Beth

I know its been forever since I have written. Life has been a world wind. Strangely enough, I have so much to say and I am not sure where to start. I suppose I will start with whats on my sleeve, my heart.

Many of us sit back and wonder what we would do if we were caught in domestic violence. Would we stay because we feared for the lives of our children? Would we run in the hopes of being safe? But where would we go? Would we be truly protected? And the questions go on and on. I suppose we never truly know unless we are a situation ourselves.

Today, I can only shed tears as the innocent children and a mother have been shot in a neighboring town. Many of us reading this blog, knew this woman, many of us, did not know her pain. We knew her from elementary school, high school, class renuions and others knew her closer - they went to her to get their nails done. They may have lived a distance from her but because it was her, they made the trek to her salon. This woman - kind, quiet, gentle. Not one you would think someone would bring harm too. Not one you think would be victim to a domestic crime.

To me, sadness is not the emotion that I feel - it does not do the whole situation justice. I, like many of you, feel the real pain because it is so close to home. I am sick to my stomach, I am angry and tormented with disgust. It was a crime of passion. ( It typically is when shot at close range in the head.) I am sorry this man will not rot in prison for what he has done to this woman, her girls, this family. He may have taken the quality of life if not life from 2 young girls that happen to be in the middle. He has taken away a mother to another daughter, daughters of a father, a sister, an aunt, a daughter of parents, etc.

The angst is felt beyond her community for which she lived in. It is being felt through a network of people who are scattered about the country. For her ex-husband and his wife - I am deeply sorry for your pain. I cannot even fathom what you must be thinking or even if you are. For her surviving daughter - we grieve with you, we pray with you for your sister's health and well being. For her sister, her parents, her friends and other family - she is in a peaceful place. Her kindness will be remembered by all she touched. No one can take away what happened, we only know it should not have.

To the now dead suspects family. I feel pity - Although we know its not you who did this, it will always be difficult for you. I am sorry that your son did not get the help he so deseperately needed so Beth could have lived and seen her children grow into young adults, find loving relationships, fall in love and have families of their own someday.

She was taken from this earth too soon. It was personal. It was a violation. It is disturbing and sick. Anyone who knew of her will take it personally. There is nothing more to say....she is in our thoughts and prayers. Her smile will grace our hearts. Hopefully, she is at peace.