As murder accused Oscar Pistorius walks into the dock in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court today, the family of his murdered girlfriend - Reeva Steenkamp - will be battling to come to terms with their loss on what would have been her 30th birthday.
His appearance, during which the indictment against him will be read out and a trial date set, is scheduled for 10am - the exact time Reeva was born in 1983.
Pistorius shot dead the super model on Valentine's Day in the bathroom of his Pretoria home. H e claims that he mistook her for an intruder .
The State is pursuing a case of premeditated murder, claiming he is prone to bouts of violent rage.
Two charges relating to the unlawful discharging of a firearm are expected to be added.
For Reeva's family today will be a tough day. Last night an emotional Mike Steenkamp said: "We are trying. Tomorrow [Reeva's birthday] was something we were all meant to have celebrated together.
"It would have seen the family reunited in happiness, but instead it will be sadness. It is going to be a different day ... not the day we would have wished for. We will try to remember the good times.
"It will only be a few of us ... just remembering Reeva's beauty and love for life. It is going to be difficult," Steenkamp said.
Asked if the family would be at Pistorius's trial, he said " ... there are things that need to be decided, certain steps to be taken."
He added: "All we can do now is pray. We are praying for answers and for justice. We want to know why this happened and the real truth ... we are tired of the speculation ... Hopefully, the next few months will finally bring us the justice we ultimately seek."
The family was taking immense strain: "To say this is difficult is to underestimate the severity of what has happened.
"We have had no contact from anyone [Pistorius, his lawyers or family] ... any claims to that effect are untrue ... this is causing a lot of the pain."
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