The first couple days in Portland made me wonder if my visit was going to be as good as I’d hoped. The condo where I stayed all of a sudden had heater problems, when it was in the 40’s outside during the day! The stove was in a ‘locked’ position & the TV didn’t work for a couple days …. and the wi-fi was turned off.
But I had some perks on my trip that were so valuable! I talked to or met with at least 11 people who were somehow connected to Marc’s life or his case. On the first Monday there was a little presentation at OCI (Oregon Culinary Institute), where Marc had studied. I invited a media person and friend and it was so rewarding to get photos of the people who were awarded Marc’s knives due to their improvement in their knife skills. The Director/owner, Chef Brian, who’s heart is in the culinary field, shared how he keeps a photo of Marc & him on his wall. He also chose a classic knife of Marc’s to keep on his desk. Another favorite instructor of Marc’s, Woody, was there, but we just missed friends Josh & Trevor.
Another reporter who covered Marc’s case touched my heart so much when he told me, ‘I never go by the park or the courthouse without thinking of Marc!’ I thought it was so neat that he’d share his heart, how many people do that now-a- days?? I also met with the D.A. in Marc’s case the second week, she was so gracious to spend some time with me! I just treasure her character and the good way she led in the courtroom.
Of course, it was profoundly important to meet with the second defendant. Hearing his side of the incident, seeing the challenges in his life …. I’m so grateful to God for the type of people the defendants are. It’s helped me understand how Marc could have wanted to talk with them in the first place.
A few days ago one of Marc’s former bosses wrote me, ‘Thanks, Diane, for taking me on your journey with Marc!’ It just felt like he (and I know others) are there walking with me as I still grieve hard at times. Sometimes the burden seems so heavy, but whenever I think of people like him and his wife …. I feel they are part of what’s holding me up on this journey! This world can be such a hectic place to live but Patrick, Diana & those above are ‘faithful ones’! It’s a quality of godliness that’s growing so rare, but it’s still alive!