Epilogue

While writing this book, I was privileged to get to know many of the members of the families of Ebony Simpson, Nicole Hanns, Nichole Collins and Lauren Barry, some of whom are quoted in this book. One such person I interviewed was Lauren Barry’s brother, Nathan. These are his thoughts:

 

Life is precious and worthwhile. No matter how hard it can get, the world is still such an amazing place and almost every living thing is unique and individual. Every day sees us learn things, especially if we keep an open mind. Sometimes the pain of this suffering seems too much to bear, but it does pass, and most people are very supportive.

I know that Lauren would demand that we get on with things, and to give less than our best to life, somehow weakens the example she set for us and the courage she showed in the face of the worst possible experience. She fought hard for her life and would expect nothing less from us. What happened to her was the saddest of saddest things and has burnt a deep scar in our hearts. Even hurting those who hurt her wouldn’t lessen the pain.

The best thing I find to do, when the pain hits from time to time, is to take a deep breath and think of the beautiful aspects of this world.