Paula Gallant - by Gina Macdonald

My first venture into the world of freelance journalism began with a blog. The death of Paula Gallant in December of 2005 had been nagging at my soul, and I felt the need to vent my frustration, if only for my eyes to see.

I'm still not sure how word of my blog got around, but one day, the article that had been read by only a handful of people, was now being viewed by dozens. Just days later, that number jumped to hundreds. Pretty soon, anonymous readers were leaving comments, whether it was similar frustration, prayers, testaments to Paula's life, or just a simple expression of grief. As I write this, almost 3000 people have come to the site, for comfort, out of curiosity, or maybe just for common ground.

Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain - the more people read, the more conversation about Paula, her life, and her story are kept in the forefront of people's minds. And at this point, that, in my opinion, is the best thing we can do for her and her family.

Lynn & Lana, when all is said and done, will be viewed as the heroes in this case. Were it not for their persistence and committment, the death of Paula Gallant may well have drifted into cold case obscurity. I still can't understand the media's inexplicable (and inexcusable) lack of coverage of this tragedy. The response to the blog is demonstrative of the amount of concern and outrage surrounding this case, so for the television and print media to ignore this obvious public support movement, is an egregious injustice in itself.

Thankfully, this void will soon be at least partially filled by the launch of the website www.paulagallant.com. Having visited the site in it's infancy, I can attest to the impact it will have on Paula's memory and cause. Only a truly remarkable life could inspire such lovely remembrances as are found on this website. Once word of it's existance spreads, we can only hope the media will follow suit and reaffirm the public call for resolution of this crime.

And resolution is most important, because all the memorials and tributes in the world won't bring what must be so desperately lacking for Paula's family - justice. The cowardice, selfishness, and brutality necessary to take an innocent human life, should not be left unpunished. Almost two years after her death, Paula's murderer is still enjoying life, family, and undeserved freedom. Though I don't know the facts of the case, I am left to assume, based on their statements, that the police just don't have enough evidence to charge the person they believe to be responsible. I hesitate to point fingers, but I will say this: what a shame that, within the current justice system, the burden of proof has become so unattainable, that the guilty party often has an advantage over the victim. The very telling comments on my blog send a clear message, and indicate that it is only a matter of time, they surmise, before the killer is brought to justice, at long last.

Still, even in the worst case scenario, the family of Paula Gallant can be content in knowing what a profound impact her life had on friends and strangers alike. It takes an exceptional spirit to leave an imprint on so many lives and to unite so many hearts, and Paula embodies that very doctrine.

Gina MacDonald