Jimmy Farris Slaying

* Re “Scars and Bars: Teen’s Slaying Shatters Lives of his Parents and Parents of Imprisoned Killers,” July 25.

I wish I could express to Jim and Judie Farris how often I have thought about the pain and suffering they have endured over the past four years. I wish Judie knew how many times I wish I could come over and cry with her. I am the mother of four children and have a son who is the same age as Jimmy would be. I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose him.

I wish I knew the Ladin family better so I could tell them how incredible they were to give Tony a whole family to call his own and for the tremendous support they show to him. Tony is so fortunate to have them all behind him.

I wish I could tell the world what a great family the Heins are and how they keep a positive attitude behind the excruciating pain they feel for their son, Brandon. I wish you all could see just one of Brandon’s smiles that he shines, even when it does not reflect how he feels inside.

I wish you could see what a supportive mom Sharry Holland is and how much her boys love her and would give their lives for her and their little sister, Kylie. I wish you could feel her pain and see how she struggles and yet never gives up the battle for her two sons. I wish you could see the fine young man Micah is turning out to be.

I wish the world could know Jason Holland as well as my daughter and I do. I have never met a more selfless person. I wish you could see and feel the guilt he carries for all the families he has hurt. I wish the Farrises could know that Jason never excuses his actions but only reacted to the fear he felt at that split second for the life of his little brother, showing his extreme protectiveness for his family.

I wish Jason and Micah could have experienced the love and guidance of their own father as my children have. I wish the world could see what a truly compassionate person Jason is and how his main concern in this world is getting Brandon, Micah and Tony out of prison and for the welfare of those he loves.

My final wish is that there would be no bitterness between anyone regarding this case and that everyone would feel God’s love. I wish that the healing process will soon begin for the Farris family.

MARY ANN KEMMER

Chatsworth