First, there was the report of the death of Tyler Shaw on Thanksgiving Day 2005. After months of weeping and sadness his body was laid to rest near his home in a hillside grave above the small town of Asotin, Washington State, USA! But that was not the end.
The system of justice employed in the place he died had to be brought to it’s own place of judgment. The men who caused that early death of a young man/boy had to be fully confronted with their evil. The real investigation into the system, often called ‘cowboy justice’ in Asotin, was to open up the secrets of decades, perhaps a hundred years, of abuse and injustice. The vault was sealed and kept closed by the traditions of the system and laws that could hardly hold sacred the safety of normal men, dare not mention guarding the rights of persons living with burdens of mental illness. Suffice it to say that the burden of investigation fell on Tyler’s parents.
Lawyers and officials did what they could, but when the system itself is out of order, the load must be carried by those suffering the ache of loss and injustice. It has always been that way, the driving force rising up from some place deep inside beyond the reach of all but the intimate. Some would even lay the source at the feet of one higher than any human could manage. This was the challenge presented to Jay and Laurette Shaw. Managing the learning curve, the long nights and high costs, all the while enduring constant memories of a son lost. All while laboring to maintain a shattered life.
They did it! The case was made and filed in federal court. Guilt was certain and only the inadequacies of law prevented a swift and sure justice. The state of Washington was not willing and could not muster courage to face the realities of their twenty first century population. Law makers would not accept that mentally ill people are of equal value, but must be cared for differently from others. They would not support the responsibility that falls upon parents to care for their young, but not so young, children. True justice was foiled by the very law designed to protect. Compromise beyond reason was required to gain any part of justice.
In the end, a seeming miracle put God’s stamp of approval on the case. Guilt was admitted and restitution made to cover the monetary cost, if not the anguish and heart break. Only patience will reveal what the hand of God can accomplish in regard to long term justice for those living today under, and those yet to fall into, the hands of Asotin’s Law and Justice system.
Finally, was it worth the effort? Suffering a hurt that would not heal. Enduring the anguish of knowing neither what to do, nor how to do it. Long hours and late nights of fitful sleep, if sleep at all. Of course! God’s mark was on it and hind sight reveals that steps were taken toward true justice.
Peace at last! Time to recover, to evaluate, to seek direction.
Below are resources for you to become informed and to help get the word out.
Thank you for talking about Tyler.
if you have any art (stencils, banners, etc.), articles or reference material please let us know and we will get them up.
well Ty it is the start of yet another year. Thank you for watching over all of us this past year and I know some of us will be waiting for the brush of air against our shoulder you stop long enough to check closely on each of us. Keep in mind as you stop that I for one feel your presents and am very thankful every time. Know your memory will not die as some of those wish to have happen!! You are and always will be a very loved part of our lives.
Well Ty, the lawsuit is finished but much still needs to be done. No one wants to admit wrong doing publicly but we all know the truth and the truth has also been recorded in the court system. I miss you everyday! I pray that changes are made so that someone else doesn't feel the pain you did. May your memory live on always as the good hearted boy with a crooked smile that we all love.
Tyler-miss you lots, I am taking care of your big sis here, Jaylah is getting so big!! We surely all miss you, I know your watchin over us though. Love ya, my thoughts are with your whole family and friends.
Tyler we all miss you so much. I know your looking down and watchin over your wonderful family. I will be with Monica today at five hugging about all the great times we had with you. I love you Tyler and can't wait to see you again.
