The Bukosky and Bella families have had expressions of sympathy given via the forms of media and in person. As the head of the Bukosky family, I give my appreciation to all of you.
I'm sure all of you know the details of the tragedy. It still has not registered with me fully. There is still some disbelief present in my mind. I'm amazed by all of the coverage by the press, television and radio given this. Even in blog-land I have found much discussion of it and picked up new bits of information and perspectives. I compliment the reporters for being sensitive yet thorough.
The mourning in the family continues, having gathered up the picture boards and flowers today. The many envelopes and cards have yet to be read. This will be done by my son in a condo empty of wife and daughters and with son and step-son at other parent's homes. The nursery recently assembled and many gifts from the baby shower less than two weeks ago are a heart wrenching reminder of what was to be but was taken from him, and us.
Major changes in life-style now have to be thought of, while the bills continue to come due. It is a tragedy repeated many times a week to people who may not have their loss so well covered or may be from natural causes rather than something senseless. It is these times after the mourning that survivors need support, understanding and guidance.
I was told that Thursday, the day set aside for the high school and middle school to visit, there were over 3,000 visitors. I witnessed hundreds of them pay their respects. I believe that these students will be better for their mourning as they better understand that nobody is indestructible. Drug and alcohol abuse kills and destroys. Perhaps a rendezvous with fate for one of more of these young people may have been changed for the better. The Jennifer Bukosky Fund and MADD will see that the word continues to get out.
Bukosky Fund/Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation
P.O. Box 444
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
P.O. Box 51159
Milwaukee, WI 53203
