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"Regina laid in wait behind the
wheel of her van for my son to step out through the walkway
from a friends apartment. She saw John step from the entranceway,
slammed on the gas and intentionally steered the front of
her car at him." In court documents she admitted there
was enough time for her to swerve, to change her murderous
intent, but she didn't care. She was mad at him and wanted
to punish him. She did more than punish him, she killed him.
We don't know if she was fully aware that
after the front of her van struck him, his body became lodged
under the car. We don't know if she was aware that she dragged
his body over dirt, gravel and potholes for more than 100
feet, literally grinding him between the underside of the
van and the road.
What we do know is that today, from jail,
she refers to the killing of John Lindahl as "an unfortunate
incident in my life". . . an unfortunate incident indeed.
John Lindahl was a 1st lieutenant in the
National Guard. John Lindahl was a beloved son. John Lindahl,
an adored brother and a valued friend. John Lindahl, a father
who adored his three children, ages 12, 14 and 16 at the time
he was killed. John Lindahl, a man who served his country
with honor and dignity in the highest military standard, is
now being referred to as "an unfortunate incident."
What will be missed, other than seeing his
children graduate from high school and college. Other than
giving his daughter away at her wedding. Other than getting
the rushed phone call at 2:47am announcing that he's just
become a grandfather. What will be missed most can't really
be put into words. It was the smile his very existence put
in his mothers tone, the pleasant thought that would have
passed through John's sister Lora's mind when she saw his
name on the caller ID at the end of the day. What will be
missed most is every single thing!
Please take a moment to call your sister,
your brother, your parents. Then take a moment before you
drink any alcohol to plan your evening so you don't take a
loved person away from their family, so you don't take yourself
away from yours.
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