Last Friday night, a Kennebunk boy from Mary Tanners class came quietly to the screening of Girl on the Bridge, The Mary Tanner Story His words below are worth sharing. I wont mention him by name but his feelings run deep and we are grateful for his support to the Justice for Mary efforts. I wasnt sure what to expect attending the screening for the planned documentary about the murder of Mary Tanner. She was a classmate throughout my years in Kennebunk. We were friendly, although I wasnt a member of her close circle of friends. Mary was kind to everyone, including awkward adolescent boys who couldnt find their place as students. Arriving at the Nonatum I saw a few classmates I recognized and a couple others who went to school with my siblings and knew me, but I wasnt able to place. That awkwardness is still there. I spoke briefly with Shelley, who Ive gotten to know through social media. We caught up with this project and other topics relevant to my family before the showing of the trailer. The short film is well done. There are brief vignettes with Marys friends, family and others involved in trying to determine what happened to her 36 years ago. Ive read that reminiscing is memory without the pain. This wasnt the same. While seeing the film brought back memories of the past, it also gave me a sense of angst recalling the fear and worry that enveloped the community as a result of her death. It also left me feeling empty knowing her family has no closure. I dont recall exactly how I felt when I heard that it was Mary who was found those years ago, but more recent events in my life give me an idea what her family felt and still experiences. I lost a brother to suicide 27 years ago. The loss of a sibling from a violent death and not knowing why is difficult. No last moments to mend a fence or tell them how much they meant vanishes with their death. I know its extraordinarily more difficult for Marys siblings considering the circumstances. I feel for them. Its said no death of a loved one compares to the loss of a child. Almost two years ago my oldest son succumbed to heart failure because of muscular dystrophy. I can attest to that sentiment. Despite knowing his life would be short, Matthews death left me with profound grief Ive yet to resolve. Marys parents experienced that sadness and more never knowing who was responsible for her death. That is not only heartbreaking, its also a tragedy. Its possible well never know who murdered Mary. It would be a greater injustice to not keep looking and to simply forget about it. One of the greatest honors we can bestow upon a person is in remembering them after theyre gone. Mary Tanner was a kind young woman robbed of her life and so much promise. I hope the plans for this documentary are successful and tell the story about the young woman we knew. Marys siblings and family and many in the community, including classmates like me, remember her fondly. That is a small part of Justice for Mary.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 01:40:04 +0000
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