From the moment the Illinois State Police and St. Clair County Coroners arrived on my doorstep at 5:30 on Friday, November 23, until this past Wednesday, I have not spoken to the media about my daughters. I understood the media had a job to do; however, this was personal - these were my daughters, not a news story. This was a very devasting event - we had enough to deal with without having to deal with questions and cameras and spotlights.
Ironically, the media had been covering the accident all day on the local channels. I never saw it, because I was getting out the Christmas decorations so we could decorate when they got home, and I was watching a What Not To Wear Marathon. When I started calling people to tell them about their deaths, many asked if it was the accident they'd seen on TV.
However, because of the upcoming fundraiser, I decided, after consulting with their father, that I would do an interview talk about the girls and fundraiser. The reporters agreed to not question me on the accident or the trials.
I'm glad that I did the interviews. I was able to personalize Jessica and Kelli, and it gave me a venue to tell people just how fantastically fabulous these children were while they were alive. I don't think I would have been able to do it any earlier. I guess the timing was right.
I'm thankful that Maddy was included too. I don't want her to feel excluded because the focus is all on Jessica and Kelli. She was so excited to see herself on TV. She told her daycare provider that since I was famous because I was on TV, that she should be famous too. I love how her mind works.
I just wanted to say that Leisa Zigman from Channel 5 was wonderful (and soooo thin!). She put me at ease and I was so comfortable with her. Ray Preston from Channel 4 was very kind to me; Shirley Washington from Channel 2 told me I was gorgeous (bonus!) and Jeff Bernthal from Channel 11 was taller than I expected. The camera guys from these channels also did a great job of making me look less pasty and moon-faced - thanks guys!
You can see the full interviews on the websites for Channel 4 and Channel 5. They are long, but the shorter newscasts stories are on there as well. The response from the interviews has been great - I've had a lot of people visit the website and request tickets or donate items. Please try to make it out - we still have tickets available.
I'll be talking with KMOX today, which will be broadcast around 3:45 today. Give it a listen if you can.
14 comments:
Will definitely have to check that out. Am sure you look fabulous!
I would love to do a feature on you for the Guild. I can't seem to find your e-mail tho.... Can you e-mail me at motherofbun at yahoo dot com? Would appreciate it!
I watched the whole interview on Channel 5 and have to admit that your strength and courage still awe me. I've always thought that Ms. Zeigman (sp) and her team did a great job. You did the right thing and looked fabulous as well. I still pray you continue to receive love and support. Justice will prevail for the girls.
You are amazing...take care.
Kim, you are so brave! And for the record, you ARE gorgeous! I watched parts of the videos and I think you did wonderfully.
I won't be able to make the fundraiser, but that doesn't mean I can't contribute. Let's do lunch soon. It's been far too long since I've seen you!
You are an amazing tower of strength and grace. The girls were beautiful, and they look a lot like you. You are beautiful inside and out.
I wish Batman and I could be there Sunday for the fund raiser. I would really like to do something for them, and for you.
I'll catch the 3:45 on KMOX!
I had planned on coming then our weekends got all screwed up..:-(
Now the public sees where those pretty girls got their good looks
The TV interviews brought me to your awesome blog and the girls' website. I'm so proud of you and I know the girls would be too. May God bless your efforts and comfort you as only he can as you put one foot in front of the other, finding that "new normal" and different direction in your future.
Kudos! You did an awesome job on your radio interview this afternoon.
I haven't had a chance to see your tv interviews yet, but I am sure you did great! :)
Stay strong & good luck on Saturday!
Watched the interviews. Glad to hear a voice with the words. Thoughts and love and continued strength.
Your second link didn't work for me but I watched the first. It was nice to put a voice to the words, if you know what I mean.
I'm glad that the interviews went well and were handled with tact and sensitivity.
Ray is a friend - and a total professional. I'm glad you had a positive experience and I admire your strength. In the most painful of times you have soldiered on and set a powerful example of resiliency for Maddy. Not everyone has the power to do that; kudos.
I'll be thinking of you all tonight; I would be there if I didn't have to be at the station.
Kim-I am glad you had the courage to face the media. I think people need to hear you tell your story and know that these girls were so very important to so many people and not just statistics involved in an accident. You amaze me and inspire me. Tears are rolling down my face. I pray that you will continue to find the comfort you so deserve!
Stay strong. I know how physically exhausting it is to do do this, to keep going forward, and to talk about it to people. I think as mom's we know we have to be strong for for everyone else around us, but if you ever need to talk to someone who has been through this kind of loss, I'm just an email away!
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