This was the headline of the local newspaper a few weeks after the accident. Needless to say I was outraged and on the doorsteps of the newspaper office the next business day.
I demanded to see the woman who wrote the article. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as she walked into the room. She was expecting me so it was not a surprise to her. I first asked her if she reports in the paper about every inquisition she attends. She said no, just on situations that have an impact on the community. I then asked her if she had children, to which she replied no. I told her she was lucky - and that she would never have to endure the humilitation she put me through - and I told her that in my eyes she ruined my daughter's reputation as a fine student and citizen. She did not know what to do or say. Like my husband, she thought she did right and I guess clear up any questions. I was enraged. At this time she called in the executive editor to handle me.
This poor man was out of town the past few days and had not even had a chance to see the article, but I presumed he too knew I was there and upset. I also asked him if he had children. He replied yes. I then told him that he better start praying right now that one of his children never die in a car accident or they may end up as headline news like my daughter. After talking with him for a while, he discovered that what they thought was the right thing to report, was very damaging to me and to my daughter. She could no longer defend herself, but as her mother, if it was the last thing I could do for Jenni, by God I did it. I told him that this article made it look like every teenager who dies in an accident is either on drugs or drunk. I also stated that had the headline been different, maybe it would have been a whole different ball game. But to open the paper and see that was appaling.
We continued to talk a while and I finally had to just get up and leave. I felt they had robbed Jenni of her innocense, tainted her name, and just made a mess of things. Many students at school were highly upset about the article also. They were emailing the newspaper with their thoughts. My sister also made a visit into the office and got a little further than I did. The editor wanted to do anything he could to please me. I felt the damage had been done. I did let them reprint a public thank you I had written to the community and print a few pictures of Jenni. A few days later, the editor also wrote a rather lengthy article in the "Opinion" section of the paper. He wrote about what had transpired and he apologized for any misunderstandings brought on by the article. He also stated that they had never considered the parents point of view and that they had learned a valuable lesson. Poor Jenni had to be the "whipping girl."
I eventually got over my anger over this. I felt it was just so unfair and that they had really labeled teenagers who have accidents. Jenni would get so hipped up when I constantly told her to be careful when she would leave the house. She always would say "Mom I'm a good driver." And I would come back with the typical "Yeah, but it's the other guy I worry about" line.
Now it's Lindsay's turn. I would not be surprised to learn if I had an ulcer, as I am sick to my stomach every time she leaves this house. Her dad gave her a cell phone for which I thank God they invented. Lindsay is great about calling when she gets where she's gone to. She knows the lunatic I have turned into, and has been very patient with me. I'm just sorry we both have to live this way.
KNOW WHERE YOUR KIDS ARE
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK THEM
YOUR BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
GIVE YOUR KID A HUG TODAY
Two Years /Three Years /Four Years /Five Years
A Girl and Her Dog/ On Angel's Wings/Stairway To Heaven/ An Awesome Dream
National Children's Memorial Day / Dear Santa From Heaven / Jenni Today /Jenni's Garden /
Testimony and Tribute /To Jenni's Room
Jenni's Birthday /Poems To Jenni / Sports /Memorials
Only A Mother's Love /Bereaved Parent's Wish List
Forever Young /A Letter From Jenni /Clouds /
Pennies From Heaven / If I Knew
Awards /Web Rings and Acknowlegements
GUEST BOOK
I Love You Jenni