Sublime

No one was alone anymore.

I submit to you that the preeminent question in this case as you reach a decision about how best to satisfy the dual aims of this court is the same question that I asked Judge Neff to consider in Larry’s federal sentencing: How much is a little girl worth? How much is a young woman worth?

“I will take them all. And I will fight for all of them.”

I choose to trust God’s justice instead of wanting to deal with Larry myself.

If you can’t prove it, don’t speak up. Because it will cost you everything.

People have no idea what it costs survivors to stop an abuser.

I knew from you that the work of healing was hard, but possible.

“A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”[1]

An older woman came forward to tell the story of her daughter, Chelsey. I heard audible sobs when she revealed—partway through her story—that she spoke on behalf of her daughter only because her daughter was no longer here. Chelsey had committed suicide, never having recovered from the damage of what Larry had done.