Friday, May 30, 2008
Word to Describe Me (May 28 - Jun 4)
Relieved - The sentencing is over! The court battle portion of this nightmare is behind us. Our lives have been consumed with it's details, as we have attended every court proceeding and fulfilled anything and everything we could do to be proactive in the case. I will say it paid off in the end. Thank you to all of you who helped me get there.
Tribune Article
The sentencing was published in the Tribune today ... here is the link if you want to check it out.
http://copshop.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/30/man-sentenced-in-fatal-crash/
http://copshop.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/30/man-sentenced-in-fatal-crash/
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sentencing; State vs Cruz - May 28, 2008
Wednesday morning, we attended the sentencing for Efrain Vicente-Cruz, the individual responsible for taken my mother's life.
Preparation for the sentencing had been ongoing since the beginning, but particularly in the past 3 weeks as we have been collecting letters, reviewing what we wanted the judge to know about mom, meeting with court representatives, reviewing the accident details, ordering photographs, putting together a DVD presentation (THANKS Nikki!) and putting together a written statement of our loss. It has been quite consuming and often left me feeling sad and depressed.
Once at the sentencing, in the following order, we addressed the judge; David Kriser, Eldon Lewis, Pennie Lewis, James Causey, Shilo Causey, Joe Causey, Angel Kriser, Bob Weber and Bruce Weeks. It was very touching, everyone poured their hearts. The courts bailiff was obviously touched and was continuously wiping away the tears.
Next, we watched the DVD presentation. Then the judge heard from the defendant’s family and friends (3 people). Finally, the attorneys spouted some legal mumbo jumbo and the defendant was given the opportunity to address the court. Following the defendant's plea for mercy and forgiveness, the judge ordered the defendant serve the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison for his crime.
This was my plea to the judge:
Good Morning Your Honor, my name is Angel Kriser, I am Marjorie’s youngest child, her baby.
This morning I would like to share something’s about my mother; she was the mother of 4 and the grandmother of 16. She was a widow and had remarried 9 years ago. She had an associated degree and was a certified paralegal. She completed her education while working full time and raising her 2 youngest children (myself and my brother Joe). She enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, watching Wheel of Fortune and spending time with family.
My mother taught us that family is the most important priority, she taught us responsibility, honesty, charity, independence, integrity. She taught us how to make decisions and how to work. She taught us consequences. She was the ultimately example of how to be a parent by making time for your children, letting them be little and working hands on with them to teach them.
Simply put, I don’t know how to live without my mother. She was my rock and I leaned on her for support often. She was a silence source of strength in my life. Her existence offered me security and comfort. She was a trusted friend, someone I enjoyed spending time with and whose advice I respected. She was my teacher, my example for who I wanted to become like.
For the past year and a half, mom was also my neighbor. It was wonderful, like a dream to have her so close and to be able see her so frequently. Now is stare across the street at her empty house and cry …
She was my only living parent. My father passed away from illness 17 years ago. The little girl inside me clung to her. She absorbed my pain and heartaches. The pain is so intense it hurts to breath. This has left me totally shattered on the inside. Physically I am weak and frail. I have lost a tremendous amount of weight and continue to do so. I am under the care of a physician, a therapist and am taking antidepressant medication.
I am the mother of 4 small children; ages 8, 3, 2 & 10 months; I am only able to meet their basic needs. They are suffering from the loss of their grandmother and the emotional loss of their mother. I ache more when I see that they are suffering and I am not able to care for them as I once did.
Without her we have lost so much of our family history. She was the only living among my parents and grandparents and though I have heard some stories of their childhood, lives and history in general, I am left only wishing that I would have asked to hear more about them and written down these stories.
When mom was diagnosed with Cancer in 2003 and we were faced with the possibility of losing her I refused to think of it because the thought of life without her was unbearable, so we fought, as hard as we could we fought for her to live. She underwent treatment for a year. The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation were terrible, but she survived and had a clean bill of health.
The timing of this tragedy made it even more difficult. Mom was killed 8 days before Christmas and was laid to rest on my husband’s birthday. For 4 months, my mother & I had been planning a surprise birthday party for him. Instead of a surprise party we had her viewing.
As a family and a community, we are left devastated and shaking our heads asking the question, Why? This was a tragedy, a preventable tragedy that resulted from careless choices. Pursuant to the interviews that the Detective had with Mr. Cruz, he had traveled to Queen Creek for work that Monday morning. Once he arrived he was informed that there was no work and so he made the choice to hang out and drink with a friend. He drove to the liquid store and made the choice to purchase alcohol; he parked and made the choice to then drink the alcohol with his friend. He further made the choice to drink so much alcohol that he became intoxicated, 3 times the legal limit. When he was finished having a good time, he made the choice to drive himself home. Once on the road and clearly unfit to drive, he made the choice to continue his travels and endanger those around him. Ultimately, he’s choices resulting in the taking of my mother’s life.
So I pose the question what choice did my mother have? What choices do we get? My husband had the choice of whether to tell me the devastating news over the telephone or in person. My sister and I had the choice of whether we wanted to see her mangled body and dress her for her funeral. My brothers had the choice as to whether they wanted to carry their mother’s casket. As a family we had a choice of what we wanted her headstone to look like.
This was more than a mistake or an error. This was not an accident. He intentionally and willfully became intoxicated and then endanger the lives of others by getting in his vehicle and attempting to drive home when he knew he was a danger. Perhaps he did not set out to kill my mother, but by drinking to excess and casually driving, he knew or should have known that it was a reality.
So what then are the consequences for his choices? He has taken a human life, the most valuable gift of life it’s self. There is no restitution, she is gone and though we have poured out our hearts and pleaded with the Lord, we cannot recall her. His choices have altered our lives and the lives of our children. Its affect will reach generations that will never know her goodness, her love, or her pure heart.
Perhaps he is sorry for his choices? Perhaps he feels regret? No one will feel sorry for or regret his choices more than us her family that live each day physically aching for her in our lives. Every day, every event, every holiday that is spent without her is painful. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually painful!
I will not refer to justice for I do not believe that that will occur today for his suffering will never equal ours. His punishment will never fit his crime. We do not seek revenge or vengeance, we seek accountability and consequences for his choices.
We are God loving, forgiving people. We know that for true healing and recovery, ultimately we must forgive and leave it in the Lord’s hands. However, there is a difference between forgiveness and consequences. Forgiveness is to pardon his careless choices. Consequences are the penalty or cost of his actions.
At this time, I respectfully request that the court order the consequence for his actions to be the maximum sentence of 14 years punishment.
Thank you for your time.
Preparation for the sentencing had been ongoing since the beginning, but particularly in the past 3 weeks as we have been collecting letters, reviewing what we wanted the judge to know about mom, meeting with court representatives, reviewing the accident details, ordering photographs, putting together a DVD presentation (THANKS Nikki!) and putting together a written statement of our loss. It has been quite consuming and often left me feeling sad and depressed.
Once at the sentencing, in the following order, we addressed the judge; David Kriser, Eldon Lewis, Pennie Lewis, James Causey, Shilo Causey, Joe Causey, Angel Kriser, Bob Weber and Bruce Weeks. It was very touching, everyone poured their hearts. The courts bailiff was obviously touched and was continuously wiping away the tears.
Next, we watched the DVD presentation. Then the judge heard from the defendant’s family and friends (3 people). Finally, the attorneys spouted some legal mumbo jumbo and the defendant was given the opportunity to address the court. Following the defendant's plea for mercy and forgiveness, the judge ordered the defendant serve the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison for his crime.
This was my plea to the judge:
Good Morning Your Honor, my name is Angel Kriser, I am Marjorie’s youngest child, her baby.
This morning I would like to share something’s about my mother; she was the mother of 4 and the grandmother of 16. She was a widow and had remarried 9 years ago. She had an associated degree and was a certified paralegal. She completed her education while working full time and raising her 2 youngest children (myself and my brother Joe). She enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, watching Wheel of Fortune and spending time with family.
My mother taught us that family is the most important priority, she taught us responsibility, honesty, charity, independence, integrity. She taught us how to make decisions and how to work. She taught us consequences. She was the ultimately example of how to be a parent by making time for your children, letting them be little and working hands on with them to teach them.
Simply put, I don’t know how to live without my mother. She was my rock and I leaned on her for support often. She was a silence source of strength in my life. Her existence offered me security and comfort. She was a trusted friend, someone I enjoyed spending time with and whose advice I respected. She was my teacher, my example for who I wanted to become like.
For the past year and a half, mom was also my neighbor. It was wonderful, like a dream to have her so close and to be able see her so frequently. Now is stare across the street at her empty house and cry …
She was my only living parent. My father passed away from illness 17 years ago. The little girl inside me clung to her. She absorbed my pain and heartaches. The pain is so intense it hurts to breath. This has left me totally shattered on the inside. Physically I am weak and frail. I have lost a tremendous amount of weight and continue to do so. I am under the care of a physician, a therapist and am taking antidepressant medication.
I am the mother of 4 small children; ages 8, 3, 2 & 10 months; I am only able to meet their basic needs. They are suffering from the loss of their grandmother and the emotional loss of their mother. I ache more when I see that they are suffering and I am not able to care for them as I once did.
Without her we have lost so much of our family history. She was the only living among my parents and grandparents and though I have heard some stories of their childhood, lives and history in general, I am left only wishing that I would have asked to hear more about them and written down these stories.
When mom was diagnosed with Cancer in 2003 and we were faced with the possibility of losing her I refused to think of it because the thought of life without her was unbearable, so we fought, as hard as we could we fought for her to live. She underwent treatment for a year. The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation were terrible, but she survived and had a clean bill of health.
The timing of this tragedy made it even more difficult. Mom was killed 8 days before Christmas and was laid to rest on my husband’s birthday. For 4 months, my mother & I had been planning a surprise birthday party for him. Instead of a surprise party we had her viewing.
As a family and a community, we are left devastated and shaking our heads asking the question, Why? This was a tragedy, a preventable tragedy that resulted from careless choices. Pursuant to the interviews that the Detective had with Mr. Cruz, he had traveled to Queen Creek for work that Monday morning. Once he arrived he was informed that there was no work and so he made the choice to hang out and drink with a friend. He drove to the liquid store and made the choice to purchase alcohol; he parked and made the choice to then drink the alcohol with his friend. He further made the choice to drink so much alcohol that he became intoxicated, 3 times the legal limit. When he was finished having a good time, he made the choice to drive himself home. Once on the road and clearly unfit to drive, he made the choice to continue his travels and endanger those around him. Ultimately, he’s choices resulting in the taking of my mother’s life.
So I pose the question what choice did my mother have? What choices do we get? My husband had the choice of whether to tell me the devastating news over the telephone or in person. My sister and I had the choice of whether we wanted to see her mangled body and dress her for her funeral. My brothers had the choice as to whether they wanted to carry their mother’s casket. As a family we had a choice of what we wanted her headstone to look like.
This was more than a mistake or an error. This was not an accident. He intentionally and willfully became intoxicated and then endanger the lives of others by getting in his vehicle and attempting to drive home when he knew he was a danger. Perhaps he did not set out to kill my mother, but by drinking to excess and casually driving, he knew or should have known that it was a reality.
So what then are the consequences for his choices? He has taken a human life, the most valuable gift of life it’s self. There is no restitution, she is gone and though we have poured out our hearts and pleaded with the Lord, we cannot recall her. His choices have altered our lives and the lives of our children. Its affect will reach generations that will never know her goodness, her love, or her pure heart.
Perhaps he is sorry for his choices? Perhaps he feels regret? No one will feel sorry for or regret his choices more than us her family that live each day physically aching for her in our lives. Every day, every event, every holiday that is spent without her is painful. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually painful!
I will not refer to justice for I do not believe that that will occur today for his suffering will never equal ours. His punishment will never fit his crime. We do not seek revenge or vengeance, we seek accountability and consequences for his choices.
We are God loving, forgiving people. We know that for true healing and recovery, ultimately we must forgive and leave it in the Lord’s hands. However, there is a difference between forgiveness and consequences. Forgiveness is to pardon his careless choices. Consequences are the penalty or cost of his actions.
At this time, I respectfully request that the court order the consequence for his actions to be the maximum sentence of 14 years punishment.
Thank you for your time.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thrill Seekers .....
Already at 3 & 2, Noah & Jacob love to do things that make me pee my pants! Here is Noah with David and Jacob on the quad (Jacob is sandwiched inbetweeen). You may think that because they are so young David was just taking them on a leisurely ride? Wrong! My husband's not capable this is them racing by me.
Our own little "Curly Sam"
He is the only one of my children to have curly hair ... it is so cute! Now it is growing a bit out of control but David won't let me cut it until after his first birthday ...
Memorial Day Camping Trip
Desperate to get out of town for the long weekend before the sentencing, David planned a multi-family camping trip with the Earlywines', Eaton's and the Boyce's. Mind you, with the exception of the last 2 camping trips, I am not a big camping fan. Always seemed to be more work than fun? But for me, anywhere was better than being at home this weekend and spending time anticipating the sentencing on Wednesday ...
It began with rain, progressed to snow then cleared up to beautiful sunny skies. Boy was it COLD the first 2 days ... burr! Ultimatley, I would say it was the best camping trip that we have had. Lots of food, relaxation, campfire talk, quad riding, hiking, walks down to the creek and for me reading.
It began with rain, progressed to snow then cleared up to beautiful sunny skies. Boy was it COLD the first 2 days ... burr! Ultimatley, I would say it was the best camping trip that we have had. Lots of food, relaxation, campfire talk, quad riding, hiking, walks down to the creek and for me reading.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Pucker Up
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, he gives kisses! In these pictures, David is bribing him with strawberries ... cheating I know but he does it without the bribe also!
Ammon's Pearly White
2 weeks ago, Ammon cut tooth #1 & tooth #2 - Here he is with his new pearly white smile .... he is 10 months old.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. One day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to our country. To voluntarily and informally observe in your own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Word to Describe Me (May 21 - May 27)
PANICED - Everyday that we get closer to sentencing, I get more and more nervous. Today I have been sorting through the final details and became absolutely sick. Fortunately, my mother-in-law was here and saved the day again by helping with the children so that I could regroup and gain my composure. I have continued to work on and finalize the details ... are we ready? No, we will never be ready, we will never be able to say all that she was to us, but to the extent possible, we are prepared. We are going camping for the weekend ... good so that I will be distracted, coming home Monday.
Friday, May 16, 2008
My Letter of Heartache to the Judge
Okay so I was hesitant to post this because the emtion is so raw, but then I decided I wanted to be part of my record or journal ... so here it is. I have edited some of the context that I felt was too detailed. I will warn you that it is very sad .... kinda like the whole story, I guess.
To Whom It May Concern:
As you may imagine, this is a very difficult letter to write. My mind is racing and my heart is pounding. I want to do my mom justice by accurately and sufficiently describing who she was and how terrible life has been without her—the emotions run so deep, it seems impossible to articulate with only words. I will begin by telling you about her.
My mother learned many lessons in life that she used to refine herself and make herself better.
• She experienced the pain of loss at the young age of 7 when her mother died from cancer.
• She experienced the difficulties of blending families when her father remarried and she went from being an only child to having 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
• She experienced the heartache of divorce and single parenting.
• She endured the challenge of caring for a spouse with illness and watching him die before her eyes.
• She understood the difficulty of financially supporting a family.
• She experienced life as a widow and yet again as a single parent.
• She continued her education while working and tending to the needs of her children who were struggling from the loss of their father.
• She overcame the fear of Corporate America and went back to work in a business environment. • She worked her was up and excelled as a paralegal.
• She successfully raised 4 children.
• She had to fight for her life and overcame breast cancer.
Through those experiences, she developed a tolerance and compassion for others. She had genuine concern for others’ wellbeing and sought to make their life easier through random acts of kindness. All that met her said that they felt loved by her. That is because she did love them. Genuinely and sincerely, she sought to love all she came in contact with. This love made others feel like they were important, despite their shortcomings. She was someone who put effort into relating to everyone. She was without judgment and strived to lift others burdens. She was a woman of faith, integrity and honor. She was respectable and respected. She was generous with her time and her resources. I often marveled at her example of obedience and charity towards others and strive to follow her footsteps.
My relationship with my mother was the deepest emotional relationship in my life, with the greatest level of trust and acceptance. When my father passed away from illness in 1991, I was 13 years old. My mother was all I had left and I clung to her. She absorbed my hurt and my pain. When dad died, times were tough, but together we struggled through them and I quickly learned that with her I could overcome any of life’s difficulties. I had complete and total trust 1) that she would always be there to help me and 2) that I could confide in her with my deepest darkest pain and/or mistakes. She truly demonstrated unconditional love. There were times in my life that I did things that upset her or caused her to be disappointed with me. I was ashamed of myself and felt so unlovable. Yet despite her disappointment with my choices, she showed me love and helped me find my way through my mistakes. That love encouraged me to fight to overcome my challenges and become someone better. As a small child, my parents continuously taught me and my siblings that we were amazing, capable individuals. They emphasized to us that we could literally accomplish anything we put our minds to. These lessons continued throughout my life until I ultimately believed in myself. I had confidence that anything was attainable, because whether I succeed or failed, mom would love me anyway; her love was not conditional only to my successes. Through the difficulties of life, we became great friends. We enjoyed spending time together and I valued her opinion and judgment.
In the spring of 2006, my mother and I made some financial investments and separately purchased homes on the same street. We lived in a cul-de-sac, her house being across the street and 3 houses down from ours. My children absolutely adored their grandma and having her so close was very exciting. I have 4 children and I can remember early one Saturday morning I was up feeding my infant son when I could hear my two older sons (ages 3 & 2) talking to each other, muttering something about grandma’s house. I heard them talking as they were walking down the stairs then the sound kind of trailed off. Wondering what they were up to and knowing that silence was never a good sign, I got up, put down my infant son, and began a search for them that discovered the front door wide open with their blankets just lying on the floor. Totally panicked, I scream for my husband, ran outside and began frantically calling for them but they were no where to be found. So I ran inside the house grabbed the phone and called mom. When she answered, in my frazzled state, I questioned whether she had seen them, she calmly responded “Oh yes, they’re here, we are making breakfast.” What! I then explained that they did not have permission to leave, that they had snuck out and that they needed to come home immediately. To which, she responded, as only a grandma could, “Well, can they finish their eggs” …. I laughed and said no mom they are in big trouble they must come home right now. Reluctantly, she sent them home. Being so young, they really didn’t understand the harm, they just wanted to see their grandma. Because we lived so close to each other, we were blessed to see her everyday, if only briefly.
Life was safe until that December night when I received a phone call from my husband that forever changed me. I was at a Christmas program with my sister and some other friends and family. It was a tradition that we attended every year. Mom usually went as well, but this year she was tired and run down from all that she was doing so she decided not to attend. My husband was home with our children when he received a knock on the door from an officer that had come to deliver the news to my mother’s husband, Bruce. Confused and in shock, Bruce brought the officer to our house to explain to my husband what had happened. I received a call from him shortly thereafter in which he gently tried to explain to me that my mother had been killed! I was standing in the hallway of the auditorium screaming, “Please no! Please tell me it’s not true!” Each time my husband would respond with “I’m so sorry baby! I wish it weren’t!” Ultimately, I just collapsed to the floor, sobbing and crying out. The program ended and the halls were filled with people. It is so tremendously painful to recall the shock and horror of getting the devastating news. I then proceeded to deliver the news to my sister who was at the program with me. Unable to reach my brothers by phone, someone drove me to their homes where each time I had to share the heartbreaking news that our beloved mother had been killed.
Together we drove to the hospital and met my husband and Bruce. Although she had already passed, we were able to see her body and say goodbye. I still am unable to speak of this without totally breaking down…Emotionally, mentally and spiritually, I died that night with her. The months that have followed have consisted of unspeakable pain as I have tried to accept her death and figure how I am supposed to live without her. Physically, I have wanted to die 1) to escape the suffering and 2) to be with her. The sorrow and agony at the thought of living the remainder of my life without her is still unbearable. I do not know how to live without her. I have required so much help to care for me and the needs of my children. I am lost; the pain engulfs me. I can’t see through it or around it. I can’t eat or sleep; I have lost 20 pounds and am still losing. Most nights, I require medication to sleep; if I don’t take something, I frequently wake in the middle of the night and just sit and stare, desperately trying to gain some greater understanding, meaning or purpose that will help me accept this.
I am also mourning the loss of me. I am not the person I used to be without her. I am now under the care of a physician and a therapist and am on antidepressants. Everyday I fight despair. I have anxiety in groups. I am unable to socialize with friends. I have been unable to offer help or service to anyone in my family or community. I am a shell of the person I once was. The pain takes my breath away. Most times, I cry so uncontrollably I feel as though I am going to hyperventilate, so I hold my breath to try and gain my composure, while pleading with God for help. I am frequently told that “time will heal” but I disagree. Healing by definition means to get better, to return to health, to cure. I believe that time will just give me the opportunity to change and make the necessary adjustments to learn how to live without her. I will always ache for her in my life.
She was a silent source of strength in my life; her existence offered me security and comfort. Her continuous love charged me with confidence. She made me who I was. I didn’t worry about how I would cross the roads ahead because, if it became too difficult, I knew (from years of experience) that mom would be there at just the right moment to help carry the load or cheer me on. Her goodness somehow shielded me from the darkness and evils that exist in the world; she was my buffer. The earth was literally a better place because of her. She shared my greatest joys and my deepest sorrows. She attended the birth of every one of my children. When my youngest son, Ammon, was born, the side effects of the medication I was given caused my legs to feel restless. The only relief was when someone was rubbing them, so for 5 minutes my husband would rub them and then for 25 minutes my mother would rub them. This went on throughout my entire labor until I delivered. That’s how she was with everything. There was always safety with mom. Now safety as I previously knew it is gone and I must redefine where safety exists. It’s easy to say, well your spouse is safe, but really? Really? Because spouses leave, after years and years of marriage, some spouses decide they’re done and leave. If my spouse is unhappy with me or the life that he shares with me, he has the option of leaving; moms don’t leave, not my mom, even when or if I made her unhappy, she would never, never leave. So then, where is safety? Now I should say that I feel as though I have a great marriage with my spouse. That being said, the above still exists.
Already, there have been many milestones in my children’s lives that we did not get to share with her. My youngest Ammon, now 10 months old, is crawling and climbing the stairs. He has grown lots of curly hair. My 2 year old son, Jacob, has been potty trained! Noah, our oldest son (3 years old) has stopped sucking his thumb, which he has done since birth. And my oldest daughter, Lacey, turned 8 years old and was baptized. These are all moments that mom would have been a part of. The children have also felt this loss. My younger children do not understand the magnitude, they simply insist upon going to her house like they used to. It has been heartbreaking to try and explain to them that she is no longer there and is never coming home. Lacey is old enough to understand the concept of death and has struggled to understand why it had to be her grandma. She frequently spent time at mom’s house studying for spelling tests and/or watching Wheel of Fortune with her. As a mother, I don’t know how to comfort her, when I share all of the same questions. Watching my children struggle and suffer has also been so very difficult.
We, her family, seek some form of justice. This was so much more than a mistake or an accident. The defendant admitted, at the scene, that he had been drinking and would not have driven if his son was in the car. So, 1) he recognized that he was a danger and 2) he valued the life of his son but not the life of my mother. Even after he made the choice to drive, he had multiple opportunities to recognize the level of his intoxication and STOP! He forced numerous others off the road from head on collisions and was being followed by an eye witness that had called 911. Prior to hitting mom he had driven up and on the curb several times. My mother was defenseless. She was traveling through a construction zone and forced to travel on the opposite side of the street with only barricades dividing oncoming traffic. The defendant was traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone, on and off the curb when he slammed into her. Yes, her injuries were fatal. But it should also be noted that the trauma to her body was extensive! True justice would be for him to suffer how we have suffered so that he could truly understand the consequences of his reckless and careless choices. While I know that this true justice will not come in this life, I feel as though the maximum sentence of 14 years should be ordered.
Thank you for your time and compassion.
Solemnly,
Angel Kriser
To Whom It May Concern:
As you may imagine, this is a very difficult letter to write. My mind is racing and my heart is pounding. I want to do my mom justice by accurately and sufficiently describing who she was and how terrible life has been without her—the emotions run so deep, it seems impossible to articulate with only words. I will begin by telling you about her.
My mother learned many lessons in life that she used to refine herself and make herself better.
• She experienced the pain of loss at the young age of 7 when her mother died from cancer.
• She experienced the difficulties of blending families when her father remarried and she went from being an only child to having 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
• She experienced the heartache of divorce and single parenting.
• She endured the challenge of caring for a spouse with illness and watching him die before her eyes.
• She understood the difficulty of financially supporting a family.
• She experienced life as a widow and yet again as a single parent.
• She continued her education while working and tending to the needs of her children who were struggling from the loss of their father.
• She overcame the fear of Corporate America and went back to work in a business environment. • She worked her was up and excelled as a paralegal.
• She successfully raised 4 children.
• She had to fight for her life and overcame breast cancer.
Through those experiences, she developed a tolerance and compassion for others. She had genuine concern for others’ wellbeing and sought to make their life easier through random acts of kindness. All that met her said that they felt loved by her. That is because she did love them. Genuinely and sincerely, she sought to love all she came in contact with. This love made others feel like they were important, despite their shortcomings. She was someone who put effort into relating to everyone. She was without judgment and strived to lift others burdens. She was a woman of faith, integrity and honor. She was respectable and respected. She was generous with her time and her resources. I often marveled at her example of obedience and charity towards others and strive to follow her footsteps.
My relationship with my mother was the deepest emotional relationship in my life, with the greatest level of trust and acceptance. When my father passed away from illness in 1991, I was 13 years old. My mother was all I had left and I clung to her. She absorbed my hurt and my pain. When dad died, times were tough, but together we struggled through them and I quickly learned that with her I could overcome any of life’s difficulties. I had complete and total trust 1) that she would always be there to help me and 2) that I could confide in her with my deepest darkest pain and/or mistakes. She truly demonstrated unconditional love. There were times in my life that I did things that upset her or caused her to be disappointed with me. I was ashamed of myself and felt so unlovable. Yet despite her disappointment with my choices, she showed me love and helped me find my way through my mistakes. That love encouraged me to fight to overcome my challenges and become someone better. As a small child, my parents continuously taught me and my siblings that we were amazing, capable individuals. They emphasized to us that we could literally accomplish anything we put our minds to. These lessons continued throughout my life until I ultimately believed in myself. I had confidence that anything was attainable, because whether I succeed or failed, mom would love me anyway; her love was not conditional only to my successes. Through the difficulties of life, we became great friends. We enjoyed spending time together and I valued her opinion and judgment.
In the spring of 2006, my mother and I made some financial investments and separately purchased homes on the same street. We lived in a cul-de-sac, her house being across the street and 3 houses down from ours. My children absolutely adored their grandma and having her so close was very exciting. I have 4 children and I can remember early one Saturday morning I was up feeding my infant son when I could hear my two older sons (ages 3 & 2) talking to each other, muttering something about grandma’s house. I heard them talking as they were walking down the stairs then the sound kind of trailed off. Wondering what they were up to and knowing that silence was never a good sign, I got up, put down my infant son, and began a search for them that discovered the front door wide open with their blankets just lying on the floor. Totally panicked, I scream for my husband, ran outside and began frantically calling for them but they were no where to be found. So I ran inside the house grabbed the phone and called mom. When she answered, in my frazzled state, I questioned whether she had seen them, she calmly responded “Oh yes, they’re here, we are making breakfast.” What! I then explained that they did not have permission to leave, that they had snuck out and that they needed to come home immediately. To which, she responded, as only a grandma could, “Well, can they finish their eggs” …. I laughed and said no mom they are in big trouble they must come home right now. Reluctantly, she sent them home. Being so young, they really didn’t understand the harm, they just wanted to see their grandma. Because we lived so close to each other, we were blessed to see her everyday, if only briefly.
Life was safe until that December night when I received a phone call from my husband that forever changed me. I was at a Christmas program with my sister and some other friends and family. It was a tradition that we attended every year. Mom usually went as well, but this year she was tired and run down from all that she was doing so she decided not to attend. My husband was home with our children when he received a knock on the door from an officer that had come to deliver the news to my mother’s husband, Bruce. Confused and in shock, Bruce brought the officer to our house to explain to my husband what had happened. I received a call from him shortly thereafter in which he gently tried to explain to me that my mother had been killed! I was standing in the hallway of the auditorium screaming, “Please no! Please tell me it’s not true!” Each time my husband would respond with “I’m so sorry baby! I wish it weren’t!” Ultimately, I just collapsed to the floor, sobbing and crying out. The program ended and the halls were filled with people. It is so tremendously painful to recall the shock and horror of getting the devastating news. I then proceeded to deliver the news to my sister who was at the program with me. Unable to reach my brothers by phone, someone drove me to their homes where each time I had to share the heartbreaking news that our beloved mother had been killed.
Together we drove to the hospital and met my husband and Bruce. Although she had already passed, we were able to see her body and say goodbye. I still am unable to speak of this without totally breaking down…Emotionally, mentally and spiritually, I died that night with her. The months that have followed have consisted of unspeakable pain as I have tried to accept her death and figure how I am supposed to live without her. Physically, I have wanted to die 1) to escape the suffering and 2) to be with her. The sorrow and agony at the thought of living the remainder of my life without her is still unbearable. I do not know how to live without her. I have required so much help to care for me and the needs of my children. I am lost; the pain engulfs me. I can’t see through it or around it. I can’t eat or sleep; I have lost 20 pounds and am still losing. Most nights, I require medication to sleep; if I don’t take something, I frequently wake in the middle of the night and just sit and stare, desperately trying to gain some greater understanding, meaning or purpose that will help me accept this.
I am also mourning the loss of me. I am not the person I used to be without her. I am now under the care of a physician and a therapist and am on antidepressants. Everyday I fight despair. I have anxiety in groups. I am unable to socialize with friends. I have been unable to offer help or service to anyone in my family or community. I am a shell of the person I once was. The pain takes my breath away. Most times, I cry so uncontrollably I feel as though I am going to hyperventilate, so I hold my breath to try and gain my composure, while pleading with God for help. I am frequently told that “time will heal” but I disagree. Healing by definition means to get better, to return to health, to cure. I believe that time will just give me the opportunity to change and make the necessary adjustments to learn how to live without her. I will always ache for her in my life.
She was a silent source of strength in my life; her existence offered me security and comfort. Her continuous love charged me with confidence. She made me who I was. I didn’t worry about how I would cross the roads ahead because, if it became too difficult, I knew (from years of experience) that mom would be there at just the right moment to help carry the load or cheer me on. Her goodness somehow shielded me from the darkness and evils that exist in the world; she was my buffer. The earth was literally a better place because of her. She shared my greatest joys and my deepest sorrows. She attended the birth of every one of my children. When my youngest son, Ammon, was born, the side effects of the medication I was given caused my legs to feel restless. The only relief was when someone was rubbing them, so for 5 minutes my husband would rub them and then for 25 minutes my mother would rub them. This went on throughout my entire labor until I delivered. That’s how she was with everything. There was always safety with mom. Now safety as I previously knew it is gone and I must redefine where safety exists. It’s easy to say, well your spouse is safe, but really? Really? Because spouses leave, after years and years of marriage, some spouses decide they’re done and leave. If my spouse is unhappy with me or the life that he shares with me, he has the option of leaving; moms don’t leave, not my mom, even when or if I made her unhappy, she would never, never leave. So then, where is safety? Now I should say that I feel as though I have a great marriage with my spouse. That being said, the above still exists.
Already, there have been many milestones in my children’s lives that we did not get to share with her. My youngest Ammon, now 10 months old, is crawling and climbing the stairs. He has grown lots of curly hair. My 2 year old son, Jacob, has been potty trained! Noah, our oldest son (3 years old) has stopped sucking his thumb, which he has done since birth. And my oldest daughter, Lacey, turned 8 years old and was baptized. These are all moments that mom would have been a part of. The children have also felt this loss. My younger children do not understand the magnitude, they simply insist upon going to her house like they used to. It has been heartbreaking to try and explain to them that she is no longer there and is never coming home. Lacey is old enough to understand the concept of death and has struggled to understand why it had to be her grandma. She frequently spent time at mom’s house studying for spelling tests and/or watching Wheel of Fortune with her. As a mother, I don’t know how to comfort her, when I share all of the same questions. Watching my children struggle and suffer has also been so very difficult.
We, her family, seek some form of justice. This was so much more than a mistake or an accident. The defendant admitted, at the scene, that he had been drinking and would not have driven if his son was in the car. So, 1) he recognized that he was a danger and 2) he valued the life of his son but not the life of my mother. Even after he made the choice to drive, he had multiple opportunities to recognize the level of his intoxication and STOP! He forced numerous others off the road from head on collisions and was being followed by an eye witness that had called 911. Prior to hitting mom he had driven up and on the curb several times. My mother was defenseless. She was traveling through a construction zone and forced to travel on the opposite side of the street with only barricades dividing oncoming traffic. The defendant was traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone, on and off the curb when he slammed into her. Yes, her injuries were fatal. But it should also be noted that the trauma to her body was extensive! True justice would be for him to suffer how we have suffered so that he could truly understand the consequences of his reckless and careless choices. While I know that this true justice will not come in this life, I feel as though the maximum sentence of 14 years should be ordered.
Thank you for your time and compassion.
Solemnly,
Angel Kriser
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Exciting Announcement
The 10-acre site selected for the Gilbert Arizona Temple is located near the Loop 202 on the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Pecos Road.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Help
I told you this would be a place that I would try and articulate my needs .... here's what I'm feeling. There is much to be done to get ready for sentencing in 2 weeks, that in addition to my household responsibilies and my children have me a bit panicked. I don't multi-task like I used to and seem to only be able to focus on one at a time ...?!@ That being said, if you wanna take my boys to play that would be great! The park, my backyard ... really anything, they are bored and I am distracted.
Also, I'm feeling kinda lonely; sometimes I feel overwhelmed just because I am alone ... now I don't expect everyone to rush right over and hold my hand during everything ... but if you just wanna visit or hang out, ya know whatever.
Okay feeling kinda lame and vunerable with this post, kinda like "please be my friend" ... hopefully you won't judge me.
Also, I'm feeling kinda lonely; sometimes I feel overwhelmed just because I am alone ... now I don't expect everyone to rush right over and hold my hand during everything ... but if you just wanna visit or hang out, ya know whatever.
Okay feeling kinda lame and vunerable with this post, kinda like "please be my friend" ... hopefully you won't judge me.
Word to Describe Me (May 14 - May 21)
Pondering - Just been thinking a lot ... praying for an increased understanding of things. Pondering agency and eternal families. Trying to grasp the significance of ageny; Heavenly Father gives us our agency even though, by doing so, some of his children will inevitiably not return to him. Families are given power and strengthened through the sealing power. The more links, the stronger and more power that is given.
Newest Addition
Okay so I got a wild hair and brought home a 5 week old kitten! Yeah, I know - what was I thinking? But she is seriously so cute. We named her "Tabby Kitty" ....
Noah and Tabby Kitty
Lacey got home from school first, so she found out before the boys. Tabby kitty was in the hamper in my closet. David sent Lacey up stairs to get something from the closet. When she opened the closet she found the kitty and started screaming with excitement. 
We had her in the hamper, covered with a sheet and had the boys pull the sheet off. Noah jumped way back, Jacob was just kinda confused.
Sweet Memories
All this kitty talk has made me remember how much I loved kittens when I was little. One time, a cat down the street had kittens and I wanted one soooooooooooo bad! I begged and pleaded to adopt one but my mom and dad said no. Then I had the brillant idea ... they don't have to know. I will take care of it and feed it in my room and then they would never know. Right? So I bring home a kitten and hide it in my room, in my toy box. Ultimately, (within a day) my wise and all knowing mother discovered my hidden kitty and made me take it back. For years I was stumped at how she found out! Then I realized, clue #1 in order to put the kitten in the toy box I would have had to "clean" it out. Which probably meant I threw all my toys on the floor. Clue #2, the kitten made lots of noise when it was locked inside a box! Clue #3, I never wanted to come out of my room.
I'm certain that mom is laughing and shaking her head at my "great idea" to bring home a kitten yesterday :) !
I'm certain that mom is laughing and shaking her head at my "great idea" to bring home a kitten yesterday :) !
Preparing for Sentencing
Well we are knee deep in our preparations for sentencing. We meet with a probation officer yesterday, who will complete a report and make a recommendation to the judge. Meeting went well, he indicated that based upon the evidence he had heard he felt comfortable recommending more than the presumptive of 10.5. So, in other words, he is going to recommend more than 10.5 years to the judge. Prior to the meeting, he asked for us to provide him with written statements. That was very difficult, but in the end a relief.
I was impressed with my husband's simple but sweet words. This is what he wrote:
My name is David H. Kriser. I am the husband to a wounded wife. I am the son of a dead mother. All this because of a drunk man. I would like to convey some of my feelings on these statements.
When I say wounded wife, I mean just that. I have had to watch my beautiful wife literally wither away. Her body has taken a devastating blow. She is weak and frail. Her eating habits have almost ceased. She does not sleep or rest really at all. These are all physical and can heal. What I fear the most and literally dread is the affect this has had on her soul. I wish I had the ability to describe my wife’s inner light. The woman I met, courted and fell deeply in love with is but a shell of her former glory. I truly do mean glory. Angel could light up a room with a smile as broad as any I have ever seen. I married a strong, confident woman; one with purpose and drive. Now she is a wounded shell of all that I knew. I am a husband to a wounded wife.
You did not have the pleasure of meeting Marge (who I affectionately referred to as Margie) Weeks, if you had you would not have been the same. I know myself and countless others could attest to that. I met Margie 6 years ago when her daughter and I started dating. I feel in love with two women at that time. I was almost instantly accepted and loved by this woman. I watched with adoration how Margie interacted with people. Her capacity to love and understand people amazed me. She could find good in all people. I watched her tenderly care for a husband who is slowly deteriorating in Alzheimer’s. The light of Christ was in Margie and shown through. I saw the Grandmother who came home from work tired and weak only to play with her grandbabies. Grandbabies who will more than likely not remember the Matriarch of their mother’s line. It was my honor and privilege to be called her son. I am the son of a dead mother.
I sit here to write this all because of a drunk man! A drunk man who did not start his day this way but ended Margie’s life that way. A sober man who decided because of no work on December 17, 2007, he and another man would consume 3 times the legal limit of alcohol, at least 20 miles from his home. A sober man who did not think beyond his own selfish desire or the safety of anyone around him, by not arranging transportation home. Why would he? He had his own vehicle to drive. Although by his own admission he would not have jeopardized the life of his child by putting him in the vehicle, but everyone else on the road was expendable. I don’t see how, as a father myself, anyone could set that kind of example for their child. It appears to me that this man is not suitable to be a father to a son. To teach him what he needs to be a strong, stable, discussion maker. So for the sake of his children, mine and possibly yours, please confine this man to the maximum of 14 years in a penitentiary. All this because a sober man felt he needed to be a drunk man. My name is David H. Kriser husband to a wounded wife, son of a dead mother, all because of a drunk man.
I was impressed with my husband's simple but sweet words. This is what he wrote:
My name is David H. Kriser. I am the husband to a wounded wife. I am the son of a dead mother. All this because of a drunk man. I would like to convey some of my feelings on these statements.
When I say wounded wife, I mean just that. I have had to watch my beautiful wife literally wither away. Her body has taken a devastating blow. She is weak and frail. Her eating habits have almost ceased. She does not sleep or rest really at all. These are all physical and can heal. What I fear the most and literally dread is the affect this has had on her soul. I wish I had the ability to describe my wife’s inner light. The woman I met, courted and fell deeply in love with is but a shell of her former glory. I truly do mean glory. Angel could light up a room with a smile as broad as any I have ever seen. I married a strong, confident woman; one with purpose and drive. Now she is a wounded shell of all that I knew. I am a husband to a wounded wife.
You did not have the pleasure of meeting Marge (who I affectionately referred to as Margie) Weeks, if you had you would not have been the same. I know myself and countless others could attest to that. I met Margie 6 years ago when her daughter and I started dating. I feel in love with two women at that time. I was almost instantly accepted and loved by this woman. I watched with adoration how Margie interacted with people. Her capacity to love and understand people amazed me. She could find good in all people. I watched her tenderly care for a husband who is slowly deteriorating in Alzheimer’s. The light of Christ was in Margie and shown through. I saw the Grandmother who came home from work tired and weak only to play with her grandbabies. Grandbabies who will more than likely not remember the Matriarch of their mother’s line. It was my honor and privilege to be called her son. I am the son of a dead mother.
I sit here to write this all because of a drunk man! A drunk man who did not start his day this way but ended Margie’s life that way. A sober man who decided because of no work on December 17, 2007, he and another man would consume 3 times the legal limit of alcohol, at least 20 miles from his home. A sober man who did not think beyond his own selfish desire or the safety of anyone around him, by not arranging transportation home. Why would he? He had his own vehicle to drive. Although by his own admission he would not have jeopardized the life of his child by putting him in the vehicle, but everyone else on the road was expendable. I don’t see how, as a father myself, anyone could set that kind of example for their child. It appears to me that this man is not suitable to be a father to a son. To teach him what he needs to be a strong, stable, discussion maker. So for the sake of his children, mine and possibly yours, please confine this man to the maximum of 14 years in a penitentiary. All this because a sober man felt he needed to be a drunk man. My name is David H. Kriser husband to a wounded wife, son of a dead mother, all because of a drunk man.
Mother's Day 2008
Anticipating the difficulty of Mother's Day this year, my husband took me away to the mountains. My mother-in-law kept my kids (I know! Amazing!). We left Saturday morning and came home Sunday afternoon; short but sweet. There was something so tranquile about being in the moutains. It was great to be in nature with Heavenly Father's creations. Also so nice to have one on one time with David, one of my top ten comforts! As fas as the Mother's Day aspect of the day, it was fine because I simply didn't celebrate and/or expose myself to anyone who was... may sound negative but that's the only way I can deal. Whatever works right?
Camping in the Backyard
Since the Father & Sons outing, my boys have had the camping "bug," so David set the tent up in the backyard for them to sleep in. (I only let them sleep out there till midnight, I couldn't sleep with them outside .....) Dad = Fun! Mom = Practical!
Personalized License Plate
My husband surprised me with a personalized license plate. I got it in the mail 2 weeks ago, but I am just now taking the time to blog about it. It is a breast cancer awareness plate that says, "MY ANGL" ... he is so thoughtful.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
In Honor of Mothers
POSITION : Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Momma, Ma
JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
YOU LAUGH BECAUSE IT IS SO TRUE!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Word to Describe Me (May 4 - May 11)
Absent - I've checked out ... holding my breath until Mother's Day is over! Hopefully next week I will be more of a friendly blogger.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Letters
ONLY 1 MORE WEEK!
Just a reminder. I know many of you probably received my email and thought to yourself "I am totally going to write a letter." Then 2 whole weeks flew by and you were unable to find the quiet time to articulate your feelings ... believe me I know how difficult it is to find that time but your efforts could make the difference so please make the time and share your feelings with the judge.
Much love and appreciation!
Angel
Just a reminder. I know many of you probably received my email and thought to yourself "I am totally going to write a letter." Then 2 whole weeks flew by and you were unable to find the quiet time to articulate your feelings ... believe me I know how difficult it is to find that time but your efforts could make the difference so please make the time and share your feelings with the judge.
Much love and appreciation!
Angel
Request for Letters
Well this morning we attended a "Change of Plea" hearing where the defendant plead guilty to 1 count of Manslaughter, a class 2 dangerous felony offense. In exchange for his guilty plea, he received a plea bargain of 7-14 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 28th @ 9:30am. At that time, the judge will determine his sentence (anywhere between 7 - 14 years) based upon our representation of how this lost has impacted our lives. It is up to us to portray to the court who Marjorie H. Weeks was and how she impacted our lives. A few of us will be selected to actually address the judge and tell our stories. We are also requesting that the witness who followed the defendant while on the phone with 911 attend and address the court. A slideshow of pictures portraying sweet memories will also be presented for the judge to review.
Since time and space is limited, the judge will also be accepting letters from friends and family, which describe what I stated above. If you feel so inclinded, will you please prepare a letter which describes the relationship you had with mom, the type of person you believed her to be and the affect this lose has had on your life. We need to have these to the judge no later than 1 week before sentencing so we are asking to receive them by May 14th. If you are not able to write a letter but want to email me your response that would be approriate as well. Letters can be sent to me at 34350 N Channi Trl, Queen Creek, AZ 85243 and/or ldsmom@cox.net
We only have 3 weeks to "spread the word" and collect these letters so please pass this email on to anyone and everyone who had a relationship with mom and might like to participate. My email list is limited.
With deepest appreciation we thank you for your love and support. The Family of Marge Weeks
Since time and space is limited, the judge will also be accepting letters from friends and family, which describe what I stated above. If you feel so inclinded, will you please prepare a letter which describes the relationship you had with mom, the type of person you believed her to be and the affect this lose has had on your life. We need to have these to the judge no later than 1 week before sentencing so we are asking to receive them by May 14th. If you are not able to write a letter but want to email me your response that would be approriate as well. Letters can be sent to me at 34350 N Channi Trl, Queen Creek, AZ 85243 and/or ldsmom@cox.net
We only have 3 weeks to "spread the word" and collect these letters so please pass this email on to anyone and everyone who had a relationship with mom and might like to participate. My email list is limited.
With deepest appreciation we thank you for your love and support. The Family of Marge Weeks
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Things I Am Praying For
- A rememberance of my premortal exsistence
- A glimpse into eternity to see my mom & dad, grandma & grandpa (from both sides) and uncles who have passed
- Mental & Emotional Health for my brother
- A soft heart
- Physical, Spiritual & Emotional Strength for my sister
- Efficiency & Organization for David @ work
- To be worthy of the comfort & direction of the Holy Ghost
- Strength & Endurance for David to carry his heavy load
- That Bruce will feel security, safety & Love
- Sweet Dreams
- That I will know what to do to learn how to cope with life without mom
- That Heavenly Father will "right the wrongs" that have occurred from this tragedy
- A glimpse into eternity to see my mom & dad, grandma & grandpa (from both sides) and uncles who have passed
- Mental & Emotional Health for my brother
- A soft heart
- Physical, Spiritual & Emotional Strength for my sister
- Efficiency & Organization for David @ work
- To be worthy of the comfort & direction of the Holy Ghost
- Strength & Endurance for David to carry his heavy load
- That Bruce will feel security, safety & Love
- Sweet Dreams
- That I will know what to do to learn how to cope with life without mom
- That Heavenly Father will "right the wrongs" that have occurred from this tragedy
Saturday, May 3, 2008
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