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Published: November 8, 2023
Merel Westrik, who recently stepped into the role of presenter on Theโค Sinterklaasjournaal, hasโค spoken โขmovingly about her connection with the lateโ Dieuwertje Blok, who presented the program for 22 years. Westrik shared a โnotably poignant โmemory of a recent โembrace with Blok, shortly before her passing.
A Joyful, โขYet Hopeful, Experience
“Well, of courseโ I thought it was fantastic to be in the Pietenhuis and to experience that,” westrik said, laughing. “But simultaneously occurring I did it while I hoped dieuwertje โคwould still do it.” She noted that Blok’s long-standing presence onโข The Sinterklaasjournaal โค was palpable. “I enjoyed that.”
Westrik revealed that Blok had encouraged her to fully embrace the experience. “That pleasure she always had in it,โ I really takeโ that with me,” โฃWestrik shared.
A Comforting โMoment Remembered
When asked by herman if Blok had โseen a broadcast featuring โWestrik,the โpresenter became visibly emotional. “She has seen that. We cuddled afterwards,” she recounted. “Dieuwertje wasโค veryโข cheerful, because it would go well again. She would โขmake radio again and present the Sinterklaas journal.”
Sadly, Blok’s return โto broadcasting neverโ materialized, โas her illness proved more serious than initially understood. “It is โa โคfantasticโ memory that we have held each other in this way,” westrik said, with tearsโข in her eyes.โ “That especially.”
Dieuwertje Blok’s Legacy
Dieuwertje Blok passed away on March 3, at โthe age of 67, following a battle with cancer. Her โdeath sent shockwaves through the Dutch television community.
It’s โคmoments like these that remind us โof the power of connection and the enduring impact of those weโ admire. If this story resonated with you, please share it with your friends โฃandโข family. I’d also love to โคhear your own memories of Dieuwertje โBlok in โthe comments below. And if you enjoy โour coverage of heartwarming stories and Dutch cultural news, consider subscribing to World Today News โขfor more!