Today my heart is heavy, for it is the day I will remember all those who lost their loved ones to murder. I often heard and read stories on those who lost loved ones to murder and though how sad for that family, and go on with my life. On the morning of February 10 2012 I never imagine that I’d be one one of those families I felt sorry for, and hoped to never be. I lost my only younger brother to murder the morning of February 10 2012 and my life had forever changed. It’s amazing how you can think you know what someone should do, act or feel in that situation until you are in that situation yourself. I have become a volunteer to our local non-profit organization here in our county, and many tell me that it’s not a good thing because it’s just a constant remind of my brother’s murder. I find it funny….. My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age 11 and I since then have become a volunteer for the Autism Society of Berks in our County, and never have I heard anyone tell me it’s not a good thing because it’s a constant reminder of my son being on the Autism Spectrum. Well, here’s my outlook on the whole volunteer and non-profit organizations.
I volunteer my time to 2 non-profit organizations here in Berks County…. Years of Tears and Autism Society of Berks. The Autism Society of Berks after my 16 yo son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and YOT after the homicide of my brother. Some people have a hard time volunteering their time on organization like this because they feel it is a constant reminder of what happened or what is. Even though some may look at it in that way….. I don’t. I’m going to be reminded of what happened or what is no matter if I volunteer my time or not. That’s like saying I shouldn’t help a CHD organization because it would be a constant reminder of my heart condition. If everyone thought like this there would be no organizations for those to help people who have children on the Autism Spectrum, or help people who lost their loved ones to homicide, etc. It takes special strong person such as myself to volunteer my time to organizations like this. When my son was 1st diagnosed I didn’t know where to go or which way to turn. When my brother was 1st murdered I didn’t know what to do or how to handle it, but with the help of those who volunteered their time to both those organizations, I was able to get where I am today. I was able to stay strong and help those who needed help next. I am proud to be a part of these organizations and help those today, get through where I had been. Volunteers don’t get paid, but the work is priceless Pay it forward!
Remembering all those who lost their lives due to a senseless act of violence such as homicide! Rest In Peace
In Memory of a life so beautifully lived
Timothy B. Reber 08.15.80~02.10.12
Loved Ones Loss 