Five years ago, our community lost a beautiful mother, daughter, sister and friend.
This event affected The Beaman Home on different levels. The loss of anyone to violence causes emotions through every staff member. When it happened to Lisa Mora, the fact that violence does not discriminate became a true reality.
Years before that tragic incident, Lisa was an advocate at The Beaman Home. As an advocate, she was so kind to everyone. We remember how she loved children and created fun games to play with them. Her quiet, reserved demeanor helped put the women entering the shelter at ease.
When her husband, Omar, took Lisa’s life, several members of The Beaman Home staff grieved for the loss of our friend.
So, on the fifth anniversary of her murder, we fondly remember her smile, her laugh, and her sweet words. Most importantly, her children, her parents, and the rest of her family are in our thoughts.
Remembering Mom: Through the Eyes of a Child
Written from the perspective of Lisa Mora’s youngest son, who was 2 at the time of the murder, by Lisa’s mother Linda Bowdler.
May is both happy and sad for me. First, it is my birthday, and I am having a roller-skating party. I will also be graduating from kindergarten, and my brother from sixth grade at Warsaw Christian School. I’m looking forward to all the cake and ice cream!
It is also a sad month, as it is the fifth anniversary of my mother’s death. By one selfish act of domestic violence, my world dramatically changed on May 23, 2007, as my brother, Nana, and I watched my dad murder Mom. On that day, my brother and I lost both our parents, as my dad is now a fugitive of the law. We never got to say good-bye to either of them.
After Mom’s death, we went to live with my Nana and Papaw. My grandparents set about creating a home for us. I had never spent a night away from my parents before, so there were many nights when I cried myself to sleep. My mother used to make up songs and sing to us whenever we were sad, so Nana made up a song to comfort us. I later told Nana, “You’re the best fake mom ever!”
The first few years after Mom’s death, my brother was often afraid. He was scared our dad would come back to hurt us. We were all afraid of any loud sudden noises or any violence in games and movies. We still are.
My great-grandfather, who is 94, came to live with us, too. Living with two grandpas and a nana is much like Charlie’s family in “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I’ve learned to play a lot of checkers and dominoes!
The death of my mom has affected all our family. Nana had to retire from her love of teaching, as she has developed health issues from all the stress. Papaw, at 65, still works 10-hour days to pay for the cost of a family of five.
We are so blessed to have our grandparents, but the truth is ... it is not the same as having your own parents.
Sometimes we call Nana, “Mom” just so we can say the word. There have been many painful times. Like when I didn’t want to go to the Mother’s Day program because I didn’t have a mom to sing to.
I envy my brother, who has memories of our mom. He tells me she was beautiful, loved music, and played the piano peacefully. I wish I could remember her like he does!
It has been the many prayers, counseling, and gifts of family and friends, which has carried us every day. We know our strong trust in God will see us through whatever the future holds.
I take comfort in knowing I’ll be with Mom again someday.
