[Bahbah]

"Bowen's mother clutched a photograph of her daughter as she sat in the front row of the courtroom."

It is horrible that this woman lost her child, but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

[PeterPrinciple]

could be the writers choice of words, like "gasping for air"

[MineralMan]

"It is horrible that this woman lost her child, but why do they do this picture clutching thing?"

Why not? A photo of her daughter is about all she has left. Why not hold the photo? Did you consider it a sign of weakness or something? I'd call it a simple expression of grief.

[mombonn]

but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

People grieve differently. For example, I could NOT bring myself to read the cards people sent after my Mother died.

[Catspaw]

It is horrible that this woman lost her child, but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

Because either her daughter is still being autopsied or her daughter is at the funeral home getting ready for her funeral services.

What other memory of her daughter should she bring to the court hearing? Or should she be barred from bringing anything at all?

[AAABEST]

...but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

Because they're totally out of their mind and overcome with unimaginable grief.

[Xenalyte]

It is horrible that this woman lost her child, but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

Apparently, grief makes one unable to grip normally or lightly. Hence, one "clutches" everything.

(That's the best I can do with this lame cliche.)

[rabidralph]

It is horrible that this woman lost her child, but why do they do this picture clutching thing?

It's good theater. Makes for a great photo op. Just like when those dirt-poor middle easterners carry 17x24 framed, glass portraits of their "martyrs" during funeral processions.

I just don't understand how kids can be so angry and violent today. She slapped the boy and then ran down the couple! Unbelievable! I imagine all that grrlpower just went to her head.

[bowenthe]

Its been 8 years since my daughter was murdered. Someone I work with told me yesterday of this article about her here on Free Republic. I decided to read it. I read your comment and question as to why I had to clutch a picture of Meagan in the front row of the courtroom. I was told where to sit. I was put in a position to give my daughter a voice. A face. She could’nt do it for herself. It was all I could do for her. Believe me it was not for attention. There were all three national and local networks, abc, nbc, cbs as well as fox and cnn parked in front of our house for days. Not to mention her visitation and funeral. Honestly, I knew of course they were there, but at the same time was numb to it, out of body. Hard to explain. My husband I did one interview with the 3 local news stations and one with our news paper. We declined all national networks fox and cnn. All the morni.g news shows....though the police chief did goodmorning america. We declined People mag. Montel Williams, Inside edition, 48 hours, 20/20, Oprah. Yes, I said no to Oprah. I declined publishers about writing books. Quite frankly. I did have a moment speaking on behalf of daughter. I'm not from the midwest but believe me, I am strong, I have class and prefer my privacy. No stiff upper lip though. When I see something wrong I have to, and will, say it. Its that steel magnolia gene I was born with. I did good. I know you will never see this, but thank you, or anyone for hearing me out now, over 8and years later. Thank you. Theresa Bowen, RN Trauma Main OR at Medical University of SC and Meagan Bowens mom. Note. Rebecca Oswalt is prayed for everyday as well as Curtis Stock. Rebecca was sentenced to 32 years. No parole. Three families suffer. Her mother and I do not communicate....but the day she was sentenced I asked to speak with her mom. They gave us a few minutes of privacy. I hugged her mom and we both cried in each others arms. I told her I was so sorry. I felt so bad for her. She also lost her daughter. I know where mine is. She is fine. I miss her every minute of everyday. But I don't worry about her. She never felt any pain and never will. Again, thank you.