View Full Version : One Year ago the State of Mississippi changed my life forever.


softheart
07-15-2003, 11:50 AM
One Year ago the State of Mississippi changed my life forever.
These last few days have been very hard days for me. It was exactly one year ago today, that we got word from the Gov of Mississippi that Tracy's sentenced would not be commuted. And that he would be executed on July 17.

It was at that very moment we knew that the last little bit of hope we had was gone. It was at that very moment once again Tracy changed my life forever, but this time he had no choice. It was at that very moment I hated a whole State, a Gov the system and life.

That day I was powerless and helpless. No matter what I couldn't do anything to save this man. The man who was part of my very soul. All I could do was Love him and share with him and tell him my thoughts from the very depths of my soul.
And tell him that he will always have part of me, because that day he took part of me with him.

One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is squeeze a lifetime in a very few short days. But we did and we laughed and we cried.

Although we both knew in our hearts that the Gov would never comute his sentence. See Tracy was charged with an unspeakable crime according to law enforcment. He killed a State trooper. But no one ever looked at, he tried to save the troopers life. No one ever looked at the henious crimes his Mother committed againist Tracy as a young child.

None of it mattered, because he killed a State Trooper and everyone was Hell bound to see him die for his crime so many years before.

The day Tracy was murdered by Mississippi there were over 1000 police cars from around the State surrounding Parchman to cheer his death.
They had two reasons to be happy that day, someone who killed one of their own was going to die. And the State of Mississippi had its first execution in 13 years.
They finally got their revenge 15 1/2 years later. But Tracy won, because he had no hate or revenge in his heart. He had only Love and compassion for others. And a Love for the Ladner family. And a regret for taking Bruce Ladner from them.

It was a sunny beautiful day in Mississippi that July 17th day. But that all changed as they proceeded to execute Tracy the skies turn gray and the rains fell hard. Not just a trickle, but very hard with thunder and lightning.

I pray that Tracy's death some how has brought peace to the Ladner family. Tracy wanted that more then anything. But I know in my heart that it hasn't.
But I do know after reading about Bruce Ladner that he was the first to greet Tracy after his death. See he was that kind of man, the kind that would have helped Tracy in his younger days.

I have been trying very hard not to let those feelings of anger and hate creep back in, because Tracy told me if I have those feelings in my heart I have no room for his Love. But I am sorry I can't help it. The anger and the hate I have for those who took his life are there and very real.

But I am taking those negitive emotions and using them to try and make a difference for and with others. Because Tracy ask me to never give up and I never will until I take my last breathe.


Today I realize that it is just as real as it was this day a year ago. But I know I will get through this and will keep on. I just have been keeping myself busy.

There isn't a day that goes by or when I do something that Tracy doesn't cross my mind and heart. The years I spent with Tracy made me a better person. he taught me so much about Love and caring and compassion and most of all about forgiveness.
I was blessed to be part of his life and to have him touch my life.

I am not sure why I wrote this, I guess because I needed to.

I Love and Miss you Tracy!

softie

Stevesgal
07-15-2003, 11:56 AM
STAY STRONG!

deb
07-15-2003, 12:18 PM
(((hugs)))

Deb

danielle
07-15-2003, 12:24 PM
Beautiful tribute. ((HGUS))

Valerie
07-15-2003, 12:28 PM
(((((HUGS)))))

Steve&kids
07-15-2003, 01:24 PM
My families heart is with you! Steve&kids

mrsdragoness
07-15-2003, 01:40 PM
My heart and prayers go out to you today. What a beautiful tribute.

mrs. d

KRIS_NC
07-15-2003, 04:42 PM
AWW SOFTIE IM SORRY. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE AS SOMEONE ELSE HAS SAID AND I KNOW TRACY IS LOOKING DOWN AT YOU SMILING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE HIM

Phil in Paris
07-15-2003, 04:50 PM
Dear Rhea

Tracy's love is sure shining on you, wherever he may be.
That was a beautiful tribute !!!

(((((((((((HUGS))))))))))
Phil :(

Lysbeth
07-15-2003, 07:21 PM
Rhea - you've done Tracy's memory well. Many prayers from here that your faith and strength will see you thru this week and give you comfort. ****{hug}}}

tebkrg
07-15-2003, 07:28 PM
Softie - it is the love in your heart that will keep Tracy alive forever. This man did make a difference in ways that many people will never grasp. This I know you know.... This is all you need to know... Tracy's love will be with you always!

((((((((((((((((Hugs and Love)))))))))))))))))) to someone that has helped me soooooo much! So glad that I know you!

~cheenna~
07-15-2003, 07:42 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you Rhea ... my God bless and continue to feed your strength ...

FriscoLady
07-15-2003, 08:07 PM
Rhea,

Tracy is with you always. He is in your heart, he is in your love, he is in your determination to make a difference for others. He will always be with you and watch over you.

((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))))))

If you need to talk - call me - anytime.

Love,

Patti

bella
07-15-2003, 10:46 PM
Today we will all think of Tracy and honor your love for him.

GatosWifey
07-15-2003, 11:54 PM
Damn, Softie...You always make me cry. You are such a beautiful person...strange how I can say that but have never met you. You have like the most awesome energy...I can feel it when I read your words. Theres no doubt in my mind that you will stay strong and continue to make a difference in the world...No matter how small that difference may be to some people. God bless you Sweetie... I'm sure Tracy is sending his love from up above.

Sunnie
07-16-2003, 01:27 AM
((((((rhea))))))))

You are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time of year..

BTW it may not bring you any comfort at all but
Savannah's birthday is tomorrow July 16 will be 9 and her cousin Sierra will be the big 1 year old on July 17.

susan the finn
07-16-2003, 04:26 AM
What a beautiful tribute to Tracy. I'll pray you strenght in this hard time of year.

Tracy said so wisely, don't fill your heart with hate, there's no room for his love then. I know it's hard, but Tracy lives trought you with his wisdom.

This is so sad. Heartbreaking.

Cameo
07-16-2003, 04:56 AM
I'm with Sarah, I have tears streaming as I type! I'm sure Tracy is sending all his love to you, as he knows that you love and miss him. He's at peace now and I know that one day you will be together again!

love ya my friend and my thoughts are with you during these days!

Pammie

softheart
07-18-2003, 12:46 AM
I want to thank all of you for the hugs and your wonderful words.

I especially want to Thank everyone who listen to me scream, B***h, cry and be just plain angry and Loved and cared for me through it all, you know who you are.

None of you will ever realize what it means to someone to have the things you feel validated in such a way. To lose someone to an execution is so much different, I can't explain it.

For me it is important that people know Tracy was much more then his crime and to have that validated by people makes my heart so happy.

I received more letters in the last 3 days from my penpals then I have ever received in 3 days day. I received over 600 letters mostly from ones on the Row, who remebered Tracy and that is was a year today. They wanted me to know they cared and that he was not forgotten. They truly touched my heart as everyone here has.

Thank you!!!!

Hugs
softie

Judge Not
07-18-2003, 11:22 PM
Ya know Softie, I haven't read this for a few days because I knew how it would affect me... selfish, I know... it affects me so much though because of the way you share your love for him and the wonderful ways this man blessed your life. I knew I would feel your pain, but I had to grieve with you... knew I would... I am still in awe of you and all that you do for human kind!!
Tracy had a reason to smile, he had a reason to live, and he did not die in vain... He lives on through the words that you share with everyone, your mission to continue the fight, and in your heart... Look at all of the people who love you and know that it's all worth it... Remember... of all of the commandments: "The greatest of these is Love".... You seem to have an abundance of it.... Thankyou for sharing your deepest heartfelt thoughts... They do not land on deaf ears...

cherrie
07-19-2003, 08:09 AM
Softie,

I can't really add to what has already been said other than I applaud you with the things you do to help others in the world we live in today not many would give a rat's a** because of where they are today death row. You teach us so much with your wisdom and love and care we are truly blessed to have you be a part of the PTO family, and your pain Rhea I feel for you my friend in your loss. I am sure it is so much more different losing someone to execution than anything else I can't even begin to know what it would feel like. Your tribute, to tracey is wonderful and I am so glad that others on the row remembered the day for you!!!!!

hugs to you!!!
cherrie from tx

Enjay
07-27-2003, 09:23 AM
Softie,
I read this when you posted it and was so full of emotion I could not respond. Now, after Jackie's murder, I am where you have been and are. I know better how you must be feeling. We all love and grieve in our own way. With Tracey's help and guidance you have helped others like myself be there for those who need us. That is a GREAT legacy and tribute to Tracy!!! I couldn't have gotten through it without your and Tracy's help!!! I never met Tracy, but through you he has brought Jackie and I strength through this!! Bless you both!!! All my love, Enjay

Pam
07-27-2003, 06:22 PM
Hey Softie,
How hard this must be on you. I know how it feels to lose someone you care for, but not your soulmate. I still have that to face and dont know how I am going to deal with that as of yet.
Have to ask something here. Did you feel like you could handle it better to be there and watch what was going on or to be somewhere else at that time? Reason for asking is I have thought about it alot with them executing all my friends and I really feel like I will be able to deal with it better if I can see what is happening to him rather than being stuck in some room wondering every second of every minute what they are doing at this time. Just my thoughts.
Know in your heart of hearts that I love and appreciate you. You have given me so much encouragment. Thanks for being my friend.
Pam

Margaux
07-29-2003, 01:15 AM
Softie:

I don't know any of you..I am obviously new here...but I have to tell you how this site has already touched me...you really are very gifted ladies...Thank you for ..opening your hearts.

Margo

kezcat
08-04-2003, 03:58 AM
Softheart, Reading your story really touched my heart.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you and keep you strong, and remember love is infinite...may you keep Tracys love locked in your heart forever-no one can ever take that from either of you.