A Rainbow of Compassion

I must critique some of the black leaders of our community for using the term racism so freely, our Chinese councilman for squandering his common sense for the sake of his political ambition, and, lastly, the media for having given so much attention to the demands of the gang members who have caused so many problems in our society already. Where are the voices of the media for all the good citizens?

It was two years ago today (June 9) that my daughter, an off-duty LAPD officer, was shot through her chest at close range with a .357 magnum pistol by a gang member. After several surgeries and cardiac arrests, she was given no chance to survive. I saw the anguish and grief in Chief Daryl F. Gates’ face as if it were in my own. I saw no racism in this man. It grieved him as though a life of a member of his family was being wasted senselessly by someone who just wanted to steal her car.

I thank the then-president of the Police Commission, Robert M. Talcott, and LAPD officers of all ranks for being there to offer some comfort and support to my family. Some officers even gave up their vacation time just to see to our needs. I thank the black lady who sat by me daily in the hospital, gently holding my hands in prayer whenever she saw me in tears.

I can never repay the black doctor who held my daughter’s heart in his hand and massaged it for nearly 45 minutes to bring her back to life.

I thank our Mexican friend and his wife who came out from Arizona just to be by our side as well as friends of all races.

I am thankful that a commander of the LAPD wrapped his arm across my shoulder in prayer. I am thankful that the assistant chief of police, Robert Vernon, came to our home to offer comfort and prayers. I can never thank enough all the LAPD officers who lined the streets to donate blood, as well as citizens throughout the city.

Racism is a word that’s being used too freely today. Being an immigrant myself, I know what prejudice is.

I taught my children to respect people of all races, and I’m proud that they do. I hope that our grandchildren and generations who follow will be colorblind.

STANLEY LIM, Northridge