Dedicated to Katie McCarron

Please click here to read those dear words from Katie's Grandfather, Mike McCarron. Thank you.

This entry is for Katie, and her family. My heart goes out to the McCarron family, and you are in my prayers. To her father, grandfather, and grandmother--there are simply no words to express the sorrow my heart carries for you. The pictures and words you have shared of Katie, she reminds me so much of my own daughter. I imagine they'd enjoyed one another's company. I am grateful for the loving words you have shared with the world. You, in your darkest hour, have step forth not only to stand up for your dear Katie, but also to speak up for all our children. I am forever thankful.

Peace be with you.


Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun, shine kindly here;
Warm southern wind, blow softly here;
Green sod above, lie light, lie light;
Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.
- Mark Twain



More written for Katie:
Dear Katie
http://www.kevinleitch.co.uk/wp/?p=380
http://ballastexistenz.autistics.org/?p=113


This will be my last entry until a verdict comes in...

Update: Guilty on all charges, read more.

From the Peoria Journal Star:

"If the measure of a person's life could be quantified by the number of people that loved them, then Katie, in her brief 3½ years, achieved well beyond all of us," Paul McCarron said in a prepared statement about his daughter after the trial.

Kevin Johnson, chief assistant Tazewell County state's attorney, said he told Paul McCarron and family the trial would be a long and difficult process.

"Today we reached the end of that journey with a justified verdict," Johnson said.

Paul McCarron stood next to prosecutors after the trial and thanked them and police for their work.

"We are blessed to have these caring and professional people in our community," he wrote.

The sentencing range for first-degree murder is between 20 and 60 years, but because Katie was younger than 12 years old, that sentencing range increases to between 60 and 100 years.

A sentencing date was not set Thursday but is expected to be scheduled today.

"I ask all parents, and especially those of children with disabilities, to always love your children and be proud of them," Paul McCarron wrote in his statement. "Cherish every moment you have with them. Love, patience and tender efforts are the best therapies."

(bold & enlarged text added by S.L.)

Thank you Katie's father, Paul McCarron for those beautiful words. It is my greatest hope that every parent and family who learns about Katie will take your message to heart, and live it each and everyday.