Sending HUGS & Prayers for a gentle Christmas Season.

  I live in Atlanta,GA now but when I lived in Jacksonville I drove past the wreath with Krystal's picture in it on Beach Blvd. every day. I always felt saddened for the loss of such a young woman. I never knew the story behind the wreath. The accident happened when I was living in South Florida. I moved back to Jacksonville and was working for an eye doctor @ in Jax Beach. It was @ that time that I met a very pleasant but quiet man by the name of Joe Duss. He seemed sad. I told him it was probably none of my business but was he ok. His head lowered and tears came to his eyes as he expressed his grief over losing his wife Krystal to a drunk driver almost 1 year ago to the day. He explained that it happened @ the intersection of Beach and University, and how he was still experiencing side affectes of the coma he was in. He spoke of how much pain the loss of his wife caused.  I cannot describe the sick feeling that came over me....I now knew the story behind the wreath.  He explained how he had twins who were 2 and that he felt so lost and that they didn't deserve to grow up wothout their mom. Even though I never knew her, to see and hear him describe her I know she was quite a beautiful,wonderful woman and mom. I couldn't help but cry with him. As I sat @ my computer tonight on the news4jax website I saw the 5 year article and tribute to Krystal.  My heart goes out to all of you.  I have a love of butterflies and a butterfly tattoo as well that my oldest daughter picked for me when we lived in Ft. Lauderdale.  It's kind of pleasantly ironic, but as I sit here typing this my 3 1/2 year old daughter is playing dolls.  She just came up to me and asked me if I could help her put shoes on her doll.  She said,"I have to get her dressed for work"...I asked,"what type of work does she do"...her answer,"she's a doctor...a butterfly doctor"...I said,"really, a butterfly doctor?"...her reply,"yes, like the pretty lady with the butterflies you were looking at on your computer" (what a wonderful tribute).  Krystal's life and death have touched our family...You all are in our prayers....God Bless, The Thompson Family: Joseph,Ann,Moriah,McKenna and Teagan......

Jo Ann,

I haven't been to Krystal's site for awhile.......... but today I've spent a long time, reading and crying. The loss is heart breaking ............. I know so well the pain behind every word you've written.

Her site is beautiful, you've put so much into it. I know how intense your grief is.......... I sense your presence and your tears in every word.

Oh my beloved friend, how well I know the sorrow you write of..... how much pain can a mother bear and still go on breathing?

I wish I knew the answer.......... I just finished my second year and, if anything, my sorrow is more intense. My heart feels broken beyond repair. I know so well how much suffering you've gone through......... we've walked this path together.

My dear friend, If I could sit with you awhile, just to hold your hand and hug you while we cry together....... I would be able to share with you how much I understand....... how completely I grasp the meaning of every word you've written. It's impossible to survive, yet.......... we have no choice.

I send you my love Jo Ann, my understanding and my tears.......... your precious Krystal is an angel in God's heaven, a beautiful, special angel.......... watching over her beloved children and her family........... always.

Someday, perhaps we'll understand, but not yet, and not today. My prayers are with you always.

Jane

I hope this will bring you comfort as it for me. 

Love Maw Maw Bonnie

Hi Joanne,

this website is such a beautiful gift to Krystal and her 2 precious boys.  although i didnt know Krystal well, as we were children when we met, i can tell what a beautiful and special woman, daughter, and mom she was.  Her life and the relationship she had with you and her family is inspirational.  i pray for her and for you and her boys.  i know she will be remembered and loved always.

all my love and prayers,

Marianne Harvey (Uncle Clyde's daughter)