Local News

I did not watch the local evening news yesterday, but browsing the web this afternoon I see that one local channel had mention of my mom's murder. Below is the story from the news channel's web site:

Number of Murders Down
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Web Editor: Jake Wade
Originally Created: 12/29/2006 7:30:58 PM
Last Update: 12/30/2006 12:32:55 PM

There were 12 murders in Macon in 2006. That's down from 20 murders in 2005. And 37 in 1992.

The only case where the Macon Police Department has not made any arrests is in the murder of Brenda Mathis, who was beaten and strangled in her apartment on Pursley Street in April.

The Macon Police Department says it will solve the case.

JIMMY BARBIE, MACON POLICE DEPARTMENT
"The fact that there was a time period between when the murder took place and when the body was found makes it a little difficult. The fact that we suspect it was someone who knew the victim, there's no sign of any forced entry into that apartment, but it's a solvable case and we'll solve it. We work hard to try to get the violent criminals off the street and get guns out of the hands of people and it's finally starting to show a little result."

The lower murder rate has a lot to do with getting guns off the streets, says the U.S. District Attorney for Middle Georgia.

MAXWELL WOOD, U.S. DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR MIDDLE GEORGIA
"Approximately 50 percent of your murders in the country are committed with a gun. Approximately 50 percent of those gun murders are committed by individuals who have previous felony convictions, if you can eliminate guns from getting into the hands of convicted felons, you can reduce your murder rate by 25 percent."

The U.S. District Attorney's office has had a project called safe neighborhoods since 2001 to get guns off the streets and to get much tougher sentences for criminals who use guns.

Bibb County, not including Macon, had four murders this year. They made arrests in all four. They had eight murders in 2005.


There is a video of the clip that ran on the news broadcast. I am trying to post it here. I'm working on it . . . keep checking back . . . don't give up on me . . . .

Try to click on the following link: http://www.13wmaz.com/video/player_news.aspx?aid=31130&bw=

I have not yet taken pictures of my mom's grave. I don't know if it is really appropriate for me to do so.

When I went there Wednesday someone had placed a pot of poinsettias at her grave. I don't know who put them there, but it was a very nice gesture. If it was you, thank you.

I made an arrangement and placed it there on Thursday. I had thought about taking pictures then, but it was dark before I was able to get there. It was so painful and hard to leave the cemetery that evening.

I am posting a Christmas card here for those of you I did not send one. I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with many blessings.

No Longer Unmarked

With the death of a loved one, especially one so close as a mom, it is surprising the things that cause joy and overwhelming emotion. This morning my MawMaw called me to let me know my mom is no longer in an unmarked grave. Strange as it may seem, I feel such relief as I was really having problems accepting that. Thanks to my MawMaw's generosity and love for me and my mom, my mom now has a slab on her gravesite. I couldn't imagine a better gift for myself this Christmas.

I am getting ready to go there now. I will take pictures to post here.

Merry Christmas

Well, in about 10 days we will celebrate our Saviour's birth. And it will be the 1st Christmas without my mom. I have really been trying very hard not to be overly saddened or depressed throughout this holiday season. But, it's not always so easy. The last time I saw my mom was last Christmas. As I've posted before, it was at that time that our relationship finally seemed to be headed in the right direction. We seem to have come to a place that we could accept the other's position and be mother and daughter again.

Today my son wore a shirt to school she gave him last Christmas. I know it is only a thing, but to me it is such a precious thing as it is one of the last she gave him. She took the time and effort to pick it out just for him. It breaks my heart to realize that is all he may ever really have of her. He does not remember much about her or how much she loved him. I definitely hold him a little tighter and longer now.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

Local News

Keep an eye out for an update on my mom's murder investigation to air on local news stations. I have been told by the assigned detective's boss that he was contacting local media outlets. He told me the detectives working her case would work with the media to make sure the word is still on the street. I watched the news this week, but did not see any mention of it.

Last week my husband found a book my mom gave me a couple of years ago, "Love You Forever." It is a children's book, but a great read. I think it coulld make any Momma cry, so needless to say reading after this year really caused a lot of tears. She had written me a note in the front cover. I so wish she were still here.

I was doing much better emotionally, up until a few weeks ago. I guess I can contribute the new wave of emotion to the holiday season. I was down to about a once or twice weekly cry, not now. I am lucky to get through one day without crying at least once.

I really had a hard time when I was tagging my mother-in-law's Christmas gift. I realized I could just put to "Mom" on it and we would know whose it was. No longer do I have to make sure I don't get my mom's and mother-in-law's gifts confused. Making my Christmas list also proved a challenge, hanging ornaments on the tree, another. And the list goes on.

Oh how I wish the events of this year could be part of a terrible dream. I would love to awake from this hellish nightmare.

I have another song I want to post on my blog, just haven't figured out how to do it yet. I have been unable to find a video for it so I am learning about audio clips. Stay tuned. . . .