRT News reports that this ongoing remembrance is a significant source of solace for him and his partner.

Support from Healthcare Professionals

De Leijer credited the hospital staff for their ongoing support, noting that their approach has helped to keep Bob’s memory vibrant. He and his partner have three children, including Bob, Leo and Charlie.

Talking to Leo About Bob

The couple has begun to talk about Bob with their son, Leo, who is now three years old. De Leijer described these conversations as “very childlike,” explaining that they refer to Bob as their “little star.” Newsmonkey detailed this approach to helping Leo understand his brother’s place in the family.

A Strengthened Bond

De Leijer also reflected on the impact of their loss on his relationship with his partner, describing their bond as “great love” that has been proven and strengthened by their shared experience. Redactie24 highlighted this sentiment, noting that the loss has helped them discover a strong way to navigate life together.

Continued Grief and Anxiety

De Leijer admitted to feeling increasingly anxious since the loss of Bob, adding that he was already a worried person. This anxiety manifests in overprotective behavior, particularly when his son Leo is learning new skills like riding a bike.

Friends and Family Remember Bob

De Leijer shared an example of a friend, Jan Peumans, sending him a photo of Bob’s birth announcement on his birthday, keeping his memory alive through small gestures. He emphasized the importance of these acts of remembrance from friends and family.