If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will remember that my younger brother was killed in July 2010. Last Thursday, August 16, 2012, a man was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison. While justice has been served, it does not change the fact that I miss my brother every day and that I may never heal from the deep wound this loss has created.
Todd Dale Getgen
September 9, 1967 - July 21, 2010
My nephew will grow up without his daddy. My prayer is that we can help him remember the amazing man that my brother was, and remind him how much he was loved by his father.
Here is a quote from the news:
Raymond Peake pleaded no contest today to second-degree murder and theft charges and the 66-year-old Vietnam veteran will spend the rest of his life in prison.
The state had originally sought the death penalty, but Peake’s defense team and prosecutors struck a deal that would spare the victim’s family a potential lengthy and emotional trial.
“I don’t know what happened all those years ago when you took an oath to support and obey the constitution,” Judge M.L. Ebert said, chastising Peake before imposing a life sentence for the murder of Enola attorney Todd Getgen in 2010. “When did it break down, I don’t know. It’s a sad state of affairs that you gave up an honorable career to become a criminal,” said Ebert.
This part of the tragedy is behind us, but "moving on" is not an option. Healing will be slow. The loss will be forever. My strength comes from the Lord and He will show me how to continue and how to minister to others who have suffered a tragic and senseless loss.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. A special thanks to those who shared personal stories with me in an effort to reach out and help me heal. The love and caring from my Cyber Friends has been priceless.
Gloria,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. You are right, all of your experiences...happy and sad...make you who you are. You are an amazing person, and I pray for peace in yours and your families hearts.
Hugs to you, my friend and every life that Todd touched. I pray that his wife and son find some closure with this recent event. He will remain an angel for eternity watching over all of you.
ReplyDeleteI know that this certainly doesn't heal the pain your and yours are feeling but I hope that it at least leaves you all with some closure. Peace to you all.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences on the terrible loss of your brother.
ReplyDeleteGloria- I hope there is at least some sort of closure, this part is now behind you and hopefully things will fall into place. But knowing you will miss him daily is such a hard thing to deal with. Hugs and prayers to your family.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
I am thankful the family was spared a trial and the reliving of events that would bring. Peace and healing will still take time {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteGloria, I am praying for you and the family especially your sweet little nephew. In 2005, my grandfather was shot and killed during a home invasion. Our family also did not seek the death penalty to keep my grandmother from having to go through that ordeal. Our family is still all these years later going through the grieving process but it has gotten easier. My sweet grandmother is almost 92 but has suffered a sharp decline in health the last few weeks but I know that my Papa is waiting for her to join him in heaven and she is ready to go. May God give you and your family peace as you continue to grieve.
ReplyDeleteI hope that this will give you some peace in the situation. You're right about knowing it will never go away so take comfort in knowing he will spend the rest of his days in jail. And when things get too hard just remember that some killers get away with their crimes on minor technicalities so knowing this guy is in there for the long haul is a good thing. My thoughts are with you, thanks for sharing xo
ReplyDelete......sending you a heartfelt hug..
ReplyDeleteGloria, my thoughts are with your family .. know your brother is with you in spirit... and I wish you peace, and healing ... sending lots of love your way....xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so glad this awful person was brought to justice it doesn`t bring back your brother i know but i`m sure he is smiling down on the justice that was served and knows that your healing process can begin and he will never be forgotten i`m sure.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you Gloria, so tragic. Sending you hugs xx
ReplyDeletetragedy. it very heavily. very wanted to say that pain will pass. but not :(. it a bit will become dull.
ReplyDeletestick to and support each other.love each other.
to lose near very heavily(i lost a mother in young age)
thoughts are with you
Our prayers are with you and your family and hope you will be able to go on with your lives - such a terrible loss - we lost our son 40 years ago and not a day goes past that we don't think of him - God Bless.
ReplyDeleteG, though I'm not "around" much, you know that I'm praying for you and your family, and right now I'm crying with you. Cling to the Lord, and hold on to those wonderful memories of Todd instead of the heartless act which took him from you....as your nephew grows, he will want to know all of the good stuff about his father. Love you, sister! HUGS!!!! HUGS, whether you like them or not! ;)
ReplyDeleteDe tout coeur avec toi, heureusement les merveilleux souvenirs restent dans le coeur.
ReplyDelete{{{hugs}}} my sister, I love the photos you've chosen. You know you and all of your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and peace.
ReplyDeleteGloria, how special that you chose to share this post. Each of us has our own thoughts about whether or not to make our blogs personal (I started out keeping a craft blog separate from my personal blog, but in the end, my life is not in compartments--it's all part of who I am, so now I do include personal thoughts on my blog, without apology). But I do believe that God wants to use our experiences (good and bad)to help others. I know that is what you have done with your sharing today. I am praying for your family today.
ReplyDeleteDearest Gloria,
ReplyDeleteWe may not know each other but I know what it is to loose someone (even though not as tragic)close to your heart. My lost my parents to cancer and right at this moment I am suffering and I need and miss them something terrible. Love ones always remain close to us, they look down to us. My escape is crafting and joining blogs to meet people and that fills my void and loneliness that I feel. And you know something, Gloria? You guys are my friends so never feel alone. God has your brother in his hands, he is not suffering now, he's at peace. I will pray for him and ask God our Lord to be by his side in Jesus name and for you to give you strength to go on.
This guy will pay for what he did even though the punishment will not bring your brother back, but remember he is down here on earth and he will suffer for the rest of his life for what he did.
God bless you and yours, and don't ever forget you have a friend in me.
Take care,
Miriam
Ah, Gloria....life puts us on some hard trails sometimes, doesn't it? My heart just goes out to you. I lost two of my 3 brothers in the same year, and it was like getting hit in the head with a 2 by 4. My remaining brother went home to be with the Lord just 3 years ago...and I still miss him every day. I cannot imagine how many emotions you have to be going through right now...and I pray that the Lord holds you close, gives you peace, and fills you with the comfort that only He can give. The wounds must feel as though they have been freshly opened. I pray He pours oil into those wounds and brings you healing. Be very good to yourself. Grief is hard work...and lonely work, too. Hugs....
ReplyDeleteI think about you often and the loss of your brother. I just wanted to know that I keep your family in my prayers. Your brother was just a few months older than I and it is so senseless that his life was taken.
ReplyDelete