Some Positives From Family’s Nightmare

* Re: Susan M. Cuttriss’ Aug. 16 Letter to the Editor “Anguish Over Cyclist’s Death.”

I was with Travis’ mother, Cathy Peterson, and her family at the sentencing of Mrs. Reeps. After the sentencing was over, the reporter left the courtroom, so they were not there to report what happened next. Cathy approached Mrs. Reeps and said, “I want to give you a hug. We don’t have to talk right now if you don’t want to.” They hugged and cried together for a while. Then Cathy told Mrs. Reeps, “I didn’t come here today to cause you anymore pain and suffering. We can’t bring Travis back, so now we have to make a difference.” Then Cathy, Mrs. Reeps and her husband stood together hugging and crying.

The letter also stated: “The anguish of his family is something I can only imagine” and “It was hard for me to read the statement from Travis’ uncle wishing continued torment for the driver.” Maybe, just maybe, if your son or nephew was wiped out of your life in a single moment by a driver who wasn’t paying attention, you would, for a while, want continued torment for the driver. Everyone handles their pain in different ways and Travis’ uncle may have needed to say those things in front of Mrs. Reeps as part of his healing process.

Then the letter stated, “Much more positive for Travis’ legacy is the move to make the area of the accident safer in the future.” Cathy Peterson, along with hundreds of Simi Valley community members, have done just that. After presenting a request to the Simi Valley City Council, they [council members] approved the installation of a pedestrian crossing traffic light at the crosswalk where Travis was hit. This traffic light should be in place and functioning by the end of the year.

All in all, Travis’ family has taken what would be anyone’s worst nightmare and turned their grief into many positives. Besides the traffic light, seven people received Travis’ donated organs, Cathy has spoken to hundreds of children through the schools to heighten their awareness, and Mrs. Reeps’ 120 hours of talking to people at traffic school will make a difference in many lives.

PAM FERGUSON

Simi Valley