After reading the “Taken Away” article (Monitor, 10/16) about the sentencing phase in the Angelica Lane case in Loudon (2019) by Michaela Towfighi, I was absorbed in thought. The extent to which the anguish the family and friends had to retouch the sorrow, to find the right words to convey their deep loss needed in the impact statements was something I came to appreciate. To have the composure needed to read them is something I admire.
The support the Shaw family showed the Lanes, the determination they have to affect change was inspiring. Drinking is accepted and encouraged at many levels in this state. If this article and the picture of Samantha, so evidently missing her sister, stops even one person from operating under the influence, all this will have made a difference. Silence is the opposite of what is needed to initiate change. The work these families have done is a healthy start towards a change in behavior and a change in attitude. We can all make the change happen in memory of their family members. It could save this same scenario from happening to another family. The real tragedy is all this could have been prevented.
Susan Decato
Canterbury