Miss Lucy….A Different Kind of Christmas Tree

Every year I get so excited about decorating my house for Christmas.  I put a Christmas tree in most of the rooms with a different theme for each tree.  I have a traditional tree, a retro tree, a cowboy tree, a family tree, and a Miss Lucy tree.  Each tree has a special meaning and story behind it.  

Most people might think my Miss Lucy tree is Lucy from Charlie Brown or Lucy from I Love Lucy.  But my Miss Lucy tree has a very special meaning.  In August of 2000, Miss Lucy was working at Dunkin' Donuts on Garland Rd. in Garland, Texas.  Miss Lucy was in her 70's and loved her job because she got to meet so many people.  Early one hot August morning a very evil person walked in and shot Miss Lucy to death.  She was shot for no reason.  She was taken away too soon from her daughters, son, and grandchildren.

My husband, Bill, was the detective that received the call that morning to respond to a murder at Dunkin' Donuts.  It wasn't his first murder and it wouldn't be his last to work, but he never realized what a lasting impact it would have in our lives.  Bill always tried to work each murder as if it was a member of his own family.  That day he had the unfortunate job of telling Miss Lucy's family what happened.  What a sad, sad day for a family.

For many months after their first meeting, Bill and Miss Lucy's family spoke at least once a week getting updates and getting ready for the trial.  We shared dinners with Miss Lucy's family and her extended family.

In Dec. 2001, Bill went out to check the mail.  He found the typical stuff, Christmas cards, a magazine, some bills and a small package.  Inside that small package was a small angel Christmas ornament with the name Miss Lucy on it.  Every year in Dec. Miss Lucy's family sends us an angel ornament.  We cherish each one.   Even though Bill and I never met Miss Lucy she will be in our hearts forever.  Please say a prayer for Miss Lucy's family this holiday season.

There has been so much hate for police officers and police departments in the media this year.  This is the side of police work most people never think about.  Detectives and officers touching the lives of the victim's family and the victim's family touching the lives of the officers and detectives.