Because we remembered

Those of us who work in the trenches, in the medical field, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, child welfare, we see a lot of ugly. And it touches those who are directly involved but others aren’t usually affected. It’s not that they are unfeeling. They’re just wrapped up in their own work and all their own levels of ick. 

But sometimes a case touches everyone. There was a case like that when I was at the da’s office the first time. A 2 year old little girl who had been taken from her bedroom by her teenage neighbor. Violated repeatedly and then strangled with her own nightgown. I’ve seen numerous crime scene photos over the years. Graphic representations of horrendous injuries or abuse. None had ever bothered me as much as these. That precious child lying broken at the bottom of a set of cellar stairs. Discarded like an old doll. 

The child who died this week is one of those who has touched everyone who has heard even a small part of his story. My investigator came to my office the other day, surprised, and said everyone is talking about my case. And she was right. Because it was her case, but this boy had become everyone’s child. 

I listened to my pastor’s sermon from this past Sunday again this morning. It’s been a hard week and I thought that might soothe my wounded heart. A message about faith. And about having relentless optimism in the midst of things that break our heart. 

And the events of this past week caused me to listen to it through a different filter. It felt different and I heard it differently than when I first heard it on Sunday. 

And I wondered is that the true power of this child’s life? That those touched by his horrific death and the abuse that preceded it would hear things through a different filter. See them through a different lens. 

Some people leave their legacy on the world because of how they live. And some because of how they die. Maybe this is the good that comes of this. That none of us will ever forget him. Or the little 2 year old girl. And all those like them. Who have suffered in ways no child should ever suffer. 

Maybe the good is that we will be changed for the better. And change this world for better for those around us. And that in that, they would be honored. Because we remembered.