The Tuesday, June 24, edition of the Rome News Tribune headlined the sentencing of the driver in a tragic case of lives lost through vehicular homicide. The article reiterated the charges, and the harsh facts of the crash. Having witnessed the court proceedings, I want to share a few observations.
The victims’ loved ones had opportunity to share some of how their lives were impacted. A mother, despite the inestimable pain of losing her son, while describing her loss publicly and advocating accountability, also emphatically expressed that she did not hate the offender, that she bore him no malice, even expressing compassion for his situation. This was amazingly gracious. The offender later took opportunity to express toward the family his sorrow for what he had caused.
No, that could not change the heartbreaking events, but these elements shed some redemptive light, hope and healing upon that bleak scenario.
The gravity and intensity of this proceeding also gave me a new appreciation for the men and women who serve us in the judicial system -- who bear responsibility for decisions that so affect lives and hearts and society.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.