I’ve been near tears, hearing of the death of some relatives’ 57-year-old son to cancer. (I have a son that age.)

Now people are weeping for Ed Thomas, the well-loved coach in Iowa in who was killed in a senseless shooting.

Another Ed — Ed McMahon — died, and I am sure some people have a tear in their eye thinking of his nightly grandiose announcement, “He-e-e-e-e-re’s Johnny!”

News of Farrah Fawcett’s death, losing her battle with cancer, brought tears to my eyes.

A lot of people are weeping for Michael Jackson, dead at 50, a great entertainer struck down too soon.

But who is weeping for Jody Lee Morrow? She had a life — of only 38 years. She had two children, who are now motherless. She suffered much during her life, and due to diabetes complications was in a wheelchair when she was allegedly beaten to death with a hammer. Who is weeping for Jody? I AM! I weep for her and for all the women who have been injured and killed by acts of domestic violence. What irony that Farrah Fawcett’s greatest acting achievement was not as the famous “Charlie’s Angel” but as the abused wife in “The Burning Bed.” The movie was based on a true story and probably opened the eyes of a lot of people as to the suffering endured by women abused by the men who are supposed to cherish and protect them.

And that is why I weep for Jody Lee Morrow today. Her death has disturbed me greatly, but the flood gates opened when I read in Thursday’s front page story about how many times the accused killer has been arrested. How many times he had been convicted and sometimes served short sentences, but mostly he was released for “time served.” How many times have authorities had him in custody and could have put him away but time and again and again released him. I wonder who the judges were that released him and why they would foist upon society such an reportedly disturbed and violent man!

Besides weeping for Jody, I weep for the ultimate tragedy that will befall even more women when they are unsuccessful in putting away their abusers. As an advocate for crime victims I dread the times that will come when I try to help a woman write a petition for an order for protection and she will counter with, “What good will that do? It is just a piece of paper!” I’ve heard that excuse before and I know we will hear it more often now, just because our judicial system failed Jody and other women like her.

My last thought is: Awaken, citizens! Be aware of domestic violence around you. If you see it, call 911. If you suspect it, talk to the friend or relative and convince her to seek help.

Men who commit domestic violence must be locked away!

 
Joyce Rhody

12-year volunteer advocate

Crime Victims Crisis Center

Albert Lea