There was a murder at the shopping center near my house yesterday afternoon. I left work early after feeling sick all day and stopped at the shopping center to pick up a prescription right when the ambulance arrived. Police were everywhere. A woman was stabbed while sitting on a bench eating saimin after getting her hair cut. She later died at the hospital. She was a teacher, a wife, and a mother of two young children. The man who killed her was found sitting on the grass smoking a cigarette across the street from the shopping center. As of right now, most think it was a random murder. The woman was murdered about 15 minutes before I arrived at the shopping center. The man bought the knife in the store I was in probably a few minutes before she was stabbed. I often walk to this shopping center, and walk right by the bench where she was sitting. I still feel very safe where I live and I will continue to walk to this shopping center but I won't forget about this horrible and senseless murder for a long time.
I am thankful so many things, my family and friends, a job, a roof over my head,
my health, my travels, but mostly today I am thankful for my life, my life in this beautiful place.
Comments (25)
It's a very beautiful place. Frightening, but beautiful.
Posted by Alice Audrey | February 28, 2009 1:36 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 13:36
Oh Girasoli that is awful! I felt my heart drop as I read it. How sad.
Posted by Chiocciola | February 28, 2009 1:47 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 13:47
Girasoli,
First of all, I am glad you are okay. This is so horrible and frightening the murder, I have not heard about it yet(too busy blogging and reading blogs). Random murder, so horrific and sad.
I love your entry on "thankful", we had the same idea more or less.
And Yeah, we survived February!!!!
Posted by candi | February 28, 2009 2:23 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 14:23
Isn't it ironic how life has a way of nudging you every once in a while - glad you are safe and honoring your piece of paradise by not letting this random act affect your life.
Posted by menehune | February 28, 2009 2:47 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 14:47
PS: Evocative photo..M
Posted by menehune | February 28, 2009 2:47 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 14:47
I am thankful that you are safe. I feel awful for this woman and her family. This is tragic and senseless and makes one even more aware of being grateful every day for the life we have. Life is beautiful as this sunset and very fragile.
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 28, 2009 3:11 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 15:11
You know, sometimes I can only quote the Wicked Witch of the West...."What a world, what a world." Senseless and random acts like this are so hard to fathom.
Menehune is right, sometimes things like this give us a nudge. I live in a rural area with very little traffic but a couple of weeks ago, there was a horrible wreck right in front of my house and for several hours, there were lights and sirens and ambulances. Very freaky. No one died though. I can imagine how you feel. It would stick with me for a long time.
I'm glad you're focusing on the positive and the beauty of your area. And I hope you're feeling better too.
Posted by Annie | February 28, 2009 3:35 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 15:35
OMG, that's really horrifying. Im glad you're okay.
Posted by sassy mom | February 28, 2009 4:20 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 16:20
Hi Girasoli, that is such a gorgeous photo. I love the colors.
This senseless murder is so terrible and I feel so bad for this victim's family. It's scary to read that you were there only a few minutes before this guy was there. I'm glad that he was caught. Life is indeed so precious and fragile. Thank you for this great post. Have a great evening Girasoli!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | February 28, 2009 4:53 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 16:53
What a horrible, terrible thing to happen - it's the randomness of life that sometimes makes us even more grateful for what we do have - it does not have to be much, does it?
Posted by Marcia | February 28, 2009 5:44 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 17:44
Wow! That is unbelievable.
That truely does make you thankful for another day.
Posted by sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | February 28, 2009 6:34 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 18:34
What a horrible thing to happen in such a beautiful place.
We never know, do we, when the end of our time on earth will come. That is why we must live each day as if it will be our last.
Posted by nancyhol | February 28, 2009 7:13 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 19:13
I'm so very sorry!
Posted by Leslie | March 1, 2009 12:32 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 00:32
Girasoli - what a frightening thing. The randomness of violence worries me . . . when I allow my mind to focus on it. There isn't a dman thing you can do to prevent stuff like that!
You are so right about being thinkful for our lives!
Posted by Jerry | March 1, 2009 3:28 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 03:28
That's so awful. It really does make us take stock of what's important and be thankful for each day. What a beautiful photograph you posted for us.
Posted by Carver | March 1, 2009 5:33 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 05:33
I was horrified when I read your entry. Life is so fragile. I feel for this woman’s family. So sad. Your photo is gorgeous and I’m thankful for your friendship and that you’re safe.
Posted by Maria I. | March 1, 2009 5:38 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 05:38
That is such a beautiful photo, but what an awful thing to have happen with the murder. It's scary enough to have it happen so close to you, but right before you were there...Enjoy where you live, but be careful also.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | March 1, 2009 8:17 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 08:17
Girasoli, I can imagine how upset you would be. Such violence is really horrifying, especially so close to home.
So often, murder involves people that know each other; random violence is fairly rare, according to the crime statistics. I shouldn't find that comforting, but for some reason, I do. I suppose I'm trying to find explanations. But in any event, it's a senseless act and I'm sorry that you've been upset.
I think you make such a great point about us all having so much to be thankful for -- family, friends, a steady income and a home, travel.
Posted by sandrac | March 1, 2009 2:11 PM
Posted on March 1, 2009 14:11
I really appreciate all of your comments. As more details emerge, it becomes even more disturbing and heartbreaking. I was doing pretty well until I went to get some groceries at the store yesterday. A memorial has been set up with flowers and candles on the bench where she was attacked. I pretty much lost it when I saw people stopping by. I think it will take me a while to get over this. My neighbor who just moved in next door was pretty freaked out about her safety here. I reassured her that this is a very safe place. This was just a random freak occurrence. It could have happened anywhere really. It is just so sad and senseless. Such a loss for so many in this woman's life. Very very sad!
Posted by girasoli | March 1, 2009 6:50 PM
Posted on March 1, 2009 18:50
Oh Girasoli, I am so sorry that you had to experience this, and so sorry for the victim and her family. Random acts of violence are rare, but so very frightening & senseless- especially when they invade our personal spaces. Yes, it is a good reminder to be thankful for the life we have! Take care.
Posted by sheri | March 2, 2009 2:30 AM
Posted on March 2, 2009 02:30
Glad you wrote - was wondering how this was affecting you. My prayers are with this woman's family. True it could happen anywhere but it still shatters the nerves. Malama pono, M
Posted by menehune | March 2, 2009 2:30 AM
Posted on March 2, 2009 02:30
WOW, how scary to have that senselss violent act comitted in a place that is familiar to you. I am sorry to hear that and so very sorry for the victim of this random (if it is) senseless and tragic event.
I am glad to hear that you continue to feel safe in your surroundings. And indeed, we all have so much to be thankful for.
Posted by Eden | March 2, 2009 12:07 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 12:07
Through news reports, we have been learning more about this wonderful woman that has been killed and it just gets sadder and sadder. It is now sounding like the man who killed her was mentally ill, recently released from the State Hospital.
Thank you sheri, menehune, and Eden for your comments. I am still very shaken up but going to work today was a good thing. I have to think there was a reason for her death.
Posted by girasoli | March 2, 2009 11:10 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 23:10
wow. I can imagine how deep this went for you. Life is fragile at every turn, and we are made to feel it, up close and personal, at moments like you have just experienced. Take care of yourself.
Posted by Diana Strinati Baur | March 3, 2009 3:23 AM
Posted on March 3, 2009 03:23
oh girasoli, what a sad, sad thing to happen. And frightening for you, sometimes these randoms crimes are even scarier because the are so meaningless. My thoughts and prayers are with you ♥
I absolutely LOVE that stunning photo, heavenly rays lift my heart and soul every time and these are absolutely glorious!!
Posted by Anne | March 3, 2009 4:32 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 16:32