extradition, trial, justice

Big words, heavy words....

Juan Cruz is being extradited to stand trial for the murder of Rose Marie Woolwine. A murder which took place in 1989 and was covered in a Dateline story.

Rose Marie Woolwine, Rosie, was my sister. The twin sister of Ruby Ann Woolwine. The daughter Rebecca Lugo. The sister of Jimmy, Chucky(RIP), Donald, Felice, Maria, Juan and Angel. The mother of Sarah, Theresa and Joey. They were so little when she was taken from us.

Every time we get a step closer to justice, I feel the need to take a step back to remember who Rosie was. When Rosie passed away, I moved to Ann Arbor. Shortly after I began attending community college. One of the first classes I took was a speech class and one assignment was a eulogy. I wrote a eulogy for Rosie. It was beautiful, profound and sad. I cried when reciting it in class. The whole class cried with me. That eulogy was shortly after that lost, I have no idea where it went. I have other papers and speeches from then. I wish it would turn up. I pray that it would.

But who was Rosie. Is there any way to let those of you who never knew her to understand who she was? I doubt it.

Rosie was passionate, stubborn and a little conceited. She loved life and her family. As a child we called her nosie rosie. She would be the first one to the kitchen when mom went grocery shopping to see what goodies were there. Her and Ruby were so close, they would fight something fierce with eachother, but if you tried to intervene.... Let's just say it would be bad for you. The twins as they were called, would be fiercely loyal to eachother, I guess all twins are. They were so tough in high school, that when I went a few years later, I never had to fight. I just stood tough and held to their reputation. I think others also knew that if they touched me there would be hell to pay later. Remember we grew up in Detroit, tough streets. But Rosie and Ruby could hold their own.

They got into lots of trouble, had lots of friends and enjoyed life together. They were both so pretty, I always felt so plain. Ruby is and has always been so my gorgeous older sister. But Rosie was different, she carried herself with such confidence that when she walked in the room, you knew she was there. Her smile was something else. Her passion for life was immeasurable. When I picture her now, I see a beautiful smile and eyes that light up the room.

Not only does my heartbreak for losing Rosie. My heart breaks for Ruby. I want the twins back. I know that will never happen. I know if Ruby is reading this she is crying with me.

I feel Rosie's presence sometimes. I know she is at peace and that these steps for justice are a good thing.

May God Bless you and your family. Please pray for ours.