As I sit at my computer and glance out my window at Fourth and Walnut streets, I see something that causes me to focus on the more important things in life.
This is the same view where I saw EMTs and paramedics working desperately to save the life of a wonderful mother, wife and former co-worker. Yes, the same view where moments previously, a thoughtless young man, through some very poor and impaired judgment, ran over and murdered Susan Wood.
I, as well as anyone who passes this location, am reminded daily of this contemptible act by viewing the impromptu memorial of balloons, crosses and flowers placed in the median by thoughtful co-workers, friends and family.
On Tuesday, I witnessed what could be described as a poignant display of affection, devotion, grief and strength of faith. I noticed someone at the memorial with a hammer and a cross. Most of you may not know Susan’s husband Matt, but he is a strapping former Marine. It was very moving to see Matt working to place a cross, which he and his children hand crafted, at the site of the memorial. It only took about five minutes to drive the cross into the ground and, as he took four steps back to view his work, the most inspiring thing happened. He retraced those four steps and, amid the sound and flow of traffic on Fourth Street, he knelt and prayed.
In some way, I am sure that this is a way of dealing with the grief that he and his children are going through and it is Matt’s way of keeping Susan’s memory alive so no one forgets what happened on that cold day in December - two days before Christmas.
When I spoke with Matt last week after his first visit to the memorial, he said that he was able to continue only by the grace of God and the strength of his faith.
I ask that everyone please keep Matt and his family in your prayers.
Rick Davis