Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

With mixed emotions we write this letter. We have been, for the past five months, deeply involved in the arrest and prosecution of our son, Gregory Hook, Jr.

It was clear to us from the beginning that Greg had committed a terribly wrong act of armed robbery. We have walked with Greg down a long and arduous path that ultimately led to his incarceration.

On July 2, Greg was sentenced in Deschutes County Court to 24 months in prison. He has an opportunity to participate in the Summit Program, the state "boot camp" program, that can act as an alternative to prison.

This sentence was a "downward departure" from the Measure 11 mandatory sentence, that would have applied to this crime. Having to see our son go off to prison has its emotional effect on our family and Greg's close friends. However, knowing that he received this "downward departure" is a blessing to him, his family and, we feel, the community.

We would first , like to express our deep regret for our son's actions in committing this act. Our hearts go out to young John Culver, Judith Riley, and George Paschalson, all of whom were directly involved as victims in this matter, and to the owners of the Sisters Pumphouse where this crime took place.

We also wish to express our sincerest thanks to all of the members of our community who came to Greg's aid by writing, calling, and personally appearing in his behalf. It takes great courage to be involved like that in a matter so sensitive in a small community. Without your support Greg would not be considered for this "downward departure."

It takes the whole judicial system to serve justice in a matter like this, and your actions are part of that justice.

Sincerely,

Greg and Debra Hook

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To the Editor:

Last Friday night (June 25), I stood by Larry Wall's bedside in the hospital, not long after he had been taken off all life support systems.

With many of his organs failing and some completely shut down, there was one organ that was obviously remaining and beating strong within. I observed it as I saw how hard it was working as his hospital gown was rising and falling to its beat and his breath - Larry's heart.

That made perfect sense if you knew Larry because that is what he exercised the most. That is why it became so strong. No, I'm not speaking of physical exercise, but the exercise of his love. For you see, Larry used his heart on a daily basis by laying his life down and giving of himself to whoever had the privilege of coming in contact with him.

Larry's heart grew stronger each time he used it. Larry took little thought of himself.

Thank you Larry for helping me to see through your living example the meaning of Romans 12:10-18 - and now I too can say "I understand."

Missing you until we meet again.

Jenny Denzer

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