In Memory of Dominic Durden [1982-2012]
…..so much pain, so many families destroyed and lives lost.
Every time I see another tragedy unfold, it re opens my already broken heart. It takes me to a ugly place and I also physically feel the pain of so many. I immediately remember that brutal phone call, where I was and I can even still hear myself scream as I was told my sweet Dominic was dead.
My head is still spinning from all that has happened and taken place lately.
On April 28th, I attended my first Trump Rally in Costa Mesa, California. Wonderful Robin H. made it possible to go behind the stage to meet Mr. Trump. What an exciting feeling to be around our next President again and to get that very comforting hug. The group also got to display all the banners with pictures of the victims of illegal alien crime on stage. Mr. Trump shared how he will make America great again, build that wall and make sure no other families will have to endure this pain and grief. After leaving the stage, many of my Twitter followers came around to take pictures and give me hugs. The media clearly stayed away from us and not one reporter wanted to hear more about victims of illegal alien crime.
Dominic was my only child, my best friend, the love of my life, the best friend of so many and an incredible human being.
In his short 30 years of life, he accomplished more than some people do in a lifetime. He was named Volunteer of the Year 2004 in our City, managed to get his Private Pilot license and rescued his beloved Cyrus from the pound.
”You have changed” and ” Are you better now” is what I hear people say.
My answer is YES and NO.
When Dominic was killed that horrific day on July 12, 2012 I KNEW I would never be the same. I knew I was forever changed and had to come to grips with a new reality. A new way of Life without the most important person in it.
2016 and what it means to me.
Dominic’s 34th Birthday is approaching and another reminder how fragile life truly is. It makes me wonder how much time we have here on earth. What will I do with that gift of life and what will my legacy be? Will I be someone’s hero or inspiration?
Before Dominic’s death, I took life for granted. I was wasting plenty of time on things and people that brought nothing of value or substance.
The days leading up to Christmas used to be much fun and at times a little hectic.
I had a list of presents to get for Dominic, a list for items I wanted to bake and a list of people that would get a funny Christmas card. Then there was the food list, and the list of people who would get my famous rum cake. A list of people to visit. I almost needed a list for the lists.
While I was enjoying the quiet, tranquility and beautiful colors of Arkansas, a whole lot of evil was happening in San Bernadino, California.
I was watching TV in horror as everything was unfolding right in front of my eyes. My heart was hurting for the victims and their families and for the people being escorted out, not grasping at what was happening around them.
A few days ago I wasn’t sure what to post here. I have been struggling with my thoughts and words.
the month of November and December are always the hardest out of the year and I was already feeling blue. While people create their guest- and shopping lists and seating plans for Thanksgiving, I was dreading the 3rd Thanksgiving without Dominic. No more potlucks with him at the 911 Dispatch Center, because he would always work for someone who had kids. Thinking about my Birthday coming up and no more prank gifts or off key birthday song followed by the biggest hug.
The Press Conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Monday the 25th of October 2015 was a success. We were joined by the following hardworking and ever so diligent people from different states who had been writing about the issue of Illegal Immigration and the effects on our country and its citizens.
On Monday the 26th of October I will join a press conference in Washington,DC to once again, share Dominic’s story of his life and death.
I will be joined by other families who lost loved ones and feel the pain because of the action of an illegal alien.
We will share the devastating impact of illegal immigration and how we want to make sure it will not happen to anyone else.