Virgo
Being able to cover this trial has been an amazing opportunity, and also quite probably one of the hardest things I have undertaken in my life.
It has been 10 months full of sadness for loss of friends and, for others, the loss of family. It has been full of revulsion over the details that have come out and gratitude that I did not end up a victim. In fact, far from being victimized, I have triumphed over that part of my life.
Reporting on this trial has given me a voice to speak for those lost and those still trapped in that lifestyle. It has given me an opportunity to challenge people's assumptions and hopefully I've impassioned people to fight for real change.
I listened to nauseating details of hands and feet in buckets, of how victims' bones were cut. I had to listen to the proper way to slaughter and butcher a pig. I sat through descriptions of DNA evidence found on dildos, attached to guns.
Yet, the most disturbing image was an odd one; I have no idea why I still gag at the thought of it as I write this, but it was watching Pickton in his cell after his arrest, when he disrobed and walked about his cell in his underclothes, filthy as he was. I truly felt bad for the undercover officer who was in the cell with him and had to witness that horrible spectacle firsthand.
In the beginning of this trial, we sat through horribly boring testimony about DNA and other facts. It was sometimes hard to stay awake.
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Re: Pickton Guilty On Six Counts: Where Do I Begin?
By Hazel8500, December 9, 2007 at 23:12Trisha, Your coverage of this trial has been incredibly moving and illuminating for me personally and hordes of others. Wonderful job, as another commenter said, on all levels.
I'm also so happy and relieved that Pickton has been found guilty in all six murders so far. I believe most Canadians are convinced he didn't act alone and the judges clarification to the jury, and the final out come gives me hope there will be public and judicial will to keep going. A large part of Canadians recognition of these ghastly murders have been so long in arriving, but it finally did arrive and I credit the media most for that, from Lindsey Kines who first broke the story back in the late 90's all the way to Orato, you and Pauline.
Kudo's to you and your amazing family for supporting you in this humongous personal and very public endeavor.
Sincerely,
Hazel.
Re: Pickton Guilty On Six Counts: Where Do I Begin?
By lee lakeman, December 9, 2007 at 19:03Great work Trisha on all levels
Re: Pickton Guilty On Six Counts: Where Do I Begin?
By mikiain, December 9, 2007 at 18:07I quote: I had to be brutally honest with them and listen to their issues with my past, for I would not have done this without their "OK."
God knew I was ready to do this and gave me the strength and freedom to do it. Because of it, I have healed in ways that I doubt I ever could have any other way.
This whole experience has empowered me to embrace myself as a whole. I will not settle for just living, but rather have the passion and strength to fight for causes and help women and men trapped in the cycles of the Downtown Eastside.
The above words are amazing and powerful for all to read. I congratulate you for having the strength and courage to do this. To start your healing process in this way, to me, is significant and and positive. I only hope that other family members of these poor women read or watch your interview and realize that they too had some responsibility for what happened to these women and it is my hope that by taking some responsibility it may help all those other children and family members that need help, understanding and loving in order to avoid the pitfalls that these women tripped over and led them to an untimely and horrible death.
God bless you and keep you healthy and on the road to happiness.
Well done
By jordan, December 9, 2007 at 17:42As I was writing an article on the verdict for NowPublic, I saw Trisha and Pauline interviewed by CBC- they were great: emotional, articulate and knowledgeable: way better than your average talking head. Fantastic work, ladies, and bravely done for bringing so much of yourselves to this story.
Re: Pickton Guilty On Six Counts: Where Do I Begin?
By luyen, December 9, 2007 at 17:14This whole trial, since the day of the atrocities that were committed to the verdict has seem larger than life to me, overall definitely, overwhelmingly a tragedy for everyone, personally affected or not, in terms of our society, as human beings...i really hope that this brings some measure of healing to the families of the missing women, and to everyone who has followed this depressing trial.
Re: Where Do I Begin?
By Holly Desimone, December 4, 2007 at 22:15To Pauline,
Personally Pauline you and Trisha have shown courage, strength, inspired many readers.
The final outcome truly is with the jury.
All we can hope for is that society will have learned from the trial, the women who have died. The spirit of each one is with families and will live on.
In the future we need to invest in the effective social programs so we can know each and every voice that has been silenced is not silenced by addiction, poverty and sexual violence.
All the best, Holly Desimone