Pubdate: Mon, 09 Apr 2001
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2001 Cox Interactive Media.
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Catherine Boone

IN MY OPINION: POLICE OFFICER GAVE GENEROUSLY

I saw her smile. Right there on television. A young, black policewoman, her 
wire rim glasses surrounding eyes full of intelligence and honor.

There were no lurking shadows there, no sidewise glance, no cynical stare 
in Sherry Lyons-Williams' eyes. They were straightforward and honest.

Yet those eyes had seen the drug trade, its degradation and its dangers. 
Had seen it from the dirty view the police must face. But there she was, a 
protector of all of us, whether we deserved it or not. Standing there 
between us and the nasty, dangerous world of drug trade with its predators 
rising in poisonous streams.

Yes, she stood there, between us and them, and they killed her.

Oh, why, I keep thinking, why does this happen? Why must we lose our young 
and honorable people this way? I didn't know her, yet the sadness of her 
parting overwhelms me. She was part of my greater human family, a strong 
and generous part of our human race. She had to be strong, for each day she 
did a job that took strength, bravery and perseverance. She was generous 
because she knew that in protecting our lives, she might give her own. We 
know about her generosity because she, too, gave us the greatest gift she 
had --- her life.

So I remember the smile I saw on television. Surely God takes her in his 
loving arms even as we stand in the shadows of sadness.

Catherine Boone Shealy
Atlanta
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