To the Mothers

To the mothers of the boys who took my nephew’s life, Twelve weeks.

It’s been 12 weeks since your boys made the decision, on a dark Halloween weekend, to viscously hit and kick my nephew.

84 days since they left his body in the road.

2,016 hours since they drive away to their warm beds you provided.

120,960 minutes since they woke the next morning like nothing had happened.

Decisions that ended my nephew’s life.

Twelve weeks.

Still, you have chosen silence. Witnessed Preston’s favorite color sweeping over the community. Humanity has shown up as an army around our family, decorated the valley in demonstrations of solidarity. Compassion. I cannot comprehend the deafening sound your silence makes. You have chosen to remain quiet over the basic human decency of truth.

Many times over the last 12 weeks I’ve tried to put myself in your shoes. At first there was immense compassion. Then there was raging anger. Now, there is complete and utter disbelief for your complete lack of empathy.

While the masses stand with us;

You hide.

Through the lit candle flames;

You are the darkness.

While social media floods with Preston’s face;

You close and strip yours of any photos of your boys.

Your silence is deafening.

As a mother, I cannot process what it would be like knowing my son took someone’s life. As my children’s guide, I cannot comprehend how you refuse to lead them by example. To make the right decision. Turn them in. Have you not taught them that actions have consequences?

Reminded them that even in our darkest hours, after our worst decisions, we have a human obligation to take responsibility for our actions? To love others as ourselves?

You may be mourning what you thought it would look like to watch your little boys grow up to become men—

But my sister-in-law will never get to see hers grow beyond the touch of baby still detectable in his forever, 16 year old face.

12 weeks.

84 days.

2,016 hours.

120,960 minutes of

Your Silence.

—Written by Melissa Lord