Her life was turned upside down after a plane slammed into her family's home in Sanford.
"The week starts and there's a lot of stuff to do and things happen and your right, one second later everything changed," Millie Dechat said.
After the loss of her daughter and with her husband and son still hospitalized, Dechat is speaking out for the first time.
Dechat is doing all she can to stay positive and giving thanks to an entire community that continues to come together to help.
Judging by first impressions, you would never guess this was a woman who suffered a huge tragedy. However, Millie Dechat easily admits she has come a long way since July 10.
"In the beginning it was devastating to me, I couldn't believe that this happened to my family," Dechat said.
Dechat lost her 4-year-old daughter Gabi in the Sanford plane crash. Her husband is still hospitalized at ORMC and in critical condition and her 10-year-old son Happy is in Cincinnati undergoing extensive treatment for burns over most of his body.
"It's going to be a long process, even though he's in critical condition, he's doing very good," Dechat said.
Now that Dechat is back from her visit in Cincinnati, she says she cannot wait to tell people how grateful Daniel is for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers.
"He said he cannot believe such a response. All his room is full of greeting cards, posters, toys, it’s amazing," Dechat said.
Family members are now with Daniel. Dechat says her focus is now on her husband and work, a window treatment business she owns in Sanford.
Life does not stop that is why Dechat told us she spent this week decorating her husband's hospital room to keep his spirits up but she admits she has her own ups and downs.
"When I was printing some pictures to decorate Peter’s room, a picture of Gabi, and Gabi with Daniel, and Peter and Gabi and us, I just break down in the store crying," Dechat said.
There were no tears during our interview, only an optimistic view of the future. Although she says it is difficult when people ask about her son, her husband, or the plane crash Dechat says she is looking forward to personally thanking the Sanford community for the emotional and financial support.
"I feel stronger and very positive about it and I have a hope for Daniel and Peter to get better and we're gonna walk out of the hospital and be a family again," Dechat said.
On Friday and Saturday, three charity fundraising events will be held for anyone who wants to contribute to the Dechat and Woodard families.
Friday night there will be a Silent Auction and dinner at The Palms Resort VIP banquet room. On Saturday, there will be an outdoor Community Festival at Marina Island in Sanford and a Casino Night at the Oscars Restaurant.
If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, you can do so by e-mailing Generous America at info@generousamerican.com, or by calling (407) 310-4118.