Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Closure finally comes to the family of Adam Walsh

Several years ago while living in Michigan, I had the great fortune of attending a taping of the Oprah Winfrey show in Chicago.

It was an amazing experience - the crowd, mostly women - was lined up all around Harpo studios hoping to catch a glimpse of whomever had been taped before our scheduled guest.

In those days, you just went to a show, hoped to get a decent seat and knew nothing of the fabulous "my favorite things" show that everyone tried to get tickets for.

Word spread through the crowd that Barbara Walters had been taped for the show previous to ours. The crowd was buzzing about who we might get to meet.

I was taken by the extremely handsome, bright, articulate and saddened John Walsh. His son, Adam taken from him so cruelly some years before. He wore a black turtle neck and gray sport coat - he looked distinguished, but oh so sad as he spoke of his devastating loss.

I believe that God has a way of making our challenges become strengths - think of how many criminals are out of business as a result of "America's Most Wanted." John Walsh would never have conceived of such a show had his life not been touched by such horrific violence. I am thankful that John and his wife can finally put this chapter to rest and move on with their lives, knowing that the person responsible for this and other heinous crimes, indeed, a serial killer, is dead and gone and that their sweet Adam is in heaven.

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