Delayed Justice

Will the rain hold off?  A reasonable question today, the third anniversary of the murder of Lee Randolph Priester.  Why would it matter?  Because, not so coincidentally, today is the annual picnic organized by his mother, Carolyn, and others in memory of all those families who are served in some way by Conquerors.  This support group is pretty darned inclusive and is meant to be of help to the families of murder victims.  The very fact that we need such a group is wrenchingly sad, but thank God it’s there.  The group’s meetings offer a safe place where tears can flow, where families can get suggestions on ways to move through the aftermath of violence, where people can ask “WHY?”  And the picnic is a time of fellowship.

I think of last year’s event…especially of Penny Lusk taking such care painting faces of young children.  They delighted in her attention and the feel of the delicate brushes as they traced vivid flowers and stars and birds on smooth cheeks.  Penny’s daughter Janeane was murdered March 27, 2008.  Janeane’s murderer, Sid Terrell Jones, was convicted July 1, 2009, a little more than a year ago.

And it’s not just the families of murder victims who attend.  There are police officers, judges, victim’s advocates, counsellors, and other people who want to add their support.

For the murders that are solved there is some measure of knowing.  For the rest, there is the waiting.  In Lee’s case time may now be working for the investigators.  And they are out there.  Last month the Grand Rapids Police Department canvassed the neighborhood where he was murdered and hung door tags inviting people who knew something to come forward.  Here’s the story from The Grand Rapids Press.  The door hangers are a good idea.  And it only takes one brave soul who will stand against the madness.  We KNOW without a doubt that somebody knows somethin’.

For the picnic?  I’ll be there–but early–as long as weather makes it possible.  If you want to support the Conquerors maybe you’ll join them.  Check their website for details.