This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Shortly before Easter, Pam Norby told NBC News that her family experienced a miracle amid the bombing in Brussels.
Her husband, 66-year-old Richard Norby, of Lehi, was hurt in Tuesday's terrorist bombing at a Brussels airport.
Pam Norby described to NBC how her husband probably turned his head a bit, "because one side has a little more burn on it than the other," and related that his doctors said "what a blessing it was that he didn't turn totally around, because all that would have hit his vital organs. That in itself was another miracle."
Norby's family said in a statement issued by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that shrapnel caused severe trauma on his lower leg, and he suffered second-degree burns on his head and neck.
Pam Norby almost joined her husband on his trip to the airport, "but stayed home because there wasn't enough room in the car," NBC News reported. "Despite his severe injuries, he somehow managed to call her."
"And I could tell by his voice when he first said 'Hi,' you know, and he said 'Pam,' that something was wrong," she told the network.
His family said a lengthy recovery is expected. On Saturday, NBC News reported he had come out of a medically induced coma.
Richard Norby, a former teacher and administrator in the LDS Church Educational System, also served as a mission president in the faith's Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission from 2003 to 2005.
Jason Norby, the missionary's son, described his father to NBC as "incredibly nice" and a "fantastic teacher" who loves people.
He added that he's grateful, "especially this time of year, Good Friday, Easter season," to see "something positive. And come what may, we're grateful for all the many tender mercies, the blessings that we feel we've received through this difficult time."
The LDS Church said two other Utah missionaries were hurt in the explosions: 20-year-old Joseph Empey, of Santa Clara, and 19-year-old Mason Wells, of Sandy.
Empey and Wells both have undergone surgery, according to statements from their families. Empey was treated for shrapnel injuries on his legs and for burns on his hands, face and head. Wells underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon and was treated for burns and shrapnel injuries.
Also injured was LDS missionary Fanny Rachel Clain, 20, of Montélimar, France.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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