Everyone grieves differently, but I (the guest Diva and metro columnist Wendi C. Thomas) was amazed when Alicia Leslie e-mailed me to share how she’s dealing with the death of her daughter, Alicia Caldwell. Caldwell was the 36-year-old mother of three who was killed in that horrific police chase-turned-collision on Winchester last month. Leslie is in mourning, but she was amazingly candid about what and who landed her daughter in the company of career criminals. Her daughter herself and her addiction to crack. Read more in my column today.
Responses to “Overcome with grief, but not denial”
July 28th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
How refreshing to hear a mother say that her adult child was responsible for the consequences of her own bad choices, rather than making excuses for her, or blaming herself or “the system.”
My heart goes out to her in her grief, and I wish her and her grandchildren well. And Wendi, I seldom agree with you, but you did a public service with this column. Thanks!
August 28th, 2006 at 10:55 am
I also lost a daughter in a car accident on Winchester, but not in a car chase. She was killed by a women who decided to drive in heavy traffic and fight off a bug. I understand the grieve that a mother feels after losing a child. She was on her way to the beauty shop to get her hair fixed to attend her prom that night. She was two weeks from graduating from high school and to leave soon after for college. Thank you always Wendi for your comments about everything.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:07 am
I would like to know where was the Mayor when two important men came here to his city to visit Graceland? Why wasn’t he there at the airport to greet the President and the Prime Minister of Japan? How come he wasn’t in any of the pictures that was taken here in his city? I didn’t even see him at the resturant where they were eating. Was he out of town working on behalf of the citizens of Memphis to get a wage increase? I still don’t understand where was the Mayor of Memphis when two men came to his city and was he invited? Also why haven’t anything been said about this. Please response to this for me. Thank you very much.
July 24th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Thank you for sharing this woman’s story. Her perspective is humbling. It’s important to note that drug addiction is NOT a “victimless” crime. People who use drugs make victims of parents, children and communities. I am so sorry this woman had to endure the pain of her daughter’s mistakes, but she is setting a phenomenal example for others in similar situations.