My Brother

By Kitty Wales

Milton, October 29, 2001

Tommy was always the first to plunge into the icy water from the highest rocks in front of our house in Maine. He taught me the fine points of riding a bike, then pulled me from the holly bushes and showed me again. He climbed to the top of tall spruce trees to cut off broken branches that no one else could see. Fearless leader, Faithful brother, Treasured friend.

And, a prosecutor with compassion, who deeply believed in the potential for good in all people. I wanted to read a letter, written to my brother that reflects that compassion.

Dear Mr. Wales,

After making a series of phone calls, I was able to obtain your name and location, and I hope that after giving it some thought you will be able to remember me as well.
I am writing in reference to a hearing that took place in 1993 in which I was the defendant, and you were the prosecuting attorney. Although I don't remember the details of the case as far as the exact date or my attorney's name ( and until recently, even your name), I do remember my state when I entered the courtroom. I was overwhelmed with emotions and distraught over the course my life had taken. Upon leaving however, I was in awe at the miraculous words spoken on my behalf, not by my attorney, but by you, culminating in a plea for withdrawal. Despite the circumstances, you adamantly spoke in my favor with both candor and eloquence, for which I am eternally grateful. I have learned so much from this experience, this being my first and last defense. I just wanted to thank you again, and give you an update on how I am doing now.

I have been working full time and going to school full time while maintaining a 3.5 GPA, and I will graduate next week! Although my official major is economics, I am just 15 credits short of a double major in English. I have focused on this subject because of my love of English Literature, yet in all my studies I have read little prose as poetic and compelling as the words uttered by you. To this day your mercy brings tears to my eyes, while your words give me inspiration.

Thank you for believing in me at a pivotal moment in my life, for looking at me as an individual and not a statistic, for understanding me when I did not understand myself, and for giving me a chance to succeed. When I receive this diploma you will be receiving one too, so congratulations in advance! You are forever in my thoughts. May God bless.