What you’ve written is about so much more than what it seems at surface level. It’s about the tragic loss of a great person, but it’s also about taking responsibility for your actions, respecting others, peaceful coexistence, sturdy work ethic and so much more.

My heart hearts for you, Bonnie. What a tragedy…

I was so emotional while reading it and I could hear the emotion through your words. I hope I never have to go through anything remotely like what you experienced.

I applaud your bravery in opening up about it and using your story to help prevent other deaths like this from happening.

And, there was a moment when I was angry and enraged at the justice system while reading it. Here we have a kid who was wearing a hoodie who went on trial for his own murder, for doing nothing but walking down the street — and the man who killed him — and there is no doubt he killed him as he confessed to it — walks free forever. And then you have your dad, who was riding his bike and being green and just going about his day, and a woman who just… gets five days, a pat on the hand, and goes free. And this is considered justice.

But I also trust that there’s a bigger story — one much bigger than we can ever understand. And so it comforts me that as a whole, I believe everything is working out to the greater good. It’s little comfort sometimes when the pain hits so closely and impacts someone so personally, but do know that your story is helping so many people.

Thanks for your bravery and your strength. Lots of hugs dear Bonnie.