I don't do this very often but I'll post it and then take it down tomorrow. DS, if you want to know how proud I really am go to the following link:
http://www.crimevictimsunited.org/news/2007/linsday.htm
This is our testimony before the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee while we, Crime Victims United, and the AG were lobbying for a new Victims Protection law which pertains to Post Conviction Relief in 2007. Every child sat with me and my husband as I testified and then my son stepped forward (under the glare of the TV cameras) and spoke. Scroll down to the very bottom and you can listen to the audio of his short speech.
This son is not the one who is now 24. This son was 17 at the time of the testimony and has survived horrific PTSD and a suicide attempt. When I waiver, I think of his strength and keep going. By the way, he was adopted from San Mateo County too, in 1991. There wasn't a dry eye in the room when he sat down. Our bill got a pass that day and is now a law.
Not that I'm overly proud, but this young man is pulling a C+ average in his Criminal Justice classes at a Community College and is a state ranked soccer player. All this with being born at 32 weeks and addicted to crack cocaine, having tremendous learning challenges, being blind in one eye, and enduring horrific sexual abuse and the ten years of trials and appeals.
The human spirit can be be stronger than anyone can imagine. This young man is the most gentle soul I've ever met. His abuse hurt him to the core but he's digging out and finding his way. I'm so proud to be his Momma.
yup that had mr grumpy tearing up.....thanks for sharing
