On October 1, 1997 Bob Curley's life would be shattered.  On this day, Bob's son Jeffrey was abducted and brutally murdered in a case that would shock and traumatize a family, a community and re-kindle a renewed effort to reinstate the death penalty in Massachusetts.  Bob became an outspoken advocate and lobbyist, committing himself to having death penalty legislation passed as he struggled to understand his son's murder and to deal with his own rage, pain and suffering.

This is not a story of support or opposition of the death penalty.  It is a recognition of the extraordinary journey that Bob Curley embarked upon as he searched his heart for his own personal reconciliation while trying to move through his rage and the range of emotions he and his family were feeling.

Bob's search into his heart and soul and his questioning of the rightfulness of the death penalty he was advocating, began after an interaction with Bud Welch.  Bud's daughter was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing and while he also had his own share of grief and anger, opposed the execution of the bomber, Timothy McVeigh.  This encounter had a profound impact on Bob, who gradually over time, would question all that he held as true, fair and "just" and shift his position to opposing capital punishment. 

I had the privilege of hearing Bob speak briefly this past weekend, and I was struck by Bob's capacity; in all his suffering, and anger; to have the courage to take such an extraordinary journey. 

Bob's journey began with a horrible and violent act that many of us will gratefully never experience.  What we can take away from Bob's story is the inspiration to question that which we believe is right or true, what we believe is fair or just, our "shoulds" in our lives.  I think about the shifts in my own life, when I have had the courage to question my own beliefs and comfort zones.  It is during these times of questioning that I have had my greatest growth and healing of my heart.

If you are interested in learning more about Bob's journey, Brian MacQuarrie has chronicled his story in a book called "The Ride".