Yesterday morning Irene and I went to court in support of our neighbors whose granddaughter was killed last May by a drunk driver. Parking at the courthouse on Super Tuesday was practically impossible and we lucked out by squeezing into a one hour slot. Most of the family wasn't as lucky. There were only a few in attendance. Before the proceedings we sat quietly and watched the defendant who sat alone in the holding area in a red jumpsuit and handcuffs. This 50 something year old woman is an alcoholic with many "priors". Her court appointed attorney asked the judge for a plea bargain. The judge said no. We learned later the judge had been influenced by the many letters he received on behalf of the victim. One of them was ours. I sat watching this woman who has nothing going for her and thought this same scene was going on in courthouses all over the US at that very moment. And I thought about the power of words. But it was still hard to come away feeling good about any part of it.
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9 years ago
3 comments:
That's great that you were advocated on the family's behalf. I hear about deaths due to drunk driving pretty much every day. It's horribly tragic and so stupid that it happens at the high rates that it does.
this is so sad. it makes me cry..what a deep deep sorrow. how brave of you to accompany your neighbours through this moment. you are precious women! so glad to have you in my family!
wendy
Thanks, Wendy...ditto!
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