Thank you for sharing your story. As I mentioned in the comment right above yours, I am too emotionally involved in this and have a hard time getting past my anger, and sadness.

You bring a different perspective to this that to be honest, I hadn't considered. But I will. I go to Kelley's school, I see her band mates and I drive by the intersection where the accident happened all the time. It's hard to forgive.

It might be easier if he would admit what he did, and stop blaming everyone but himself (that was in a different post and not mentioned in this one. After this was written, he retracted his plea and drug things out, never admitting responsibility for what he did. It was almost six months after this was written that he was finally sentenced. See this post for details).

But I'm trying to forgive. I'll work harder on it thanks to your comment.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to tell your story. I wish you well.

I'm extremely sorry for your loss first off. I'm writing to you fom a different point of view. I believe, deep down, you need to hear this. I myself was a drunk driver who caused an accident. I myself was a hopeless drunk. I myself had issues that no legal system devised was going to help. I myself was HOPELESS.

I need you to know people do change, learn, and grow. I need you to know this man who killed your loved… is inherently and im sure deeply sorry. Theres not a day that goes by he doesnt think about your loss. Especially through his forced sobriety. I DO NOT KNOW THIS MAN

I dont know whats right and whats wrong in this case…. but I will assure you he got atleast double the sentence he would have gotten in 48 other states (excluding AZ and NM) I can also assure you that there is not one person in the entire world who is not affected by this DISEASE! People can Change. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive this man. I know there is not a day that goes by that I dont pray for forgiveness. Theres also not a day that goes by that I don't remember exactly what I lost that day. Which was everything! Thank you for your time and I hope today brings great things.

But, you do make some very valid points. Thanks for sharing.

I feel sorry for this girl's family and friends, I really do. But there needs to be a change in philosophy of punishment for criminals. We're snowballing in a bad way. We're letting vengeance for a few turn prisons into factories for criminals, and it's morally and economically bankrupting our society one crime at a time.

Thank you