This week, in my small town, there was a horrible tragedy. News spread like wildfire, and in the matter of a couple of days, I went from knowing nothing of the family involved to experiencing heartbreak for what took place. Shaylyn Ammerman, a precious, one-year-old girl who never had the chance to live a full life, was murdered. The investigation is still going on and I don’t know all of the details, but what I do know is horrible and absolutely sickening. It is unfair that a life so pure and innocent was ended before it really had a chance to begin.
On social media, I have seen many posts about how justice needs to be served for that poor girl, and I agree. But, everyone’s idea of justice seems to be that those who are responsible for taking the child’s life are sentenced to death before they descend into hell, where they will rot for eternity. I understand the anger and bitterness that is being felt for the loss of that sweet child. I do. I have been sick to my stomach since I heard that she was missing. When I saw the search party looking for her body by the riverbed and in the woods, the realness of the situation set in. I hoped and prayed that she would return home safely, and I became physically sick when I heard that wasn’t going to happen. The knots in my stomach still haven’t completely gone away, and I have cried in mourning for her loss.
With that being said, I know my opinion is an unpopular one, but I have trouble understanding how killing those who murdered the child will bring about justice. I am just as irate as the next person, but to me, justice would be for her to get another chance at life—an opportunity to learn to appreciate the small things, to fall in love, to grow, change and learn every day of her life. I know that isn’t possible, but more than anything, that is what I want for that sweet girl.
I will feel better when the people who are responsible for Shaylyn’s death are in prison, unable to end the lives of any other innocent children. However, like many of you, I will never feel as though justice has fully been served. The kind of justice that Shaylyn deserves will unfortunately never be available to her, and I have to come to terms with that. I ask that instead of insisting with hatred in our hearts that those who are responsible be put to death, we come together to honor Shaylyn’s life and memory as the police continue to investigate and get the closest they can to bringing her justice.
It is my fervent hope that through the loss of this sweet girl, my community (and each surrounding one) will come together to be safer, stronger, and more appreciative of the time we have with our loved ones. May we hold onto our families a little tighter and talk with them a little longer. May we cherish each laugh and smile we share, and may we honor the purity and innocence of the life of Shaylyn Ammerman.
