I'll blog more when I can. I just finished blogging in the other blog and I'm emotionally spent. But for now we're moved in. Everything is topsy turvy. We're in an emotional lala land!
Other news
We're going to Washington DC! Nathan, Mark, Sean Lowery and David Garofalo (City of North Port commissioner) will be representing the Denise Amber Lee Foundation. I'm going to try and sit in on meetings if it's not too many people. I'm pretty sure we are meeting with the head of NENA and other 9-1-1 industry peoples. I'm not sure what it's all about so I'll have to expand on that later. Mark is anxious to meet with people from the Center of Missing and Exploited Children. It seems they have 9-1-1 operators trained specifically for missing kids! That sounds very interesting. It's all exciting.
I just know Denise would be proud of how hard Nathan and Mark are working on all this. It's not easy. They're both missing a lot of work. And it takes Nathan's time away from the boys.
But! We believe it will all be worth it. We love you, Denise. And miss you more and more everyday. Noah was mssing you last night especially more than usual. I don't know why. While we were moving I came across some more pictures of you. Those are always a treasure to find. I still can't find that blue frame you made me for Christmas. I don't know where it is and it's driving me crazy. I took a picture out of it that Nathan wanted but now I can't find the frame. I love you sweetheart.
Showing posts with label David Garafolo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Garafolo. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Nathan Lee CalNENA press release
FOUNDING PRESIDENT NATHAN LEE DELIVERS KEY NOTE ADDRESS TO CALIFORNIAS ANNUAL 9-1-1 CONFERENCE
San Diego- After a 5 minute standing ovation from the nation's largest chapter of The National Emergency Number Association (NENA), Nathan Lee came through on his promise to not let his wife's death be in vain by delivering a 45 minute speech that left not a dry eye at the San Diego Conference.
"It was an honor to speak in front of a group of such dedicated public servants who perform one of the most noblest professions in saving lives" Lee said.
The 4 day conference attracted experts worldwide in the 911 EmergencyCommunication Industry.
Mr Lee was invited to speak to the California's State Assembly to raise awareness on the importance of 911 training, funding and uniformed standards.
"The fact that Denise's story is able to make a positive impact on such a large scale and so very far away is inspiring to many in the profession and we are beginning to see her death was not in vain" Lee continued.
Geoff Weiss who is the Training Supervisor for the Communications Division of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department was the one behind the scenes and responsible for getting Nathan Lee to California, he had reached out toNathan early on in his ordeal and said that he had hoped he could help in any way that he could, "I am proud of the way California regulates dispatch and even more proud of how the members of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation were not only here for a key note speech but embedded themselves in every aspect of this 4 day conference, they really showed that they have a passion for fixing 911, I was incredibly impressed by the way they were so involved" Weiss stated.
Nathan was accompanied by other Directors from the Foundation including his father Mark Lee, Businessman Dave Dignam and North Port City Commissioner David Garofalo.
The group was able to make many contacts and are very certain that this is "Now" a national issue and will be traveling to Washington, Texas and Nevada for future national events in which the foundation was invited to participate.
I'm so proud and grateful to all who had something to do with sending Nathan and Mark to San Diego. It was so very healthy and good for them both. Emotionally, I know, they both needed it.
Dave Dignam and David Garofalo deserve our unwavering and undying gratitude. They took time away from their jobs and more especially, away from their families to be there to support Nathan. Their presence made all the difference. Yes, Mark wrote a fantastic speech that touched all the necessary points and, yes, Nathan delivered it with truly heartfelt compassion. But both the Daves networking abilities and their support made all the difference in making the entire 4-day trip a success and not just the speech. God bless you and thank you for that.
For the first time in over a year, I feel hope. I see light. I see that Denise has not died in vain. This journey is a journey of hope for so many, many peoples. And we WILL and CAN succeed in making a difference.
Angels in blue take heart! These men did a fantastic job! The hard work is paying off.
And to all the dedicated, compassionate and diligent dispatchers and call takers across the country and around the world, thank you for doing the jobs you do. And for most of you, thank you, for recognizing we are only wanting to help.
God bless California for inviting us. I can't tell you what it's meant to my family in our grieving process. Denise would be so honored and so proud.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Denise Amber Lee and today's papers
This just in SNN6 is going to carry the tribute live.
The Sun
Resident's to celebrate Denise Amber Lee's Memory
NORTH PORT -- Not many people knew who the shy Denise Amber Lee was until after she died. But in the days following her Jan. 17, 2008, abduction and murder, she became a household name.
Residents in North Port, Englewood, Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Rotonda rallied to raise money for the family Lee, 21, left behind -- her young sons, Adam and Noah, and grief-stricken husband, Nathan.
Every week for months, residents planned fundraisers and memorials, including benefit runs, car washes, picnics, self-defense classes, silent auctions, yard sales, a tree planting, a jewelry party, a golf tournament and a family fun day in the park in Denise's honor.
On Saturday, a year after Lee's death, the community will come together again to celebrate her life.
"It's going to be more uplifting instead of a sad memorial service," said Dave Garofalo, a family friend and a member of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation created to improve the 911 dispatch system and bring a state-of-the-art 911 call center to North Port.
A North Port city commissioner, Garofalo invited Nathan, his parents, Peggy and Mark, and Denise's father, Rick Goff, to his office at City Hall recently to organize the 11 a.m. ceremony in front of City Hall on Saturday.
Shortly after Lee's death, about 250 residents gathered at the same location to remember Denise. Saturday's service includes some of the same people who were a part of last year's memorial.
Garofalo said it's important to invite politicians because of the foundation's goal of strengthening 911 dispatchers' training.
"When an officer goes to your house for a domestic dispute, you know he's certified," Garofalo said. "When a paramedic is doing CPR on a patient, you know he's certified. You should have the same feeling when you call 911 -- that the dispatcher has had enough training and is certified to handle the call properly. They are a part of the first line of defense. They should have some kind of certifications."
Garofalo said the foundation will continue gently pushing its efforts, despite a poor economy.
"I don't want to see us (the foundation) push to pass a bill that becomes an unfunded mandate that local governments cannot afford," he said. "But that doesn't mean we can't do all we can to make people aware of the flaws in the system."
Nathan says he is grateful for all those who have helped his family.
"Nathan's message is that he cannot bring back his wife, but he can make things better by making people aware of her story," Garofalo said.
Nathan took this week off to help plan for the ceremony and spend time with Adam and Noah.
The Lee and Goff families, as well as the foundation, also will honor Tampa resident Jane Kowalski on Saturday.
Kowalski is the driver who called Charlotte County dispatchers on the night Denise was murdered. She told the 911 operator what she was witnessing in the car behind her, reportedly driven by suspect Michael King. Kowalski said she saw who police believe to be Lee banging on the window and screaming. Lee's body was found two days later off Toledo Blade Boulevard, and King was charged in her death.
Garofalo arranged for Kowalski to be given a key to the city for her dedication and "follow-through" attitude in trying to get deputies to respond to the suspicious activity she reported.
A bagpiper from the city police department will open the ceremony with "Amazing Grace," choir members from South Biscayne Church will sing, and Nathan plans to speak, as well as several others.
"The biggest reason for people to come on Saturday is to see (how) much Denise has made a difference in the community," Nathan said. "They will see how much a negative has been turned into a positive impact throughout our community and our country.
"It will be sad in a way, but it's a celebration about how much has risen from the ashes. Our boys are doing great. We are doing our best to make Denise happy, and we are not going to be miserable our whole lives."
If you go
Speakers for the Denise Amber Lee remembrance at 11 a.m. Saturday in front of North Port City Hall include state Reps. Paige Kreegel and Ken Roberson; the Rev. Dave Baldridge, pastor of Englewood United Methodist Church; Dave Dignam of Key Agency in Englewood; North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis; North Port City Commissioner David Garofalo; and Nathan Lee, Denise's widower.
E-mail: eallen@sun-herald.com
By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH
North Port Community News Editor
The Herald
Memorial to honor life of a mother
By John Davis
Published: Friday, January 16, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.Last Modified: Friday, January 16, 2009 at 12:16 a.m.
NORTH PORT - The city that a year ago watched the unfolding tragedy of the abduction and murder of 21-year-old North Port mother Denise Lee will pause Saturday at City Hall to remember her.
Click to enlargeDenise Lee
A memorial ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. in front of City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd. State and local leaders and Nathan Lee, Denise's husband, are scheduled to speak.
Lee was taken from her home Jan. 17, 2008, touching off a massive, multi-agency search that ultimately failed to save her. Michael King, 37, of North Port, is awaiting trial on kidnapping, rape and murder charges.
The Lee abduction became a symbol for flaws in the 911 system when investigators found later that a witness, Jane Kowalski, reported seeing a passenger struggling in a dark colored Chevrolet Camaro on U.S. 41 that night. Kowalski's information never made it to deputies patrolling nearby after Charlotte County's 911 center mishandled her call. At the time, authorities had a description of King's car, a green Camaro, and were looking for the vehicle.
Nathan Lee has started a nonprofit foundation, the Denise Amber Lee Foundation, with a goal of improving the emergency call system in Florida and across the nation. He lauded Kowalski for her 911 call.
"She has been amazing towards my family," Lee told city leaders this week. "What she did that night is something everybody should do. It doesn't matter who you are."
North Port will award Kowalski a key to the city Saturday in recognition of her attempts to save Denise.
Kowalski's mishandled call has garnered national media attention and led to a state law on voluntary statewide training standards for people who work in emergency communications centers.
But Nathan Lee, who indicated he plans to sue Charlotte County over its response to Kowalski's call, said more improvements are needed.
This story appeared in print on page BN1
The Sun
Resident's to celebrate Denise Amber Lee's Memory
NORTH PORT -- Not many people knew who the shy Denise Amber Lee was until after she died. But in the days following her Jan. 17, 2008, abduction and murder, she became a household name.
Residents in North Port, Englewood, Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Rotonda rallied to raise money for the family Lee, 21, left behind -- her young sons, Adam and Noah, and grief-stricken husband, Nathan.
Every week for months, residents planned fundraisers and memorials, including benefit runs, car washes, picnics, self-defense classes, silent auctions, yard sales, a tree planting, a jewelry party, a golf tournament and a family fun day in the park in Denise's honor.
On Saturday, a year after Lee's death, the community will come together again to celebrate her life.
"It's going to be more uplifting instead of a sad memorial service," said Dave Garofalo, a family friend and a member of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation created to improve the 911 dispatch system and bring a state-of-the-art 911 call center to North Port.
A North Port city commissioner, Garofalo invited Nathan, his parents, Peggy and Mark, and Denise's father, Rick Goff, to his office at City Hall recently to organize the 11 a.m. ceremony in front of City Hall on Saturday.
Shortly after Lee's death, about 250 residents gathered at the same location to remember Denise. Saturday's service includes some of the same people who were a part of last year's memorial.
Garofalo said it's important to invite politicians because of the foundation's goal of strengthening 911 dispatchers' training.
"When an officer goes to your house for a domestic dispute, you know he's certified," Garofalo said. "When a paramedic is doing CPR on a patient, you know he's certified. You should have the same feeling when you call 911 -- that the dispatcher has had enough training and is certified to handle the call properly. They are a part of the first line of defense. They should have some kind of certifications."
Garofalo said the foundation will continue gently pushing its efforts, despite a poor economy.
"I don't want to see us (the foundation) push to pass a bill that becomes an unfunded mandate that local governments cannot afford," he said. "But that doesn't mean we can't do all we can to make people aware of the flaws in the system."
Nathan says he is grateful for all those who have helped his family.
"Nathan's message is that he cannot bring back his wife, but he can make things better by making people aware of her story," Garofalo said.
Nathan took this week off to help plan for the ceremony and spend time with Adam and Noah.
The Lee and Goff families, as well as the foundation, also will honor Tampa resident Jane Kowalski on Saturday.
Kowalski is the driver who called Charlotte County dispatchers on the night Denise was murdered. She told the 911 operator what she was witnessing in the car behind her, reportedly driven by suspect Michael King. Kowalski said she saw who police believe to be Lee banging on the window and screaming. Lee's body was found two days later off Toledo Blade Boulevard, and King was charged in her death.
Garofalo arranged for Kowalski to be given a key to the city for her dedication and "follow-through" attitude in trying to get deputies to respond to the suspicious activity she reported.
A bagpiper from the city police department will open the ceremony with "Amazing Grace," choir members from South Biscayne Church will sing, and Nathan plans to speak, as well as several others.
"The biggest reason for people to come on Saturday is to see (how) much Denise has made a difference in the community," Nathan said. "They will see how much a negative has been turned into a positive impact throughout our community and our country.
"It will be sad in a way, but it's a celebration about how much has risen from the ashes. Our boys are doing great. We are doing our best to make Denise happy, and we are not going to be miserable our whole lives."
If you go
Speakers for the Denise Amber Lee remembrance at 11 a.m. Saturday in front of North Port City Hall include state Reps. Paige Kreegel and Ken Roberson; the Rev. Dave Baldridge, pastor of Englewood United Methodist Church; Dave Dignam of Key Agency in Englewood; North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis; North Port City Commissioner David Garofalo; and Nathan Lee, Denise's widower.
E-mail: eallen@sun-herald.com
By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH
North Port Community News Editor
The Herald
Memorial to honor life of a mother
By John Davis
Published: Friday, January 16, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.Last Modified: Friday, January 16, 2009 at 12:16 a.m.
NORTH PORT - The city that a year ago watched the unfolding tragedy of the abduction and murder of 21-year-old North Port mother Denise Lee will pause Saturday at City Hall to remember her.
Click to enlargeDenise Lee
A memorial ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. in front of City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd. State and local leaders and Nathan Lee, Denise's husband, are scheduled to speak.
Lee was taken from her home Jan. 17, 2008, touching off a massive, multi-agency search that ultimately failed to save her. Michael King, 37, of North Port, is awaiting trial on kidnapping, rape and murder charges.
The Lee abduction became a symbol for flaws in the 911 system when investigators found later that a witness, Jane Kowalski, reported seeing a passenger struggling in a dark colored Chevrolet Camaro on U.S. 41 that night. Kowalski's information never made it to deputies patrolling nearby after Charlotte County's 911 center mishandled her call. At the time, authorities had a description of King's car, a green Camaro, and were looking for the vehicle.
Nathan Lee has started a nonprofit foundation, the Denise Amber Lee Foundation, with a goal of improving the emergency call system in Florida and across the nation. He lauded Kowalski for her 911 call.
"She has been amazing towards my family," Lee told city leaders this week. "What she did that night is something everybody should do. It doesn't matter who you are."
North Port will award Kowalski a key to the city Saturday in recognition of her attempts to save Denise.
Kowalski's mishandled call has garnered national media attention and led to a state law on voluntary statewide training standards for people who work in emergency communications centers.
But Nathan Lee, who indicated he plans to sue Charlotte County over its response to Kowalski's call, said more improvements are needed.
This story appeared in print on page BN1
Monday, January 12, 2009
Jane Kowalski and the Denise Amber Lee Tribute
I posted a few days ago that I was feeling as if I was getting over the "zombie phase". And all in all I am.
Today started out very well. Mark and I went over to North Port City Hall and attended a meeting for the city commissioners. They voted unaminously to give Jane Kowalski the key to the city. Thank you, David Garafolo, for all you've done. And thank you the City of North Port. It was Dave's idea and he wrote a touching letter to the commission expressing why Jane (who is not a native of the city) should get the key. Also, they had Nathan speak. Dave was right, and, yes, I was tearring up. I held back but I did tear up several times.
Here's the a copy of the letter he read to the commission:
On the evening of Jan. 17, 2008 Jane Kowalski did what several other people later told police they wish they did. Upon witnessing suspicious activity in the car behind her as she left North Port and entered Charlotte County, a very calm Jane called 911 to report a man pushing his passenger down in the seat. The passenger was screaming and banging on the window. Jane told the dispatcher the description of the car to the best of her ability. Without fail, the out-of-town resident provided valuable information about each intersection she passed and alerted them about the slow rate of speed she and the man who was later identified as Michael King were driving along U.S. 41. Not once did she raise her voice or become agitated during the nine minutes Jane was on the phone with the 911 center operator. In fact, she parked at the Toys R Us in Murdock for 15 more minutes once King turned onto Toledo Blade just in case a Charlotte County deputy wanted to take her statement in person. Hundreds believe it is because Jane followed King it caused him to feel uncomfortable and it sent him back into North Port where police were searching for his green Camaro. Although the outcome was horrific and surreal, if Jane had not carefully explained everything she saw, the massive man hunt for Denise Amber Lee might have spread into several counties and gone on for far longer than two days. Jane explained she last saw King turn onto Toledo Blade Boulevard heading back toward the interstate. Several hours later that is near where King was arrested and sadly Denise's body was later found. In memory of Denise and with the utmost respect for Jane, I'm requesting that we City Commissioners give a key to the city to Mrs. Kowalski. She should be publicly honored for her heroic actions, time, dedication and efforts to save someone she did not know but understood was in trouble. Jane is a true example of the type of person who cares for people no matter what. She didn't need a purpose or cause, she just instinctively knew she should help in any way she could on January 17 and again on January 18 when she called the North Port Police Department to double check that they received her information from Charlotte County. Her follow through attitude is extremely commendable. If more residents could be like Jane, North Port would be even a better place to live. However, she is a role model. She did her best to help instead of minding her own business and thinking the possible domestic dispute would correct itself. Jane has stayed involved with the foundation even flying to California for a recent taping of the Dr. Phil show. This all because she believes in the foundations goal of strengthening 911 and making us all safer. This small token is a way Jane can be thanked on behalf of the City Commission, the Lee and Goff families as well as the residents of North Port, Englewood and Charlotte County who were touched by this tragedy. Many people look forward to meeting Jane during the memorial celebration of Denise Amber Lee's life on Saturday. The Denise Amber Lee Foundation will be presenting Jane Kowalski with the first ever Denise Amber Lee Award on Saturday, this would be an excellent time for this presentation. Thank you for your consideration.
David Garafolo, Sr.
She'll be presented with the key on Saturday, the anniversary of Denise's abduction and death. The same day and event where we are going to have our Denise Amber Lee tribute. She deserves it too. She stayed calm throughout her 9 minute phone call to the CCSO 9-1-1. You could hear the compassion and concern in her voice. You could also hear the frustration with the 9-1-1 center. But she stayed on the phone and had Michael King behind her for nine minutes. Little did she know Michael King had a gun and her own life was at risk. But not thinking about her self she did what we all know we should do and that's get involved. And we need to care about fellow human beings. We all would like to think we would do the right thing but some of us don't. Obviously. At least, two other witnesses came forward and said they saw Denise's struggle, but they did nothing.
And then of course, Harold Muxlow. But that's for a different post.
Anyhow, when this first happened I used to wear my "Remember Denise, Fix 911" button everywhere. It was a badge that prompted much conversation. Conversation that I use to be eager to be engaged in. I haven't worn the button much lately. I've learned not everyone is as eager to talk about it as I am. But it used to be good therapy for me and I felt it was the least I could do to forward Denise's cause. I don't know. For some reason or another I've stopped wearing it. I think I even got tired of talking about it.
Today when I arrived at city hall, I saw another woman there wearing a Denise button. This woman has worked with us several times and had helped us with Denise's memorial. She's also helping with Saturday's presentation. Since, she was wearing her button I decided to put my on. I always wear my bracelet, but I hadn't worn that button in a long time.
I sat there through that meeting and I was doing quite well. It was very moving.
Later I stopped at the grocery store and debated whether I should take the button off. For some reason I decided to leave it on. It's not a big button. It's about 3" round. Maybe smaller. I'd measure it, but I took it off and I'm not sure where I laid it down. Well, at the grocery store deli department the deli man asked me about the button. He had never heard of Denise. That's surprising. Just about everybody down here knows about Denise, other than maybe snowbirds. But even the snowbirds know about Denise because they are always here in January. It really is the best month IMO weather wise in Florida. So, I had to start telling him about Denise. He was very kind and very understanding and said all the right things. Wow! Not only didn't he know about Denise, he was able to say all the right things! So, this was a somewhat new experience. Then I asked a fatal question. Why I asked it, I don't know. But I asked "Have you lost a loved one to murder?" and sadly his answer was "yes". He went on with his story about his girlfriend's son being murdered up in Tallahassee last year. I just wanted to cry. But he understood. And I understood him. All he later said was "I understand". And I said "I understand and God bless you". And he said "God bless you, too". But then he added "you keep wearing that pin! It means she's with you! I might get my girlfriend a pin. I think she'd be proud to wear a picture of her son." Denise's picture is on the button.
That's our roller coaster. I feel like a zombie again. I feel as if I brightened that man's day. I feel as if I helped him. I believe he's going to get a picture of his girlfriend's son and make a button for her. I believe he knows he helped me. The button brought two strangers together who have experienced tragedy and we were able to share a comfort.
In any case! Thank you, Dave, and the rest of the City of North Port Commissioners. And thank you, deli man, for being such a nice guy. I'm sorry you and your girlfriend are in pain.
I think I'll go hibernate for the afternoon. I'm not going to be much good for anything else.
I'm not sad. I'm happy. Happy for Jane! It's such an honor and she deserves it. I'm just tired. This murder business takes a lot of emotional energy.
Today started out very well. Mark and I went over to North Port City Hall and attended a meeting for the city commissioners. They voted unaminously to give Jane Kowalski the key to the city. Thank you, David Garafolo, for all you've done. And thank you the City of North Port. It was Dave's idea and he wrote a touching letter to the commission expressing why Jane (who is not a native of the city) should get the key. Also, they had Nathan speak. Dave was right, and, yes, I was tearring up. I held back but I did tear up several times.
Here's the a copy of the letter he read to the commission:
On the evening of Jan. 17, 2008 Jane Kowalski did what several other people later told police they wish they did. Upon witnessing suspicious activity in the car behind her as she left North Port and entered Charlotte County, a very calm Jane called 911 to report a man pushing his passenger down in the seat. The passenger was screaming and banging on the window. Jane told the dispatcher the description of the car to the best of her ability. Without fail, the out-of-town resident provided valuable information about each intersection she passed and alerted them about the slow rate of speed she and the man who was later identified as Michael King were driving along U.S. 41. Not once did she raise her voice or become agitated during the nine minutes Jane was on the phone with the 911 center operator. In fact, she parked at the Toys R Us in Murdock for 15 more minutes once King turned onto Toledo Blade just in case a Charlotte County deputy wanted to take her statement in person. Hundreds believe it is because Jane followed King it caused him to feel uncomfortable and it sent him back into North Port where police were searching for his green Camaro. Although the outcome was horrific and surreal, if Jane had not carefully explained everything she saw, the massive man hunt for Denise Amber Lee might have spread into several counties and gone on for far longer than two days. Jane explained she last saw King turn onto Toledo Blade Boulevard heading back toward the interstate. Several hours later that is near where King was arrested and sadly Denise's body was later found. In memory of Denise and with the utmost respect for Jane, I'm requesting that we City Commissioners give a key to the city to Mrs. Kowalski. She should be publicly honored for her heroic actions, time, dedication and efforts to save someone she did not know but understood was in trouble. Jane is a true example of the type of person who cares for people no matter what. She didn't need a purpose or cause, she just instinctively knew she should help in any way she could on January 17 and again on January 18 when she called the North Port Police Department to double check that they received her information from Charlotte County. Her follow through attitude is extremely commendable. If more residents could be like Jane, North Port would be even a better place to live. However, she is a role model. She did her best to help instead of minding her own business and thinking the possible domestic dispute would correct itself. Jane has stayed involved with the foundation even flying to California for a recent taping of the Dr. Phil show. This all because she believes in the foundations goal of strengthening 911 and making us all safer. This small token is a way Jane can be thanked on behalf of the City Commission, the Lee and Goff families as well as the residents of North Port, Englewood and Charlotte County who were touched by this tragedy. Many people look forward to meeting Jane during the memorial celebration of Denise Amber Lee's life on Saturday. The Denise Amber Lee Foundation will be presenting Jane Kowalski with the first ever Denise Amber Lee Award on Saturday, this would be an excellent time for this presentation. Thank you for your consideration.
David Garafolo, Sr.
She'll be presented with the key on Saturday, the anniversary of Denise's abduction and death. The same day and event where we are going to have our Denise Amber Lee tribute. She deserves it too. She stayed calm throughout her 9 minute phone call to the CCSO 9-1-1. You could hear the compassion and concern in her voice. You could also hear the frustration with the 9-1-1 center. But she stayed on the phone and had Michael King behind her for nine minutes. Little did she know Michael King had a gun and her own life was at risk. But not thinking about her self she did what we all know we should do and that's get involved. And we need to care about fellow human beings. We all would like to think we would do the right thing but some of us don't. Obviously. At least, two other witnesses came forward and said they saw Denise's struggle, but they did nothing.
And then of course, Harold Muxlow. But that's for a different post.
Anyhow, when this first happened I used to wear my "Remember Denise, Fix 911" button everywhere. It was a badge that prompted much conversation. Conversation that I use to be eager to be engaged in. I haven't worn the button much lately. I've learned not everyone is as eager to talk about it as I am. But it used to be good therapy for me and I felt it was the least I could do to forward Denise's cause. I don't know. For some reason or another I've stopped wearing it. I think I even got tired of talking about it.
Today when I arrived at city hall, I saw another woman there wearing a Denise button. This woman has worked with us several times and had helped us with Denise's memorial. She's also helping with Saturday's presentation. Since, she was wearing her button I decided to put my on. I always wear my bracelet, but I hadn't worn that button in a long time.
I sat there through that meeting and I was doing quite well. It was very moving.
Later I stopped at the grocery store and debated whether I should take the button off. For some reason I decided to leave it on. It's not a big button. It's about 3" round. Maybe smaller. I'd measure it, but I took it off and I'm not sure where I laid it down. Well, at the grocery store deli department the deli man asked me about the button. He had never heard of Denise. That's surprising. Just about everybody down here knows about Denise, other than maybe snowbirds. But even the snowbirds know about Denise because they are always here in January. It really is the best month IMO weather wise in Florida. So, I had to start telling him about Denise. He was very kind and very understanding and said all the right things. Wow! Not only didn't he know about Denise, he was able to say all the right things! So, this was a somewhat new experience. Then I asked a fatal question. Why I asked it, I don't know. But I asked "Have you lost a loved one to murder?" and sadly his answer was "yes". He went on with his story about his girlfriend's son being murdered up in Tallahassee last year. I just wanted to cry. But he understood. And I understood him. All he later said was "I understand". And I said "I understand and God bless you". And he said "God bless you, too". But then he added "you keep wearing that pin! It means she's with you! I might get my girlfriend a pin. I think she'd be proud to wear a picture of her son." Denise's picture is on the button.
That's our roller coaster. I feel like a zombie again. I feel as if I brightened that man's day. I feel as if I helped him. I believe he's going to get a picture of his girlfriend's son and make a button for her. I believe he knows he helped me. The button brought two strangers together who have experienced tragedy and we were able to share a comfort.
In any case! Thank you, Dave, and the rest of the City of North Port Commissioners. And thank you, deli man, for being such a nice guy. I'm sorry you and your girlfriend are in pain.
I think I'll go hibernate for the afternoon. I'm not going to be much good for anything else.
I'm not sad. I'm happy. Happy for Jane! It's such an honor and she deserves it. I'm just tired. This murder business takes a lot of emotional energy.
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