Wanting To Forget vs. Needing To Remember

The truth behind the Marian Louise Baker murder is deep. It's deeper and farther reaching than most ever truly allowed themselves to believe.
Sure, theories ran rampant throughout the state in the months and years after the conviction and execution of Edward Lester Gibbs. But very few knew. Really knew.
Some know the truth today.
But all this time there has been a dichotomy.
It's been a battle of people wanting to forget versus the need to remember Marian Louise Baker.
It reminds me of the Garth Brooks song, "The Dance".
To get to the good stuff, sometimes you have to suffer immeasurable loss.
And it seems to be a cosmically unfair result to have Marian and her full story not remembered to avoid having to face and acknowledge the evil depravity that rained down on her in the woods at the Harnish cottage that cold January day.
The full story is very much alive. And known by some. I have no idea where it will all go from here.
I truly don't. Sometimes it's enough just to know.
All I can say with certainty is that Marian Louise Baker was alive.
She was loved and she loved in return.
She loved plaid and she loved her brother.
And she loved New Bloomfield. And she loved Edgar Rankin and her engagement ring from Kay Jewelers.
She dreamed of being a wife and someday a mother.
She never was able to start her scrapbook.
Or plan her wedding.
But she was alive. And people loved her dearly.
For her to be forgotten is impossible in my mind.
But time does go on and those who knew her personally aren't going to live forever.
I am sad that F & M didn't create a scholarship in her name. Even a small one. Or a fund to help a student with book charges. Or meals.
Anything.
I would like to create a charity or donation in Marian's memory geared toward what she loved best and what mattered to her.
I am very lucky to have the feedback and help from some who knew her and her family well.
With their help, I simply want to create a living, ongoing way to remember Marian and help someone.
Marian got a kick out of doing things for others.
And that would be a wonderful way to make sure no one forgets her name.
On April 10, 2010 Marian would be 82 years old.
It's about time the good things that made Marian, Marian are passed on so everyone can remember the little girl, born in New Bloomfield, who loved her brother and had a beautiful smile.....
I have to say it. Shame on you, F & M. You had THE opportunity to remember her. I understand PR and collegiate politics. But come on, this was a young girl who worked for you faithfully for four years, without incident.
Your need to separate your reputation from the crime of your student Edward Lester Gibbs caused you to disrespect one of your most faithful stewards. Shame on you.