Imagine a daughter or son wanting to speak with the person who was convicted of murdering their mother or father. Most people would think that such a thought is inconceivable, unless of course, the family member had a hidden motive for revenge. Now picture this same family member sitting across from the offender and asking "Why?" Victims of crime often wonder why another person would do harm to them or their loved ones. In their search to understand the reasons as to how and why a person can become a victim, these questions most often go unanswered. Thus, instead of attaining a sense of healing and closure, victims of crime are left in the dark still trying to comprehend what happened.
Imagine a person convicted of murder looking into the eyes of a parent whose daughter or son had been murdered by the very person they are in the presence of. Most people would think that such a notion would be incredible, unless of course the family member had lost their mind. Now picture this same person convicted of murder answering the questions of the family member, hoping that somehow, someway there can be some degree of reconciliation. Indeed, homicide offenders also search to understand the reasons as to how and why they took a life. However, instead of attaining an understanding and appreciation of how their crime has impacted the deceased's family, homicide offenders are subjected to vengeance and are reduced to believing they are not worthy of redemption.
In both instances, justice has not been restored to either the family members nor the offenders. Our criminal justice system has failed to uphold moral prerequisites, especially in terms of fair treatment and due process in accordance to the law for victims and offenders alike. In fact, the only accountability the offenders are held to is the lengthy prison sentence imposed for their crime. Moreover, vengeance becomes a costly matter; as victims of crime, the perpetrators of those crimes, and the community at large are deprived of restorative justice, while the criminal justice system with its costly management continues to thrive.
Life Blossoms is a book which features the collected writings of poetry and prose from both the family members of homicide victims as well as homicide offenders. It does not promise forgiveness or reconciliation on the part of family members nor does it excuse the offender from their punishment. Rather, it allows both parties to freely express their feelings associated with the crime of homicide that has impacted them. Thus, a dialogue is created which allows the reader to perceive how each side is victimized by our criminal justice system. More importantly, Life Blossoms serves to encourage a "sense of healing" in which ill feelings and vengeance are replaced with harmony and restoration of justice. Indeed, Life Blossoms is like building a bridge where it is needed most.
Life Blossoms will also present examples of victims' family members and homicide offenders participating in severe violence encounter programs that emphasize victim/offender mediation/dialogue. Readers will also get an inside view of how Victim/Offender Reconciliation (VOR) programs work and acquire a better understanding of how justice can be restored into the lives of victims and offenders alike. Life Blossoms is being designed to help you and society replace the harms of retributive justice with the Biblical concept of restorative justice. In Exodus 21:23-25, the verse "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," is often misunderstood to mean that vengeance is acceptable. The context, however, was not meant to be taken literally. A civilized society does not rob the robber, rape the rapist, or assault the assaulter. Therefore, "a life for a life" was not meant to murder someone who murders, but rather to "mete out justice fairly". Instead of vengeance, we punish the transgressor by making them accountable to the victim, not the "system," thus restoring justice.
Imagine victims and offenders impacted by the crime of homicide expressing their thoughts and feelings together in a book. Most people would think that such an idea is impossible, if not, unlikely to achieve. Yet if we need to find the reasons as to how and why we all continue to suffer as victims of our present criminal justice system, perhaps Life Blossoms will help us find the answer.
For some participants the experience may prove difficult in terms of expressing their feelings and emotions through writing. For those who need assistance or support, please do not hesitate to ask for help through a clergyman or any number of professional counseling agencies that specialize in the handling of grief and loss.
All royalties from the sales of Life Blossoms will be donated to a non- profit charity that promotes VOR in homicide cases.
If you have any further questions, concerns or comments, please contact us at the locations below. Those with Internet access may visit us at the Life Blossoms Guestbook. Our website is designed so that all communication and messages left in our Guestbook is confidential and cannot be viewed by other persons.
LIFE BLOSSOMS
P.O. Box 321
Cliffwood, NJ 07721-0321
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website:
http://www.geocities.com/life_blossoms_info/