As an eyewitness to the five-day trial of Wade Naramore, who was charged with the negligent homicide of his son, Thomas, I could focus on a criminal investigation marred by error and innuendo. I could focus on a disengaged special prosecutor who waited seven months to file the charge and then could not be bothered to try his own case. I could focus on the despicable tactics used by the prosecutors who were subsequently assigned to the case. I could focus on the considerable waste of taxpayer resources. I could focus on the often slanted and sensationalized media coverage. I could focus on the fact that the prosecution utterly failed to meet its burden of proof. I could focus on the fact that this is the first time that someone has been brought to trial in Arkansas under these circumstances. Those points, while valid, are for another time; the heart of this matter runs much deeper.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than the loss of an innocent child, and there are many who have mourned Thomas over the last year and will do so for the rest of our lives. For those of us who knew and loved him, we lost a son, a grandson, a godson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend. We lost a bright-eyed, beautiful boy with an infectious laugh, a mischievous grin and an inquisitive countenance. Know this: If Wade had not been the father he was or the man he is and continues to be, those of us who cherished Thomas would have led the charge to convict him of a crime. We are not a timid bunch and we fiercely loved this child. But Wade was an incredibly doting and conscientious father. And he is an amazing husband, son, brother and friend. And we have fought for justice for Thomas, just not in the way many might expect.
Even though Ashley and Wade experienced the excruciating loss of their first and only child, we, who have surrounded them during this time of grief, have chosen to emulate their example. We have chosen love over hate, compassion over judgment, prayer over petulance, truth over lies and rumors, empathy over prejudice, hope over cynicism. It is largely because of their fortitude in the face of unbelievable and sometimes unfounded scrutiny by the press and strangers (including some who have purported to know them) that we, who are honored to really, truly know the Naramores and Wrights, have not lowered ourselves to mudslinging and name calling.
This tragedy could have broken Ashley and Wade. It could have darkened their hearts forever and permanently devastated their marriage. Their solidarity through the ultimate personal catastrophe is a testament to each of them, as well as to the strength of their fidelity. They are both astounding individuals -- kind, funny, thoughtful, loving and decent people who have not allowed this horrific accident and the resulting media and political backlash to sow seeds of bitterness or resentment in their hearts toward each other or even toward those who have actively sought to undermine their integrity and disparage their character. They have undergone something most parents could not comprehend even in their worst nightmares, and they have made it through to the other side still standing together, walking out of the courtroom Friday evening hand in hand.
And while we will continue to ache over Thomas' physical absence from our lives, we will cling to our memories of him and forever will be indebted to Ashley and Wade for sharing their son with us during his time on this earth.
Editorial on 08/23/2016