Dear editor,
Please know that while I have been silent, Brenda Denton and her family have been in my thoughts and my prayers since last summer as they try to make sense of this challenging journey they are now on.
We were on holidays at the Bush's cabin on the Upper Campbell when my sister-in-law came up to pick up my niece and said that there had been a boy killed over the weekend. But she couldn't remember his name.
I was in disbelief when I heard it was James. My heart still aches for you all.
As I looked through the many pictures she has posted on a memorial site, although sad, my heart is warmed. The love in these pictures is abounding. The adventures plentiful.
The hearts and lives he has touched in his short life have been truly blessed. I don't think I have ever seen such a full life, in such few years.
He is very fortunate to have you and Dave as wonderful parents, and extended family who took every moment as a moment to teach, to explore, to discover, to love. And you all are so very blessed to have had that opportunity to share 19 wonderfully amazing years with him.
The James I remember from Airport School was always first to help everybody, anytime. I remember many PAC dealings where James was the consistent helper.
"Need any help, Mrs. H?" he would ask as I was carrying boxes down the hall. He was a kind-hearted boy and a tremendous role model to the younger kids. But again, look at the role models he had to look up to ... as he grew to be this fine young man.
It is very hard not to be angry. I cannot imagine your pain in the loss of a child.
Forgiveness is very difficult. I could never imagine being able to forgive.
But even if you were able to forgive, you never ever forget. The what ifs, could have beens, should have beens. All that was taken.
But in the same breath, you can have gratitude and remember all that you had. So many joyful memories. He will continue to live on in so many, and will always be remembered.
You definitely had a gem in James. A diamond in the rough. A one of a kind.
I wish you peace and healing. I am hoping the conviction will bring some of that for you all. Justice for James.
However, I know that you would gladly let all of that go, to feel the arms of your first-born son around you once again.
Teresa Hoerburger,
Comox Valley