Thanks, once again, and some other things...

[digamma]

Thanks again for the support and prayers of the community. I haven't been able to be around the computer much this week, but have tried to stop by FOFC when I've had the chance. I appreciate SkyDog stickying the thread about the scholarship fund and would be deeply touched by any contributions it generates.

I wanted to share a couple of things with you.

1. Some people speculated that the guy who shot my father and brother may have been going for "suicide by police fire". There are a few pieces of information (that have not been made public) that lead me to believe that such a scenario is very unlikely. In the end, he was a scared 19-year old kid.

I don't really feel anything towards him, but I know two things: First, while avoiding a trial is certainly better for my family's well-being and mental state, this guy got off easy by not having to hear people talk about what wonderful people my dad and brother were.

Second, my step-mother has pointed out a number of times over the last week, that this is exactly the kind of kid my dad would have taken an interest in--giving rides home after school, making sure they had the proper athletic equipment, checking on them in their classes, etc.

2. I know we have people of a number of different faiths represented here at FOFC. Even so, I think the following e-mail, which my dad sent to me (among others) last Tuesday morning is applicable accross faiths. I hope you don't find my sharing it inappropriate.

-----Original Message-----
From: Billy Venable
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 4:27 AM

>
>A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
>
>Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
>
>"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
>
>The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
>
>Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough."

3. My wife and I flew back to Los Angeles last night. We will probably be back to Atlanta in the near future. For all of us, I think the shock is starting to wear off--the whole week was shocking enough, but then when you add in the media attention, numbers at the funeral and visitation and overwhelming support from the community--it added a surreal feeling to the whole time. I know I speak for myself and I am pretty sure I speak for my whole family when I say the next few days and weeks, as we aim for some sort of normalcy, will be the toughest. I know we will all appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.

Thanks again to everyone on FOFC--we truly are FOFC.

[Eaglesfan27]

That email is a great email.

I just want to reiterate my prayers are still with you and your family.

[Senator]

Since this has happened it has not been far from my thoughts. We are very sorry for your loss.

[VPI97]

I appreciate you sharing this, digamma. Keep up the courage...we're rooting for you and your family.

[albionmoonlight]

I, too, continue to be very sorry for you and your loss. I am glad that you have a strong family/faith support network.

[Kodos]

I can't imagine what you're going through, but I hope you find strength in your memories of your loved ones and in your faith.

[scooper]

That's a great e-mail. Once again, I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm happy that you were blessed with the type of father who would find worth in such a story and who would be described the way your step-mother described him.