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Sat, June 7, 2008 6:44 am
"Giorgio"
Dear Jessica,
I am writing from Italy, I casually found out your story on
the Internet and I was deeply
impressed and moved. In Italy the law is now becoming
more and more severe against drunken drivers and I think that the
Italians who are
criticizing these changes, should read your story, as I did just before. I am sure
you were a fantastic
friend for Laura and that she is protecting you from Heaven. I
too am thinking of You.
Wed,
June 4, 2008 8:56 pm
"Ellen and Harvey Blank"
We send our love and support to all of you
during this very difficult time
in your lives. Your strength and courage are to be admired now and always. Stay
strong!
Tue, June 3, 2008 9:23 am
"cheryl deloach"
jessica, LOURDES and family, You are and will be in my prayers. Peace is
found within...many blessings.
you will soon see that you have been blessed.
Tue, May 27, 2008 2:49 pm
Michele Jones
Dear Jess,
I cried when I heard yur sentence and while I know how difficult this is and will be
for you, I also know that you will rise above all adversity and somehow transform
this into a positive experience.
Please keep in touch. Anything I can do...
With loving support,
Michele Jones
Tue,
May 27, 2008 9:48 am
"KATHLEEN"
THE RASDALL FAMILY--MAY THIS TOUGH JOURNEY AHEAD BE A
BRIEF ONE FOR YOU.
YOU HAVE A GREAT FAMILY UNIT THAT IS STRONG AND MANY CARING FRIENDS. I PRAY FOR YOU
AS WELL.
Sun, May 25, 2008
1:58 pm
"Ms O"
Jessica - my sons and I have you
and your family in our thoughts and
prayers. Please keep up that inner strength that has led you to provide guidance
to
your peers. God Bless you...
Sun, May 25, 2008 1:41 pm
"V.Mills"
Don, your daughter learned how to be a loyal and best
friend from her
parents. You are a wonderful father and friend. I know that Jessica's Guardian
Angel will be with her and keep her safe. Know that you and your family are always
in my thoughts. Much,
much love to you and Lourdes, Catalina and especially
Jessica.
Sat, May 24,
2008 11:44 am
"Bob Estes"
Just
know that we pray for you and your family during this most difficult
time. Continue to believe God has a plan.
Sat, May 24, 2008 11:02 am
"Angela M Frohlich"
Jessica, Lourdes, Don,
and Catalina....My prayers are with all of you at this time.
I know that this next part of your lives will be tough
but as you have come through
so much already, I know God will keep you strong through this as well.
Sat, May 24, 2008 10:59 am
"John Feeney"
I am sorry that the penalty was as severe as it was and fully intend to
write another opinion letter to the
paper expressing my views - today in fact. I am
convinced that God will keep you in His care and you will daily have
my prayers.
Fri, May 23, 2008 11:01 pm
"Art
Kohlmann"
Jess, Heard from your grandmother today. My prayers are for you tonight. Please don't despair. You're
a good kid. When this is over I hope you never have reason to shed another tear. God bless and keep you.
Fri, May 23, 2008 10:55 pm
"Jackie Griffin-Doherty"
Jessica, our love and prayers
are with you and your family. The LiveFree!
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County sends its warmest
wishes and
extends its support during this tremendously challenging time.
Fri,
May 23, 2008 10:38 pm
"colello"
Jessica,you and your family are in our
thoughts and prayers...may God hold
you and keep you in the palms of his hands
Submitted
on: Fri, May 23, 2008 6:48 pm EST
"Leslie Dawes"
"In the
mist of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you" ~Deepak
Chopra~
My heart hurts for you Jessica. I
only met you once when I was doing my photography final on your story. You are truly an inspiration to me and as a mother
of a 8 year old daughter...I just hope I can raise her to have your courage and integrity. The work you have done is priceless
and has touched so many lives. You should be allowed to continue this work without pause, and you have an angle on your shoulder
along with many loved ones to help you through this time.
| Submitted
on: May 7, 2008 10:38:56 PM EST | | "Amy" | | Another year and another successful and safe Prom. The students at AFA had so much to share about your discussion
with our school and many of them said the same thing--"Jessica's speech was so powerful..." I commend for what
you are doing and I continue to applaud your efforts to protect our youth. |
| Submitted
on: May 6, 2008 10:37:05 PM EST | | "Michaela Miller" | | Thank you so much Jessica for Volunteering to speak to my school, EGHS. Hearing and seeing the story about you
and Laura affected me dramatically. I recently just lost my son to SIDS. So death of a close loved one hurts. Please know
that it was an accident. And if Laura was here she would still love you, and would forgive you. Be strong and keep your head
up. You will get through this. |
| Submitted on: May 6, 2008 7:46:23 PM EST | | "michelle" | | jesssicaaa your speech today at eau galliee
reminded me so much of kasss; every picture you showed i pictured me and kass in it. i hope one day she is as proud of me
as laura is of you. your amazing. and i know its hard; hardest thing ever |
| Submitted on:
May 5, 2008 8:54:46 PM EST | | "EGHS Student" |
Thank you for coming to speak to Eau Gallie today. It was indeed, quite impacting. I only wish I could do something
to help your plight. But thank you. Just by listening to your message, I have decided to make sure of every decision I make
is a good one, and to not drink until I am 21, and to be sure to drink responsibly. I wish you the best.
Submitted on: May 5, 2008 7:45:30 PM EST
"Harley"
It
was really kool that u came over and sharder that with us at Eau Gallie. I know a couple people that died from car accidents
and the pictures i have of them and them and me are in a place that now i 4get where they are but like u and laura they were
very close friends of mine and its tough to lose em....anyway thanx 4 coming to the skool and sharin that!!!!
Submitted on: May 5, 2008 5:00:30 PM EST
"Ashley"
you came to eau gallie high today and i just wanted to thank you. you really changed my life. my friends and i are all wearing
our DontUnderestImate bracelets and we're letting everyone know about your story. i think youre the strongest person ive
ever met. i dont know how you survived through all this. i give you support 100%! R.I.P. Laura.
Submitted
on: May 5, 2008 4:30:47 PM EST "Ashley Ann"
I would like to talk
you for coming to our school on May 5th. i could only imagine how tough your life has been and Im sure it takes a lot to go
on a stage to talk about what has happened to you. It was extremly hard to hear what you told me when 5 of my boyfriends'
friends died in a horrible car crash a few months ago in Ocala. Although I hardly known one of the guys, it was a touching
story and hearing this one just really touched me becuase I am so scared that I will lose one of my friends. I hope God stays
with you were ever you go, thank you again.
| Submitted on: May 5, 2008 3:32:24 PM EST | | "Devin" |
jessica, i want to thank you so much
for coming to eau gallie highschool and sharing your story with our students. i really hope that your experience will make
a difference in students choices.. you're story has made me see that this sort of thing truly does happen. you are very
courageous to be able to stand infront of all those people and tell your story. i think we all need to hear someone's
personal experience. thank you again and i am terribly sorry for your loss.
| Submitted on: April 24,
2008 5:49:02 PM EST | | "Nichole from TC" | | Thank you so so much for coming to visit TC recently. Your story had such a huge impact on me. I have a best
friend that sounds just like your best friend Laura. We do everything together, and I would be absolutely devastated if something
ever happened to her. Hearing your story, it made me appreciate my best friend even more and realize that it would be so hard
to be without her. Your story made me think so much about driving in general. My 16th birthday is coming up in the next month,
and I know that when I start driving, I will remember everything you told us about just being careful in general when behind
the wheel. Also, I know a lot of students at my school like to get drunk on the weekends and drive without realizing there
could be serious consequences. I truly believe your story changed at least one mind at TC, and hopefully students listened
to what you had to say and will change their ways of thinking; after all, we aren't invincible (as many high schoolers
like to think.) Anyway, I thought your presentation was wonderful. I think you are an extremely strong individual for being
able to get up in front of people not much younger than you and tell such a devastating story. I commend your strength, and
I wish you the best of luck with all of your endeavors. I hope your court case goes well also; I truly believe you should
not get so severely punished because you loved Laura so much and you never meant to hurt her or her family. So best of luck,
and thanks so much again!! Keep working hard and making a difference. |
| Submitted
on: April 18, 2008 11:33:52 AM EST | | "kathleen" | | I commend you for the outstanding work you've done in light of what happened to you and your friend. You've
stepped up where others would have stuck their head in the sand. Keep up the great work. Our kids need it |
| Submitted
on: April 17, 2008 6:51:35 PM EST | | "C" | | Cool thing your doing! |
| Submitted on: April 17, 2008 2:33:20 PM EST | | "Jan Manhold, SADD Moderator" | | Jessica, I cannot begin
to thank you enough for taking the time to speak to the students at Tampa Catholic. I have had several students, parents and
faculty members take the time to tell us what a tremendous impact your presentation had. The discussions continued in several
classes throughout the day. Your courage and committment to this message are admirable. You, your family and all those involved
will continue to be in our prayers. Thank you so much for making a difference. |
| Submitted
on: April 16, 2008 9:37:49 PM EST | | "TC student" | | Jessica, when you came to my school to speak about your personal experience of driving under the influence I
thought it would be another policeman telling me what to do and not to do. I never expected the outcome of what your story
brought to me. it opened my eyes to a reality that i never want to face. i have a best friend with whom i am inseperable and
couldn't imagine my life without. because of your story, I plan to make the best choices I can so as not to lose my other
half. if nothing else, please know that your presentation moved and changed one person at TC. thank you for your bravery and
well spoken words. if more people were like you, high school might be a less dangerous place. thanks again. you are in my
prayers. =) |
| Submitted on: April 16, 2008 6:48:53 PM EST | "Unknown"
Jessica, thank you so much for talking to our school today, i really hope that it makes
the kids think about their choices. I know it will always make me think about what i do before i do it.
| | Submitted on: April 16, 2008 6:35:47 PM EST | | "Chelsea" | hi, i am a sophomore at st. pete catholic.
i heard you last year and this year. i cannot tell you enough how much your story and what you have to say impacted me in
so many different ways. i just wanted to say thank you and i really hope to see you next year. a family that is close to mine,
was in a car crash a few years ago, that involved a drunk driver and it killed the dad and his daughter, and now i get to
hear what its like on the other side. i also went to st. judes and seeing the pictures of you guys standing on the toilets
in the bathrooms, and being in your school uniforms really made it seem more real to me, and more like yes, this actually
can happen to me. thank you again.
| | Submitted
on: April 16, 2008 6:05:43 PM EST | | "Gerg & Hill" | | I really appreciated you coming in and talking to our school. You inspired me to make better choices in the future.
I hope one day Laura's family will forgive you. You will always be in our prayers. Hope your trial goes well! :) |
| Submitted
on: April 16, 2008 3:30:21 PM EST | | "Kristin" | | Jessica, thank you so much for coming to visit Tampa Catholic on Monday. It made me realized to live each day
to the fullest. Your story put a whole new perspective on how to make the right decision if I am ever in that type of situation.
Thanks so much! |
| Submitted
on: April 16, 2008 1:18:55 PM EST | | "Jaleissy" | | I am so glad u came to our school u did help me realize the dangers and how sad it is to lose a friend. Thanks... |
| Submitted
on: April 15, 2008 5:24:43 PM EST | | "unknown" | | im very happy you came to our school, your talk was very very moving... i cant thank you enough for coming in
and showing us all the things that could happen |
| | Submitted on: April 15, 2008 4:18:35 PM EST | | "PLS" | | Thanks for speaking at TC. Your message came through loud and clear. I wish the best with your pending legal
battles. God Bless. |
| Submitted on: April 15, 2008 3:43:22 AM EST | | "maegan" | Jessica thank you so much for coming to tc
today. your speech had a great impact on me and my friends. it takes great courage to share your story. i couldn't stop
thinking about it all day today. i don't know what i would do without my bestfriend by my side. it really was a reality
check and wake up call for many people. thank you so much!! i know this will affect the decisions i make
| | Submitted on: April 14, 2008 11:01:13 PM EST | | "Stefanie" | | Your speech today was amazing! I know for
a fact you touched everybody in that room and please remember that you will be in my prayers. The work you are doing now is
outstanding and we are lucky we had the opportunity for you to come speak to us. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 9:17:48 PM EST | | "Gerald" | Jessica, Thank You for coming to TC today your story has impacted our lives in so many ways. I'am constantly
thinking of how wow that can happen to anyone. I recently helped 3 of my friends by taking them home while they were drunk
while I was sober. While listening you speak today it made me appreciate myself by making the decision to not drink and drive.
You're in my prayers and may God Bless you because you have made such a positive difference in our lives today.
| | Submitted on: April 14, 2008 9:11:24 PM EST | | "adam brand(tc student)" | | Jessica your speeched brought
alot of people to reality, that the choices that people make will have consequences and that these tragic stories do happen
to people your age and younger.I have seen bad decisions with horrible consequences first hand and its always tragic.Your
presetation was a wake up call(if thats what you want to call it)and ill never forget it.Thank you |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 8:15:51 PM EST | | "Rebecca" | | Thank you so much Jessica for coming to tc today. Your talk had a huge impact on all of us. Everyone was talking
about your story today and how amazing it was that you could share your experience with us. We will all be praying for you,
your family, and Laura. Thanks again!! |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 7:51:29 PM
EST | | "TC student." | | Jessica,
Thankyou so much for coming to TC to share your story with us. All i kept thinking was how i would feel if i lost my bestfriend.
I can't imagine what your going through. A lot of the freshman want to help if we can. We will keep you in our prayers,
and if there's anything Tampa Catholic can do, let us know. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 7:15:55 PM EST | | "matt" | | Thank u so much Jessica for coming to our school. It had a huge impact on me and will change my life forever..
I was really impressed you were able to speak infront of us.. You are amazing I will pray for you and hope the best for you!!! |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 6:52:38 PM EST | | "Erica" | | Thank you for speaking to us today and sharing your story. I feel that your story imapacted everyone strongly
at TC. I am glad you showed us how one decesion can change everything. |
| Submitted on:
April 14, 2008 6:22:26 PM EST | | "Alex" | | Jessica, it takes a lot of courage for someone to speak about a best friends death like you did today. I can't
even begin to imagine the pain you had to go through and have to think about everyday. I have a lot of bestfriends which are
like sisters to me. I don't think I could deal withy the loss of someone so close to me. You are an amazing, faith-filled,
inpiring person that reached deep into my heart today. I'm happy you are doing well and I wanna wish you luck on your
upcoming presentatoins. You saved many lives today. People don't know the bad in life until they experience it or hear
it from a corageous person like you. Never change!! :)) God has an angel watching over you. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 6:12:25 PM EST | | "Monica" | | Thank you so much for coming to our school today. Your presentation moved each and every one of us. It takes
alot of courage to talk to so many students about your experience. You made an impact on alot of lives today. Good luck with
everything. I know I will never forget this story. God Bless ! |
| Submitted on: April 14,
2008 6:05:48 PM EST | | "Shallyn Nowland" | | Thanks for coming into TC today! |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 6:05:12 PM
EST | | "unknown" | | Thank
You so much for coming into Tampa Catholic today. So many of my friends talk about how they are constantly drunk on the weekends,
and how they have all driven home impaired. I hope it has changed their outlook on doing so, and I want to thank you for telling
us your story, it helped many of us! |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 5:49:05 PM EST | | "Tampa Catholic Student" | | Jessica, Your story today
really affected my friends and I. All I could think about was my bestfriend and loosing her to something we can all prevent.
I can not tell you how much your story moved me. You showed us that things like this really do happen and it can happen to
any of us. Death had never crossed my mind when my friends and I are having a good time and drive home. You made an influence
on many people today and made us relaize how important we really are to each other. I am so sorry for what happened and I
hope your relationship with the Gorman family rebuilds. Time heals everything. Thank you! |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 5:00:53 PM EST | | "Marianna" | | Your speech today really left an impact on all of us... Thank you so much for sharing your story. It hit so close
to home I know it'll definitely make a difference in the choices I make. Thank you so much again and please know that
you and all those affected are in my prayers |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 4:40:38 PM
EST | | "Michelle" | | Your
presentation was incredible and very moving. You reached a lot of people today at TC. Thank you so much for your strong message
and inspiration. Stay strong. |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 3:51:58 PM EST | | "Brittany" | | Jessica, Thank you so much for sharing your
story with us. You really opened ALL of our eyes to see the negative influences of drinking and driving. I hope everyone got
the same effects of your inspirational speech as I did. I will keep you, your family, and laura's family in my paryers. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 3:31:14 PM EST | | "Tim Wright" | | Thank you so much jessica! |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 3:30:48 PM EST | | "unknown" | | thank you so much for coming to our school
today. Because of your speech i can promise that i will always think about the consequences of my actions. it was a wonderful
speech that touched everyone in the room. |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 10:26:03 AM EST | | "no
name" | | my friends are known for going out, getting drunk, and not being
afraid to drive home..its like none of us saw the severity of what we were doing...your talk really opened our eyes. thank
you so much for coming and sharing your story.i really feel like were going to be alot more careful from now on and not drinking
and driving |
| Submitted on: April 14, 2008 9:27:25 AM EST | | "Alsion" | | The smile presentation came to my school today.
I really enjoyed your presentation and I have learned a lot. Thank you for coming. It has had a great influence on how i will
"party" in the future. Once again, thank you so much and i wish you all the luck in the future. God Bless. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 9:25:46 AM EST | | "Morgan" | | Your speech really affected me. I learned so many things. I will always remember your story and keep you in my
prayers. Hopefully your speech will have the same impact on other students. Thank you so much. |
| Submitted
on: April 14, 2008 8:40:14 AM EST | | "Mr. Fitzsimmons period one
students at Tampa Catholic" | | Jessica! You really inspired us. Everyone
was moved. You were very brave for speaking in front of all of us about a tragedy many would not speak of. We will pray for
you and all the people involved. Best of luck with your case. Sincerely, Tampa Catholic High School students!!! |
| Submitted
on: April 10, 2008 3:09:39 PM EST | | "Unknown" | | I think it was very brave of you to come tell your story and i was very inspired. My cousin was killed in a drunk
driving accident and i know how it feels to lose some one to that. I pray that the family find it in their hearts to forgive
you. And i pray that you will not have to go to jail. May God Bless. |
| Submitted
on: April 3, 2008 8:56:35 PM EDT | | "Nicole Rowland" | | When you visited us at bayside you inspired soo many students in many different ways. And I think change our
outlook about the future and showing us to be more careful when driving!! thanks! |
| Submitted
on: April 3, 2008 4:39:01 PM EDT | | "Tessa Johnson" | | So I was extremely estatic when I came on here and saw a couple of comments from Bayside students! :) Thank you
so much for coming.. you definitely left a huge impact on our school! God bless! <3 |
| Submitted
on: April 2, 2008 3:51:48 PM EDT | | "Keishla Miranda" | | The presentaion you did at bayside was very touching. you defently changed alot of peoples minds about driking
and parting. |
| | Submitted
on: April 1, 2008 9:39:15 PM EDT | | "Kaitlyn Sokol" | | hey jessica. i just wanted to say thank you for coming to bayside high school yesterday and telling your story.
i think its the bravest thing ive ever seen anybody do and i hope you got the spread the word out to all of the people watching
you yesterday. i know you did for me and other people. thanks! |
Submitted
on: March 31, 2008 10:28:52 PM EDT
"corey jenkins"
jessica that was
a very moving presentation you did today at my school bayside. you are a very kind and loving person . it takes alot to tell
such a personal story in such of so many people. may god bless you.
Submitted on:
March 31, 2008 10:00:57 PM EDT
"ashley"
i hope you dont go to jail...you made a mistake...so
many teens have....i think that you should be forgiven.The parents should know that that would be what your best friend would
want....good luck -ash
Submitted on: March 31, 2008 9:46:15 PM EDT
"nancy bienaime"
i just want to say that im proud of you for coming to talk to us about that painful
story honestly i wouldve broke down but id like you to stay strong because laura resting in peace shes in a better place trust
me.
Submitted on: March 31, 2008 7:07:40 PM EDT
"Kalli
Newhouse"
Hello , you just came to my school today [bayside high] and your story touched me in many ways not only
because i have 2 situations that are simular to yours one was that 3 of my bestfriends got in to a motorcycle accident and
all died one who was my very best friend . it was hard to loose her but even harder to loose 3 at one time. im still coping
with this loss which occure 010607. the other one two of my friends were driving and got in to an accident and the passenger
died but the driver dident... you touched me in how brave you were to share your story not knowing what we would think of
you but still your doing this for your friend and i completly respect that.. i just wanted to thank you for sharing your words
with us.. godbless
Submitted on: March 31, 2008 4:26:55 PM EDT
"William"
Wow! It has only been about an hour sense I heard your presentation...(Bayside High School) And
yet the effect that it had on me is overwhelming. I know that the descisions i make not only affect me but so many other people
and i will take that into consideration everytime i look to make a descision. When i got home i found out that my sister was
in a car accident on I-95 this morning on her way to school, and this messeage that you spoke about really opened my eyes
to realize, that could have been the last time i heard from her. I am not sure that anyone from the organization reads this
but i commend you for your efforts and for the courage to give your testimony (as i call it) I just hope the best for you
and i will continue to pray on your account. Gob Bless! Thank you...Page 2
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