City's strength, compassion 'overpower' family's tragedy

To the editor:

On behalf of my husband and myself, we would first like to applaud the efforts and success of Get! Downtown and the kind gesture of Mayor Foster to conduct a moment of silence in honor of my grandfather.

Lynchburg, especially the downtown area, holds a dear place in our hearts. Over the last several years we have had the privilege of being a part of the community and for myself, enjoying the chance to live in the City Market Lofts. Many of our date nights were spent in the area walking around and looking at all the development occurring. We strongly believe in the development of Lynchburg with a particular emphasis on the downtown area, and we believe wholeheartedly that the best days are yet to come.

It has been one week since the tragic murder of my grandfather, George L. Baker III. As the time passes allowing my family to process our thoughts, it is still difficult to accept a horrific end on such a beautiful evening in such a wonderful place. Yet, we are encouraged by the outstanding efforts of the Lynchburg Police Department, Lynchburg General Hospital, Tresca on 8th, Repast Catering, Craddock Terry Hotel, Waterstone, Market on Main and the numerous locals who have all given their generosity, condolences and prayers.

When Joe and I began the task of planning our wedding day, we decided without hesitation to invite friends and family to celebrate in Lynchburg. For some, it had been their third or fourth time visiting but for Georgie, it was his first. I vividly remember standing in the lobby of the Craddock Terry Hotel holding hands while he exclaimed how beautiful the area was. He was happy I had the chance to live in such a place.

We want to rally together with everyone and say that as unfortunate as Sunday evening turned out to be, we are proud of the strength and compassion of the city which brightly over powers the darkness. The very nature of this crime was rapid, random and completely out of the ordinary. The only way to ever prevent this random act would be to place a police officer on every corner of every street, which is unrealistic. Throughout the late night hours at the hospital several Police Officers stated their disappointment in themselves by not preventing this. We were heartbroken by their sentiment and hold an entirely opposing perspective. Not only did they find the suspects in a matter of days, they have provided years of safety and stability in the area that was only disrupted by an extremely bizarre circumstance. The Lynchburg Police Department should be honored and esteemed for their dedication to this city and its people. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the head trauma, the doctors could not do anything to save my grandfather. Instead of putting us in a room and carelessly moving on to the next patient, the doctors, nurses and staff at the Lynchburg General Hospital consistently ensured our comfort while providing privacy as we waited for Grampa Georgie’s last breath. My father and brother stayed through to the next morning and never went without being checked on by the staff.

Although we are hurt, we do not hate the boys who committed this heinous crime. We want to reach out to their families in love as we are all working through traumatic emotions together. It is encouraging to see bonds that have been formed through all of this and we have departed Lynchburg with a greater love and appreciation for this incredible city and an even greater desire to come back. Our hope is that this will be looked back on as a testament of Lynchburgs compassion, kindness and grace. The best way for a city to thrive is for her citizens to love their neighbors as themselves; to appreciate their differences; to magnify their similarities and to unify in their common beliefs. We have had the chance to experience first hand what this way of living really looks like. You have been our friends, our neighbors and most important of all, our family.

Thank you again to all who have reached out, know that you are deeply esteemed in our hearts.

Much love to you all,

Joe and Leslie Gahagan on behalf of the Baker family