The driver of a car that hit a 6-year-old boy on his way to school has given an emotional apology to the boy's family.
Daejon Pahia was hit by a 4X4 as he walked to Takanini School last Friday. A photo of the scene, where one rescuer broke Sikh religious protocol by removing his turban to cradle the boy's bleeding head, has touched millions of people around the world.
Daejon's mother, Shiralee, said the driver of the car had made contact with the family.
"On Saturday he left a message saying if we wanted to get in contact with him we could, so that's when I rung him," she said. "He said he was still shaken up and I could hear it in his voice, I am pretty sure he was crying."
The man said he did not have time to avoid hitting Daejon.
He tooted his horn, but the boy, who was walking to school with his 8-year-old sister, froze in the middle of the road.
"I was sort of blaming him the first day, but then when I thought about it it's just something that happens and he's not to blame," said Mrs Pahia.
Yesterday, the Sikh visited the boy at Starship.
Harman Singh, 22, took gifts for the boy and his family, and was given a bouquet of flowers and thank you card in return. Daejon's father, Elijah, hugged Mr Singh and shook his hand.
Daejon, who had surgery for a fractured skull, 12 deep head wounds and a lacerated kidney from the accident, was expected to be released from hospital by the end of the week.
Mr Singh said Daejon was a "fighter".
"He's a good a person, a brave boy and a good fighter."
He recognised Daejon and his mother, who was at the accident scene, straight away.
"I noticed his head injuries, on the road it was really bad."
Now, Daejon had some scratches and bruising to his head and face, but was talking and playing with his siblings and an array of toys.
Mrs Pahia said Daejon had told her what to write in Mr Singh's card.
"He wanted to write his own card in his own writing but he was sore [on Monday], but he was telling me what he wanted to say -- he wanted to say, 'Thank you for saving me'. You wouldn't expect a 6-year-old to say that.
"I was a bit nervous but we really wanted him to come here."
Mrs Pahia was called to the scene as soon as the accident happened.
She, Mr Singh and another man who knew first aid cared for Daejon until emergency services arrived.
Mr Singh's actions have been praised around the world as an incredibly symbolic act of humanity.
He was also recognised by the national Sikh community for his bravery in a ceremony at the Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Sahib Takanini - next door to the Pahia's house - over the weekend. However, Mr Singh said he did not believe his actions were heroic and that anybody would have stepped in to help.
- By Morgan Tait of the New Zealand Herald
