Friday marks 72 hours since Rachel Hernandez has been able to see her son Raul Julian Ramos.
Ramos, his wife Abigail Marie Ramos, and their daughter Lilith Ramos were killed in a head on collision Tuesday afternoon in Falls County.
"Just knowing all three of them, and their smile. I couldn't get that one final touch," Hernandez said. "You kind of go numb."
Raul and Abigail were loving parents who lived to see their daughter smile. Hernandez said her son and his wife were always taking pictures of Lilith.
Those pictures are now cherished moments highlighting memories she holds close. Raul's step father Rolando Hernandez remembers Raul as a goofy, artistic, die-hard Cowboys fan. Mr. Hernandez said even in his final moments he was all about family.
"He was a good kid and goofy. As soon as the Cowboys would come on he would yell and scream and jump at the TV," said Mr. Hernandez. "He always wanted to be around family. Even with this accident he went to go visit some of family in Rockdale and he was on his way back home when this tragedy happened."
Authorities have since learned the 2005 Toyota Carolla, operated by Ramos had been heading northbound when the Toyota crossed onto the right improved shoulder, leaving the right side of the vehicle off the edge of the roadway. Police believe that by over-correcting to the left, Ramos caused his Toyota to swerve into the southbound lane and into the path of the Freightliner.
Mrs. Hernandez said last Friday she talked to her son and told him he was a good father. After the crash, she did not get the chance to hold her son and tell him, Abigail, and Lilith goodbye. All she has now is vivid memories and moments captured, frozen in time.
“That’s about the only thing that comforts me, is knowing they’re still together," said Hernandez.
Right now, the family is still in limbo waiting for dental records to officially confirm, what they already know in their hearts.