I've received untold numbers of "gifts" like the ones on al.com.
I've learned that those who are truly concerned always think of the
girls. I can hardly think of a time I've seen Mike Pettey that he
hasn't asked first "how are the girls?" Same for Barry Hamilton.
Same for everybody in the AG's office. Because of people like
them, the girls have dealt with their mother's death remarkably well.
The only reason I stayed in Decatur for six years after the murder
was to avoid traumatizing the girls further by removing them from
their support system. The girls are doing well now because that
support system was so strong. We loved their teachers and their
schools. We loved their little friends down the street. We loved
Webster's Karate. (We still do!) They had everything they could
want or need in Decatur--except for a normal life. At least now the
local press can't hurt them anymore. We are far removed from the
insanity there. Thankfully.
There are some things in which I take immense pride. The first is
simply that I have survived. Many would not have, and I say this
in humility rather than arrogance. The second is that I have been a
good daddy to my girls. They're the living proof. I'm most proud
of them. Caroline is very like her mother--she's even the same size
as her mother on her wedding day. Catherine remains the nicest
person I have ever known. They're growing up so very quickly.