A Mother’s Letter

Guest blog written by Bettye Sweet

I was so inspired by your film, that here I am, 8 years later, writing this letter to the person who killed my son.


Dear David Cunningham:

I’m sure you’re surprised to hear from me, the mother of Jason Sweet. When you murdered my son, my entire world was turned upside down. He was 18, my only son, in college and working – doing what he was supposed to be doing.

For more than a year, even with writing my book, Survivor to Thriver: A Mother’s Journey Toward Peace After Her Son’s Murder, every single morning I’d wake up angry that I woke up because I didn’t want to face the pain of yet another day.

Your actions changed many, many lives. I just would like to know if you really realize what you did – the pain and agony you caused!? Do you regret what you did – not just because you got caught? Just tell me how does that affect your soul? Do you even remember his face? Here it is, just in case you don’t.

I’m trying my best to forgive you, but I need to hear what you have to say. Please, please write me back.
Dear David Cunningham:

I’m sure you’re surprised to hear from me, the mother of Jason Sweet. When you murdered my son, my entire world was turned upside down. He was 18, my only son, in college and working – doing what he was supposed to be doing.

For more than a year, even with writing my book, Survivor to Thriver: A Mother’s Journey Toward Peace After Her Son’s Murder, every single morning I’d wake up angry that I woke up because I didn’t want to face the pain of yet another day.

Your actions changed many, many lives. I just would like to know if you really realize what you did – the pain and agony you caused!? Do you regret what you did – not just because you got caught? Just tell me how does that affect your soul? Do you even remember his face? Here it is, just in case you don’t.

I’m trying my best to forgive you, but I need to hear what you have to say. Please, please write me back.

B. Sweet

 

Did you like this? Share it:

3 Comments to “A Mother’s Letter”

  1. Maxine (Bolton) Johnson says:

    I am so proud of you , This is a very difficult journey, I have no doubt that you will complete it you are a Survivor. After watching the trailer I am reminded of what C. W. Leadbetter said “Not only do we need control of Temper , but control of nerve , so that none of the fantastic or terrible sights that we may encounter may be able to shake our dauntless courage”.

    • Bettye Sweet says:

      Awww, Mackie. Thanks for your love and support. We’ve been friends since the third grade. Wow! Guess you really know me.
      BS

  2. Beverly Miller says:

    Betty,

    You are an amazing woman and I am so proud of you. It took a lot of courage for you to write to David. It took even more courage to ask him to look into his heart and tell you what he felt after murdering your only son. I’m sure after watching the preview of “unlikely friends” helped you navigate through the pain of writing that letter.
    I pray for your peace,
    Beverly

Leave a Reply to Bettye Sweet

Message