A Court Employee

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11516722.post-1140149841514448872006-02-16T23:14:00.000-05:002006-02-19T12:03:24.360-05:00A Court EmployeeDear Mr. Evans,<o:p></o:p> I was [a court employee] at your trial in Princess Anne in 1984 before Judge Simpkins. I left the Eastern Shore of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state> in 1989 and have worked since then [in another government position.] Anyway, a lot has happened in my life since 1984, but I often think of you, your co-defendant, and defendants in other capital cases… on the <st1:place st="on">Eastern Shore</st1:place> in the eighties. I've followed your case in the paper over the years. I remember you as a likeable person with a sense of humor. I also remember the families of the victims of this tragic crime and the sorrow they did then and must now feel.<o:p></o:p> In the last 20 years my folks both died, our youngest son went through years of alcohol and drug problems, causing untold grief for my wife, and me, and other things have happened that are normal events in life. I'm not a very religious person, but I have always felt God was there for me, even though I was seldom there for Him. I know with our son I finally gave up hope, and shortly thereafter he called me and said, "Dad, I'll do anything you want, if you'll help me." It's been three years and he's done great. It made me realize then that as much pain and suffering as he caused his mom and me, I caused God much more. Anyway, I'm not preaching. I believe when God gives out rewards in Heaven, I'll be last in line, but I know I'll be in line. My son still occasionally apologizes for his actions, and I tell don't. We apologize once, and then it's forgotten. <o:p></o:p> So, I don't know why I'm writing this. My wife's dad is dying in [a foreign country] and she went to visit him one last time. I'm home alone with my dog and cat, which isn't all that bad. I've been married for 33 years and my wife is as close to perfect as a person can be. <o:p></o:p> Anyway, hang in there. As far as I can tell, if you're a Christian and asked for forgiveness for your sins, which aren't any worse than mine or anyone else's in the eyes of God, then one day you'll be in a better place and no one will be judging you anymore. If you're not, then get some born-again preacher in there and listen to him/her. It will bring you peace. I'm sure after 21 years on death row you must have peace of some type.<o:p></o:p> Whatever happens, keep your head up, and good luck.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>Bob ___<o:p></o:p> <st1:state style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Virginia</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Mr. ___,<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>After reading your letter I was grateful for many things but the one thing that really stood out after reading your letter was the fact that you were really blessed to get your son back. Perhaps just knowing there is a God helped serve the blessing that was given in your life. I believe also if you allow the situation with your son to really take hold you’ll find God has given you the strength to help comfort your wife who is in need of you. <o:p></o:p>I appreciate you just taking the time in your times of sorrow to write about such joy and sadness but still I can not help but think how great God is. One more thing, it was a slow process but yes I have found peace in reading and demonstrating the word of God. <o:p></o:p>PeaceVirginia Simmonsnoreply@blogger.com