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| Linda Rule, 1966-1982 |
Robert Rule doesn't have to wonder how that might feel - he is the father of Linda Rule, a sixteen year-old girl who was a victim of Green River serial killer Gary Ridgway.
At Ridgway's trial, after he was convicted of murdering 49 women, Mr. Rule and family members of other victims were given the opportunity to address the killer directly.
Understandably, the suffering and anguish of those who lost loved ones was clearly on display, as one family member after another wished a painful death on Ridgway and assured the killer that an eternity in Hell awaited him.
Understandably, the suffering and anguish of those who lost loved ones was clearly on display, as one family member after another wished a painful death on Ridgway and assured the killer that an eternity in Hell awaited him.
The rape and murder of a child is an event of such horrific magnitude and power that it would surely shatter any parent, leaving them broken, bitter, and empty - with a life in ruins.
It's hard to imagine anything strong enough to heal that kind of wound. How could anyone move forward from that kind of awful destructive grief? How could you fight such permanent darkness?
Apparently, there is a way.
It's an unthinkably difficult path that perhaps runs counter to our most fundamental instincts - but it's probably the only way out, and when Robert Rule spoke to Gary Ridgway, he illuminated it brilliantly.
I have never seen the power of forgiveness and human kindness so simply and honestly displayed.
It's hard to imagine anything strong enough to heal that kind of wound. How could anyone move forward from that kind of awful destructive grief? How could you fight such permanent darkness?
Apparently, there is a way.
It's an unthinkably difficult path that perhaps runs counter to our most fundamental instincts - but it's probably the only way out, and when Robert Rule spoke to Gary Ridgway, he illuminated it brilliantly.
I have never seen the power of forgiveness and human kindness so simply and honestly displayed.
Read this short article about the murder of Cherica Adams perpetrated by Rae Carruth and accomplices. She also speaks about forgiveness and thankfulness.
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JennyW
When I watched Mr. Rule forgive Gary Ridgeway, a quote from the Bible came to mind: "And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness could comprehend it not."
ReplyDeleteMr. Rule shined the light of forgiveness over Gary Ridgeway, and Ridgeway was dumbfounded by it.
So, Mr. Rule, if you ever read this, I want to say thank you. When you forgave Mr. Ridgeway, I felt something. In that moment, despite all of the evil acts that Ridgeway committed, the side of good completely triumphed over the side of evil.
So thank you, Mr. Rule, for affirming my faith in the light. I cannot even begin to comprehend the anguish that parents feel over the loss of their child. Your daughter, however, did not die in vain. You set an extraordinary example of good when you forgave Mr. Ridgeway.
Many, many thanks and blessings to you, Mr. Rule