A heart torn apart by grief | Letters

The last seven months have been filled with so many questions and absolutely no answers.

My heart has been torn apart with grief and I am most certain will never fully mend. I have lost one of the dearest people in my life way too soon, and in such a tragic way.

Sharon (Hammel) was the strongest woman I have ever met.

I envied the life that she led as a young woman, along with the hopes and dreams for the future. She was so devoted to her family and to each and every one of her friends.

Our close-knit group of girlfriends, MaryKate, Jeannette, Joy, Julie, Katie, Debbie, Tess, and myself  were all brought together by that beautiful smile and never ending energy.

I go over and over in my head what I should have stood up and said in that courtroom. I just sat in disbelief at what I was hearing. (“Seven years for murder”, Journal, Nov. 9) Not only at the ruling, but the opinion of a certain individual, whom none of Sharon’s true friends knew.

Sharon’s true friends knew that she had tried many times to get Taylor to open up. To talk to her about his school work, friends, or whatever may be making him sad.

She encouraged him to play lacrosse, join Boy Scouts, go to school dances.  She had recently had Taylor in counseling and spoke on numerous occasions to school staff about how to get Taylor to open up.

Taylor was a shy, awkward, quiet boy who seemed to rather be alone than be social. We all knew her frustrations and offered any help to her and Taylor.

Contrary to what was said in court, Sharon in no way would think she was responsible for what happened to her. She didn’t miss any kind of sign.

It is very disturbing how such a horrific act that was done to her has turned into a pity party for Taylor. It is appalling.

What has this country come to that you can brutally kill someone, say you don’t remember doing it, and then have everyone at your feet trying to protect and save you? Who’s saving Sharon?

This beautiful woman who would give her life for her son, did, and no one protected her.

Sheri Wilkinson

San Juan Island

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