The poem below was written at 2 AM, 36 hours after I found out that my sister-in-law Lisa, her daughter Amber, Amber's daughter Lilly and her boyfriend Jim were murdered.
I did not at the time I wrote this the whole truth, and as the song says, "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Toby Keith
That song could some up May 2nd 2012 for me and my family.
So I do not at this time have a lot to say about that day or the weeks that followed. But I do want to share the poem I wrote. I now understand what a song writer means when they say I sat down and it just poured out. For the Love of Lilly was swirling around in my head as I went to bed. I could not sleep. Got up turned on the computer and about an hour later I read it and couldn't believe I wrote it.
I have always been a writer, more a journaler. Nothing to share. Just wrote for myself. I assume someday someone will find things I have written and saved and never shared. Love and Loss. Those are my best subjects.
One more personal note to share before my poem. I have always had a great memory. Not that I was a genius in school. I remember songs, lyrics, quotes. Not important ones but ones that stick with me are forever with me. The curse of a great memory. You can never forget.
In the coming weeks and months I hope to share some of my unforgettable memories.
Now... For the Love of Lilly
For the Love of Lilly
For the love of Lilly please stop domestic violence.
For the love of Lilly let no child live under threat of abuse.
For the love of Lilly let no child have marks left from punishment.
For the love of Lilly let no child suffer unseen scars from mental abuse.
For the love of Lilly stop needless violence.
For the love of Amber please stop domestic violence.
For the love of Amber let no teen live with threats if they tell on their parents abuse.
For the love of Amber let no teen have bruises from a date.
For the love of Amber let no young woman be afraid to leave a boy friend for they might be hurt.
For the love of Amber stop the needless violence.
For the love of Lisa please stop domestic violence.
For the love of Lisa let no woman live in fear for every choice she makes is going to be wrong.
For the love of Lisa let no woman think drinking is an excuse for violent behavior.
For the love of Lisa let no woman choose between her life free or in fear.
For the love of Lisa stop the needless violence.
For the love of Brittany please stop domestic violence.
For the love of Brittany get out of the abusive relationship.
For the love of Brittany ask for help.
For the love of Brittany live.
For the love of Brittany stop the needless violence.
For the love of Rolf and Diane let no parent receive the call that they did.
For the love of Rolf and Diane let no parent not ask questions that are hard to ask or hear the answers that are impossible to hear.
For the love of Buddy and Brian find out if your sister needs help whether you are related or not.
For the love of Lori and Jeanne be a friend for your sister when she needs you.
For the love of Brandon, Heather and Megan know that you are worth it.
You should be treated well by your friend, spouse, and parents.
For the love of GOD please don’t let this happen to someone you love.
If you need help please call someone.
Safe Horizon 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
