The Virginia Senate is voting on SB1152 today. It is expected to pass and the House of Delegates will be where the real fight will be. If you live in Virginia, please call or write your Delegate and ask them to support this measure. A short, hand written note sent to your Delegate will be far more powerful. Speak out about Virginia making the choice rather than being told what to do by a mandate from the courts. Talk about sparing the families and victims the pain of reliving the events of the crime as a result of new hearings. This is important for two reasons. The first is that we really do want to spare them the pain of having to relive some of the worst moments of their lives. Nobody with any compassion wants otherwise. The second is that this is likely the only argument that will resonate in the House. An example of what you could say is as follows: Dear Delegate Smith; I understand that SB1152 will be headed to the House soon. It is my desire that you support this bill. It is better for Virginia to chart its own course than to be subject to the mandate of the courts. Such a mandate could force victims and their families to relive some of the worst moments of their lives by having to testify at new hearings for resentencing. Please spare them that pain by passing this bill. Respectfully, Jane Q. Citizen I would much prefer to speak of Kelly's transformation and character, but it is unlikely that the Delegates would be moved to act with those arguments or arguments regarding the new discoveries about the minds of juveniles and their massive capacity for change. But if you would like to end your note with the benefits of forgiveness, I will not object. You can find your Delegate here: https://goo.gl/51Lnge Just click on the link and find your home on the map. We have an opportunity to do something real and positive and by speaking out, we can make a positive change. I look around me and see darkness and violence in our world. The only counter to that is love and forgiveness. Finally, I ask that you pray that the Almighty guides this bill through the house and to the Governor's desk. Ask Him to soften hearts and to open minds and to swing wide the doors of Kelly's prison. Ask Him to return her to her family and to guide her footsteps along that path. God bless you all, Bill