Remembering Monica
I just back from a vigil hosted by the Covina Woman's Club for Monica Thomas Harris. Nearly 200 people were there, including dozens of family members, friends, co-workers and members of several women's advocacy groups.
There were many people who stood up to speak at the ceremony remembering the life of the Upland mother, including Thomas-Harris' father, sister, daughter and niece.
Several moments stand out in my mind - when Thomas-Harris' sister Danielle Thomas fought through tears to finish a poem about sisters. She talked about how Monica "was there for the birth of my children, and I for the birth of hers."
Another moment was when Thomas-Harris' 15-year-old daughter Shanelle recalled the "beautiful" things about her mother - like her "happy dance," and their "daughter-mommy talks."
A final moment was when a local pastor led the group in prayer. It was at the end of the ceremony, all the lights were off in the Covina Woman's Club, and all that was visible were the dim lights of battery-operated candles. As the pastor talked about remembering Monica, calling for change in the legal system and bringing awareness to domestic violence, audience members voiced their support.
Look for a story in tomorrow's paper about the vigil, as well as larger story taking an in-depth look at the state's restraining-order system.