Letter to the Editor: National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Dear Editor:

As I write this, I write with my heart in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.  A heart that knows first hand, what it feels like to have a loved one killed, as well as injured, as a result of a DWI related crash.  A heart, that through a local Long Island organization, has connected with the hearts of all too many others who share the same anguish in knowing first hand, the reality of living with such a horrific and senseless loss.  Loss that continues to plague our society with ongoing destruction.  Destruction, which is PREVENTABLE and the reason that I, among all so many, continue to stand up and speak out loud on this issue.

How on April 22, 2012, in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a small group of us gathered together in front of the memorial sculpture situated at the Garden of Hope in Eisenhower Park, to remember our loved ones. A group of people who stood together in the rain, listening quietly to the pages of names that were being read.  Names of loved ones who were someone's child, spouse, sibling, family member or friend.

Bottom line, no one is immune or protected as long as people think its okay to drink and drive.  Just ask the countless numbers of people throughout our towns, states and country who now spend the remainder of their lives, living with a huge hole in their heart.  Just ask the mothers and fathers who had to bury their children.  Ask the children who had to bury their parent(s).  Ask anyone who knows what it is to bury a loved one because of someone else's choice to drive drunk or drugged.  Ask if you have the courage to do so.  Ask if you have the courage to face their truth, their pain, their tears that never end. 

In honor of all our loved ones ... WE WILL NEVER FORGET.