October 3, 2008

Brief Hiatus

Update: After three exhausting days, the case came to its final conclusion this afternoon at 2 pm with a sentence of capital life. That's essentially life without parole (and no appeals, whatsoever).

We knew that part of this process would involve meeting the other families who lost their loved ones in this horrific crime. In addition to viewing their beautiful videos and family pictures, we listened (and cried along with them) during their emotionally-wrought victim impact statements. We spent quite a bit of time with all of these folks (both in and outside of the courtroom) and Rod and I both felt an enormous amount of kindness and compassion from everyone involved, including the attorneys and support staff in the Commonwealth Attorney's office. They're are all wonderful, wonderful people and I am only sorry that we had to all meet under such terrible circumstances.

Once again, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who have left comments here on this site or notes via email or regular mail. We appreciate all the love and concern you've shown our family during the past 3 1/2 years. We truly don't know how we could have managed without the love and support of our family and friends.




For those of you who've been following this blog (or my first one) for the past few years, you're probably well aware that our daughter was killed back in 2005. It's hard to believe it's been over three years... In any event, the case is finally going to trial. Or, rather, a sentencing hearing. So we're off to Virginia Beach. I should be back online next weekend. Good thoughts are appreciated, as there's just no way this is going to be a good trip.

Times Like These
Jack Johnson

in times like these
in times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes
and it always goes on and on...
and on and on it goes

and there's always been laughing, crying, birth, and dying
boys and girls with hearts that take and give and break
and heal and grow and recreate and raise and nurture
but then hurt from time to times like these
and times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes

and there will always be stop and go and fast and slow
action, reaction, sticks and stones and broken bones
those for peace and those for war
and god bless these ones not those ones
but these ones made times like these
and times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes
and it always goes on and on...
and on and on it goes

but somehow i know it won't be the same
somehow i know it'll never be the same

(Go here to listen)

33 comments:

  1. Sending all my good thoughts your way, Les.

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  2. Lesley, Lesley, Lesley. Oh, my friend, I'll send good thoughts and good prayers, that you find some resolution and peace. It's just drawn on so terribly, and while the pain will never quite end, it's got to be even more difficult having no verdict yet. I'll hold you close, and I can't wait to hear when you're able to post again. XOXOX

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  3. Les: will be thinking of you.

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  4. My good thoughts are being sent your way. (((Les)))

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  5. Leslie, I will be thinking of you and your husband. I wish I could give you a hug.

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  6. We'll be thinking of you two.

    Josh

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  7. Beautiful thoughts for you, Les.

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  8. Nothing can ever repair this horrible and shameful loss, but I hope as much justice as possible will be served. I'll be thinking of you and your whole family.

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  9. Oh Lesley,
    I am so,so sorry. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. I hope you can finally get some resolution and that the full measure of the law will be handed down-
    ((hugs))
    Kim

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  10. Anonymous4:26 AM

    Sending good thoughts your way Les.

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  11. Anonymous10:54 AM

    A friend of mine just went through a sentancing hearing a few weeks ago and I know how hard it was for her family. I will keep you, your husband and the rest of your family in my thoughts. Safe travels.

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  12. Anonymous11:54 AM

    Les, you are in my thoughts.

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  13. Anonymous11:59 AM

    Lesley & Rod,
    I am so sorry that this trial has taken so long . . . all of this is so much more than any parent should have to bear. My thoughts go out to you both, as well as to Deb, Amy, and most importantly - your granddaughter.

    All my best,
    Kim Fitzke

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  14. Take care. I'll be thinking of you.

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  15. Les,

    I don't ever know quite what to say so just know that you're in my thoughts and prayer. Wish you a safe journey.

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  16. I'll be thinking of you, Les.

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  17. Your family is in my thoughts. I will be praying that justice will be done for your daughter.

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  18. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Lesley.

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  19. I've already emailed you, but wanted to comment on the JJ words. Honestly, he could be a meditation master or whatever they are called. Words and voice and music are perfect for the world. Good choice for you and R and D right now. My heart is with you.

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  20. Lesley, I'm just checking back in for any news, and to remind you that I'm still holding you all up in prayer for strength, comfort, peace and a just resolution.

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  21. Dear Les - you and your family will be in my thoughts. Hugs.

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  23. My love and good thoughts to both you and Rod, Les. My heart still hurts for you.

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  24. Rod and Amy and I wish to thank you all for the love and support you've shown us this past week and these past three-and-a-half years. This was a incredibly difficult three days, but it's finally over. You can read about the final outcome here.

    We have extended our stay and will spend tomorrow with our granddaughter before flying back home.

    Again, thank you all. You words and thoughts have been greatly appreciated. Probably more than you can ever know.

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  25. {{HUGS}} You & your family are always in my thoughts Les.

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  26. Les: ((hugs)) to all of you. I just can't imagine.

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  27. Oh, Les, I'm so glad the trial's over. I will continue to pray for your continued healing because we're never quite done with our grieving.

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  28. I am so incredibly heartbroken for you and your family. I can't even begin to imagine what you have been through and I can only offer you my thoughts and prayers. I am sure you will never have closure (whatever that means) but hopefully more time can be spent on remembering her.

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  29. Lesley I'm late reading your blog, and I had no idea of the circumstances of your daughter's death. I am so sorry - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  30. I've been with you some of the way and I send you my prayers and good wishes for the rest of the road.

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  31. Les: I'm glad to hear the case is over. I also did not know of the circumstances surrounding your daughter's death. I am very sorry.

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  32. Les - I am sorry, I didn't see you had updated your blog entry. Oh goodness, I'm so glad to hear it's over but I just cannot imagine what you must have felt going in and still. Sending you many hugs.

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  33. The comments keep trickling in so I decided to post another thank you to everyone who has written here, as well as via email. Your kind words, thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated.

    We're beginning to move forward, although the memory of the hearing is still very present in our minds. Hopefully, as the days pass, this will become a distant memory and happier memories of Rachel will take its place.

    My husband has written what may be his final post on his blog. You can find it here, if you so wish.

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