This has to be a difficult time for you. I know it would be difficult for me as well because after all; I’m a Momma too. 

Christopher. It’s a meaningful name Mrs. Dorner. The name Christopher is Greek, perhaps you knew that already. Christopher came from the Late Greek Christophoros meaning "bearing Christ". The name was derived from taking Christos combined with phero which means "to bear, to carry". Early Christians used it as a metaphorical name, expressing that they carried Christ in their hearts.

I never knew Christopher, but I wish I had. A young man that once roomed with your son told his story of Christopher’s love for life, for people as well as his courage to face his adversaries with strength and conviction. I believe that young man. I also read your son’s words and how he did, indeed, face his adversaries with strength and conviction despite the ramifications he knew may be imposed upon him. I believe Christopher’s words Mrs. Dorner because after all; I’m a Momma too.

When I first heard the news of the events as they unfolded my heart was heavy, for both of you. Christopher the young man whose diapers you changed, whose cheeks you kissed, whose tears you wiped, whose laughter must have filled the room with a smile that could light the evening sky. Oh, I’m sure you wrestled through anger, heartbreak and sorrow…together. We all have, yet your together is gone; the cheeks are no longer there to be kissed, the tears are your own, and the room has neither laughter nor a smile that could light the evening sky. I feel the pain you are feeling Mrs. Dorner because after all; I’m a Momma too.

We’ll never know the answers Mrs. Dorner. What lies in the hearts, souls and minds of those we loved and lost. How the mind can overcome the heart, the hate overcome the kindness, the pain overcome the smiles. Right from wrong, wrong from right; we teach those values and hope they will endure. Strength, character, integrity; we teach those values and hope they will endure. Love and kindness; we teach those values and hope they will endure. We teach yet we are given no assurance Mrs. Dorner, I know this because after all; I’m a Momma too.

I waiver on the fence of justice Mrs. Dorner. Had my child been laid to rest at the hands of Christopher, my mind would ask that he be found, charged and sentenced to the very same soil of rest in which he placed my child. Yet if it were my son that had laid Christopher to rest my heart would be asking for forgiveness, life, love and a prayer for the return of his smile. For one more kiss; one more wiped tear, one more laugh and one more light in the room. I know this Mrs. Dorner because after all; I’m a Momma too.

So I will pray with you in Christopher’s name, Mrs. Dorner. The name he was given that means to carry Christ in his heart. I will pray for you that you will find peace in knowing the wrongs done were not by the teachings from your heart but by the mind overcoming the heart of your son. For all there was, all there is and all there can be he will always remain “your” baby, your son. May your light flicker brightly in the night sky and the butterflies kiss your cheeks in the morning sun because after all Mrs. Dorner; you’re a Momma too.