It’s difficult to describe my reaction to the events that took place that night. My first reaction was shock, & then an immense sadness. I didn’t know Angela, but knew of her & I know that she was a person with a heart & soul like all of us; who had dreams, desires, ambitions & much more, but whose life was abruptly ended that night with no warning, by the hands of someone who was so blinded by his own hate, that he couldn’t think twice before ending someone’s life in the most terrible way. Murdered!!!

But what upsets me even more with this whole incident are the reactions of many others who, like Ricky, speak as though they have no respect for a human life just because of their own hate & unwillingness to leave the past behind. And it leaves us with this question: “Will it happen again?” God Forbid! How many others may have to lose their lives just because someone doesn’t agree to the life they choose to live? That’s just unfair!

I was born & raised in The Family International & believe I had the happiest child & teen hood one could ever have. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but I was well cared for, loved & felt safe in the environment I was brought up in. I also want my son (1 year & a half) & future children to be raised in The Family because I believe it’s the best place in the world to raise a child.

I know there will come a time when my son will have to choose the path for his life, & I will support him in any decision he makes. Many a young person born & raised in The Family has chosen to move on with his life & I wish them all the best & my desire is that they would also do likewise. Why shouldn’t I have the right to choose the path for my life & my family? Must I now live in fear that I or a loved one will suffer the same cruel “judgment” that Angela suffered because of my personal decision? I say once again: That’s just unfair!

What happened that night is a horrific display of hate & disregard for a human life, no matter who she was or what others say she did. There’s no excuse for that!

I would like to take this opportunity to once more sound the cry of freedom to all those who read this. LET US BE!! WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE THE LIFE WE CHOOSE!! PLEASE GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE & LET ME GO ON WITH MINE!!

I pray that nothing like this will ever happen again & that we can all go on to be happy with whatever life we choose, as long as we’re not causing others pain or suffering. But, should something like this happen again; a blatant attempt to destroy everything I love & believe in, I hereby proclaim that I will fight for my freedom of life, the lives of my family & loved ones & of any others who I may know not, but know think like me. All of us have a voice & it will be heard! We guarantee that!

With all this said & done, God bless you all & may His peace & love be with us.

- by Flor de Pereira Cordoba, Brazilian, 22, mother of 1
Aka: Esther WW (of Eli, 21)

Flor de Pereira Cordoba is a second generation member of the Family International.