Each time we approached the scheduled date(s) for the Preliminary Hearing our stress levels increased and everyone starts getting a little rattled. The nightmares begin again with a vengeance and we attempt to keep our minds and bodies busy with other things.
Today is no different. While we begin that journey towards the hearing date my mind begins to dwell on images of Joey laying in that hospital bed and the vision of my daughter and Joey's father sitting there with their little boy. Of how empty they both looked and how lost I felt. I try to keep my mind from going to that place by looking at Joey's pictures and wonder what he would think of the little brother he has, what fun things he would be learning now and how big he would be now. But it is really hard to replace those images from the hospital. I thank God that I have Him to turn to. I thank God that he placed some very incredible people in my life over the past several years. Without them I would completely lose my mind.
So many people have said the things they would like to do to the person accused of taking our Joey's life. My response has been and will always be "We'll let the courts deal with him, then the prison can deal with him, and then God can deal with him."
Justice will prevail, it's just a long winding road to get there.
Take time to stop what you are doing and play with your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews a little each day. Love them, cherish them and nurture them. They are precious, each and every one.