The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer.
For me, it’s been nearly 29 years since my mother’s murder. I was a 20-year-old college student, and I wish I would have known all my feelings were valid and that no one’s grief is the same. Two people can deal with the same loss differently, and that’s alright. It’s ok to handle grief at your own pace and not by someone else’s expectations. What’s right for someone else may not be right for you.
Setting boundaries is also important. It is ok to say, “I am not ready to discuss, ” if you don’t want to talk about your loved one’s death or the details of their murder that people seem to want to know. There are still things after 29 years I still don’t want to know. I know how she died and the crimes this person was charged with, but I don’t need to know the fine details where other people grieving their loved ones may need or want to know that information.
Loss is loss, but losing someone by murder is so irrational to understand.
Grief gets better with time; the old saying “time heals all wounds.” The passing of time can diminish the intensity of grief, but grief comes and goes throughout a lifetime.
Everyone grieves in stages. This may be true, but there is no set path or time limit on when the stages happen. Grief doesn’t follow the rules or have a time limit.
For me, it was something that was least expected.
My mother’s murder was a cold case for many years; she died in 1992. The detective involved with my Mother’s case continued to run DNA found on her through CODIS, a DNA Database. Once the detective found a DNA match, the suspect was located and sentenced in 2010. Although sentencing provides some closure, I remember having regret from that day because I couldn’t get up to read my statement in court. I froze with fear when I saw the person who murdered my mom.
In loving memory of Connie Smith 1950-1992
Every April, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities nationwide in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
We invite you to join us from April 21-27, where Homicide Survivors will host events empowering survivors through workshops, survivors’ stories on hope, and our Annual Candlelight Vigil.
Every year, families in our community are shattered by the loss of a loved one to homicide. Please consider joining us this Arizona Gives Day and donating to our cause. Your contribution will ensure we continue to provide services to Survivors, such as advocacy, support and assistance.
