Yosemite Killings

I too have followed the Yosemite case and found it chilling, because like so many others, it could have been us (March 24). I have taken my young sons camping and, like Carole Sund, have been an aware and protective mother. We have stayed in places like Cedar Lodge. We have photos in our album with the same Yosemite background as those on the roll of film found by their torched car. During the past six years, we have experienced the majestic serenity and seen the diverse beauty of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Zion and the Grand Canyon.

Despite recent pleas from family and friends which echo my own worries, I feel that evil happens and you can’t protect yourself from a psychopathic mind, whether you’re in a large city, a small town or the wilderness. I pray for strength for the families of Carole and Juliana Sund and Silvina Pelosso. I don’t even want to imagine what they are going through.

While it’s appropriate to be cautious, I will not succumb to a life of fear. There is still more beauty for me to see and share with my children. I’ve only begun.

WENDY BECKENDORF

Santa Monica