Dear Editor,

This is the time of year for me to enjoy my family and friends in this fine country of the United States of America, and I have plenty to be thankful for. I have two beautiful kids, a wonderful husband, wonderful family and friends from all over the world.

I am Canadian first and have just become a citizen of the USA through my second marriage. But my thoughts are turned towards a man I have never met. A man whose family did not enjoy their Thanksgiving weekend, nor will enjoy their Christmas, nor their years ahead. For something rich and dear was snatched from them so needlessly. Mickey Hill is his name. They will never have him back to hold and tell him how much he means to them, not in person anyway.

I am Canadian first and have just become a citizen of the USA through my second marriage. But my thoughts are turned towards a man I have never met. A man whose family did not enjoy their Thanksgiving weekend, nor will enjoy their Christmas, nor their years ahead. For something rich and dear was snatched from them so needlessly. Mickey Hill is his name. They will never have him back to hold and tell him how much he means to them, not in person anyway.

Thank God for memories, for that is something nobody can ever take from us. But if anything could ever release the demons that have taken hold of Mickey’s family since the tragedy, it would be answers. Answers to why, answers to who. Justice will allow this family to rekindle some hint of normality to their lives, faith in the country in which they live, faith in their leaders and trust in the people who were given the role of protectors. I feel for this family and all of Mickey’s friends who relentlessly are not giving up on a cause that will ultimately affect your country as a whole.

Maybe that was God’s plan for Mickey Hill, for God has a plan for everyone. Maybe God’s plan for Mickey was for his soul to bring about change in what appears to be a corrupt judicial system. I travel from my beloved new country every year to your country. I have always trusted my safety in your country and I refuse to believe that this injustice will not be resolved. I need to know that my safety will continue and that therefore in the end I will have one more thing to be thankful for – thankful for such a wonderful place to bring me and my world of friends together with our ever so loving Jamaican friends, to a place that always tells me, “No Problem, Mon!”

Audrey Wright

Chicago, Illinois

USA

wright_audrey@hotmail.com