Victims of the Horror

[jchm]

The magnitude of the event is, for me, beyond comprehension. In spite of my efforts, I cannot even begin to understand the grief and feelings of Bill Petit. However, as someone who has known the family for years, I remain visibily shaken by this heinous act. My children are affected by the loss of this family. Therefore, the crimes committed by these assailants goes beyond those against the Petit family. They have injured all of us who knew the Pe****. They have assaulted me, my family, my community. If such things are possible, I want justice and retribution for Bill Petit, but I want it for all of us in Cheshire. We have all been affected. We will never be as we were. As I ask God to grant peace and healing, to Bill, to Jen's parents, to their entire family, I ask for some of that peace and healing to come to all of us. I am reminded of the line "What man does to one another, they ask God to fix." Unfortunately, this wound, if it heals, will leave an ugly scar--and that can't be fixed!

[Carolyn]

I don't know the Pe****. In these past days, however, I have been repeatedly amazed at how many lives this family has touched. Everyone seems to know someone who is somehow connected to this family - through school, work or community. The pain for those of us brushing up against a family connection is nauseating. I cannot begin to fathom the pain for those closer and closest to the Pe****. My heart breaks for them, and I only wish that could help them to heal - somehow, someday.