Oct. 1, 2008 — In honor of the second formal observance of the National Day of Remembrance, the local POMC chapter (Parents of Murdered Children) hosted a gathering at the Justice Center in Grayson last week.
Ron Cole, who is a pastor at Extreme Life Fellowship in Lexington, was the keynote speaker. His message was for survivors to remember their loved ones but not become hardened by their experiences.
“God didn’t do this,” Cole said. “It wasn’t God’s intention or plan that they would lose their loved ones in the way that they’ve lost them. But the hope is there is peace through having a personal relationship with the Lord.”
Christine Netherton attended the event in support of her sister, Tracy Burke, who was killed on Sept. 11, 2007. Burke also is survived by three children.
Netherton said she does not disagree with Pastor Cole’s message.
“I go to church, so I know that side of it, but it’s still hard when you see the kids,” Netherton said. “I still have trouble with that.”
Netherton has been a part of POMC for three months. She said being part of a support group is a positive influence on her.
POMC was founded 25 yrs. ago by Robert and Charlotte Hullinger after the murder of their 19-year-old daughter, Lisa. The Northeastern Kentucky Chapter was started April 12, 2005 by Ann Bauers, following the July 11, 2003 murder of her son.
Barbara Hall appreciates POMC’s efforts to help families with grief support. She came to the Justice Center to show respect for her stepdaughter, Jennifer Ison and granddaughters, Shannon and Marisa.
“I just hope that nobody never, never has to go through this,” Hall said. “I know the only person that’s helping us get through this is God. Sometimes you wonder where He’s at, but He’s there.”
Daryl and Sharlene Williams also attended in honor of Shannon and Marisa Ison, who were their granddaughters. Daryl said the only thing that helps him cope is his religion.
“You have to rely on the Lord,” Williams said. “You can’t make it on your own. I’ve tried that and been there. It doesn’t work.”
Pastor Cole said religion is the key for survivors of murder to move on with their lives.
“If we don’t go on we’re not really doing the memory of our loved one honor,” Cole said. “We’re caught in the loop and I’m sure they wouldn’t want that.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
photo by Myra Hogan
Murder victims remembered
- Local News
-
-
CCDC increases inmate services
The Carter County Detention Center has doubled its space for services such as GED test preparation, drug and alcohol counseling, voluntary religious services, anger management and attorney/client meeting space.
-
Fiscal Court approves refinancing of jail bonds
How to save money was the key discussion subject at a special meeting Tuesday of Carter County Fiscal Court. Judge-Executive Charles Wallace approached the Fiscal Court members with figures he claims will save the county nearly three quarters of a million dollars over 20 years.
-
Academics in Action: Be a reader, Be a leader
Giggles burst out of five third grade boys as they read “Superfudge” by Judy Blume. The boys are part of an after-school program designed by the West Carter High School Community Problem Solving Team to make reading fun. The program is called Be a reader, Be a leader.
-
York, Adkins to square off in 99th District
State Reps. Jill York, R-Grayson, and Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, have filed candidacy papers to run for the House seat now held by Adkins in the 99th District.
-
Adkins is no stranger to Carter County
If the legislative redistricting bill survives a court challenge, Rep. Rocky Adkins says he will feel right at home being Carter County’s state representative. “Local officials, school people and lots of other citizens from Carter County have called or walked up in all kinds of places to welcome me,” Adkins said last week.
-
Magisterial redistricting in Circuit Court on Feb. 6
Carter Circuit Judge Rebecca Phillips will hear arguments next Monday at 1 p.m. in Mignon Colley’s lawsuit against Fiscal Court over its refusal to realign the county’s magisterial districts.
-
Carter County Public Library is thinking outside the books
More than just books. Nellie Jordan, director of the Carter County Public Libraries, said that thinking outside of the books is a key way to boost community interest and involvement in their libraries.
-
Winter Adventure Weekend a hit
Suspended by ropes in a treetop some 50 feet above the ground, Kendra Athy let out a small yelp. “I heard somebody say ‘Cut her down!’” she said.
-
Sheriff gears up with new weapons
Carter County sheriff’s deputies are better armed after last week’s purchase of six assault rifles. Deputies had been responding to emergency calls and serving warrants armed only with handguns which Sheriff Casey Brammell said was dangerous business.
-
York, Adkins to square off in 99th District
State Reps. Jill York, R-Grayson, and Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, have filed candidacy papers to run for the House seat now held by Adkins in the 99th District.
York’s former 96th District seat was relocated to Fayette County.
The new 99th District consists of all of Carter and Elliott counties and parts of Boyd and Lawrence counties.
- More Local News Headlines
-
CCDC increases inmate services
