Linda Amos:  

Time flies. Brokenness leads to strength and there has been beauty from the ashes. I first wrote my story in 2001 after losing our son, Michael and his precious finance, Patricia after they were crushed by a young and tragically foolish drunk driver. I think I originally set up my Classmates account because I was compelled to share my grief. Truly the most difficult hurdle for a parent. Unspeakable pain that is still right beneath the surface of each breath I take. I have learned that God has strengthened my coping skills. I have grieved well which is all we can hope for, really, and am a pillar standing on my strong rock of faith. Time has done squat for the agony of missing my Michael. Time doesn't heal this. I have thrown out many sympathy cards with that sentiment that I will now never send. This nightmare has led to much good, a new passion, and new world where I seem to have purpose and have had the privilege of making a difference. I am a Victim Advocate for MADD, a speaker and educator. I work with the DA's office, law enforcement and other victim service agencies. I work with families going through their own judicial nightmare and really appreciate being the conduit to impart wisdom and inspiration to a demographic of offenders who may not see that there is hope to change direction with their alcohol abuse issues. They have a valuable tool in their hands with their accumulation of bad choices and consequences. I have been there myself with plenty destructive choices of my own. Through God's grace and mercy I've being spared of some more serious consequences. My hope is that offenders will see that they can do much good when they commit to turn from what is so destructive in their lives and use that experience to help lift another up from the mire and lend them the encouragement and strength they need to begin firmly planted steps on a new path. I appreciate being an instrument in the process. Michael had made his life about reaching out to those who were hurting and lacking the promise of hope, so in many ways, I am living out his legacy, which is a wonderful salve and comfort. That being said, I have been a very blessed wife married to Rich East Grad '71 Chuck Amos for almost 33 years. He is truly the love of my life and I think we just might make it. It isn't easy making a marriage work, you know. We are both first born , hard headed leaders and we can be a powerful force for good, or spin on a dime with internal combustion. I've been a busy mom for the last nearly 30 years. Our oldest, Jayme and his wife Lisa, made us grandparents September 2007 with Sienna Reese . Jayme is a sales rep for a dental equipment and supply company and Lisa, a speech pathologist. They hope to add baby number two with an adoption from China. Our third child, Christina was engaged to her future husband just months after losing Michael. Shortly before their first anniversary, Justin was called up to active duty ( after 6 years an...Expand for more