Second degree Murder

Yes. Two. In six days.

Nadine Parker was killed in a car crash with her husband, who, according to police, intentionally drove them into a cement bridge support. She died instantly. He died later. They leave behind three children, 10, six, and three.

Ashley Carmichael was intentionally hit by a car twice. She died. She was 15. Her brother (18) was also hit, but he survived with minor injuries.

I reported for three full days. Talking to several people about the victims, the suspects, the scene, the family, and everything else. Sure, it was hard, but I had a job to do.

When I got home on each of the three nights, I found it difficult to sleep. I thought of Nadine, her husband Norm, the three kids. Eve just had her third birthday. I wonder if she'll remember her mom.

I thought of Ashley, or Meagen as most called her, and of her mother and brother who must be hurting immensely. I saw him over and over again, limping down the hallway toward me.

I had to sit down when these stories were done, and talk to my editors about the experience. I told them it was hard, but I loved doing it. The fact is, there was an important story to tell, and I wanted to help tell it.

A while ago, I was interviewing someone for a story, his organization was doing something new, and he asked me what I thought about it. I said I had no opinion on the matter as I was waiting to hear more and remaining objective while I reported the story. He said, " I'm asking you as a human being." As if a reporter and a human being are two different species.

I'm sure many people think that a journalist is some sub-species of uncaring, stone hearted mammal.

A reporter has a hard job to do, and they must do it. They must go to the houses, the schools, the workplaces of the people who have been killed, and ask those families and friends to stop crying long enough to answer their questions.

Everyone I talk to says the same thing about reporting and journalists, that humanity is a great asset.
"These are their stories" said Jim Poling.
"It is only because of our humanity that we have any right to tell anyone's story" said Jody Sanderson.

It's hard to think about how many people are saddened - crushed, by
these tragedies. But some solace can be found in the truth- the stories we tell.

I asked a friend if compassion could ever be objective. We couldn't decide.

I'm being heavy, sure. Maybe one day I'll ruin dinner parties like Sally Armstrong.

Here's where I get mushy.

I'm so proud to be a journalist, and I'm surrounded by the same sentiment. Every story I write changes the way I see things. It should. That's the job. To know the world in which I live can only be accomplished by knowing the people that live here with me.

Cheers.
Errrka