Another preventable death...this time its very personal

Most of the times when we talk about preventable deaths we tend to think of unfortunate individuals who do not have access to basic supplies like: clean drinking water, basic medical care and even something as simple as mosquito nets. Ask where do the highest numbers of preventable deaths occur and many people will start naming underdeveloped countries. Hardly anyone names the United States of America. It happens here also but this time it’s personal.
Saturday, Dec. 20- I attended the funeral of a life that ended too soon. A death that could have been prevented if the system would have did its job. The deceased is a beautiful 19 year old that was shot to death by someone she knew. In fact, she knew him quite well. He was her ex- boyfriend and father of their child. He was also known in the system. He had a record. Probation workers knew him also because they placed him in a program called deferred prosecution after his first assault on her.
This young man, just 20 years old had admitted to assaulting the young lady in the past. Sadly, the young man didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. He assaulted her again and was charged. He abused her on many occasions. This is called a pattern of violence. In fact, he was arrested numerous times for assaulting her. She complained to her parents and the authorities of his fits and angry outburst. Her parents did all they could to protect their daughter while the “system” took its time. Her parents warned the young man’s parents while the “system” ignored the signs that serious danger was brewing.
On Dec. 4 the young man shot her in the head. She died and leaves to mourn not only a 1 year old daughter but also many family and friends.
After the funeral was over I drove to the site of the Repast for the family. I began to become so angry and overwhelmed with grief that I could barely see straight. It’s upsetting that so many lives are being ended prematurely. Yes, death is a part of life. But when a death is preventable then it makes things even worse. It’s like a door that slams shut just as you are about to walk through it. Its like a song that is stopped in the middle of the chorus. The torture of unanswered questions plague the minds of those who are left to wonder-What could I have done to save this life? Did I do all I could do?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/424018.html

This is personal for me because the father of the slain is my close friend. He and his wife are outstanding people who work hard and are constantly giving to others. He brought his family here from Liberia years ago. We both cried when he told me how he and his family survived the war in Liberia only to come and face another war.
Dear Reader this is another preventable death . . . the clock is ticking. We have to become angry enough to move into action. Whether its sending vaccines to children in far away lands or rallying against domestic violence we have to move into action. How many more people are going to die on our clock?
Please pray for this family with me . . .
Lord Jesus, help this family as they mourn, comfort them with the knowledge of your love which is stronger than death. Enable us to trust you for the future of my loved ones and myself. Help us all to cast all of our cares on you, knowing that the grave holds no power over those who trust in you. In Jesus Name-Amen