Editor:
I am overwhelmed again with the deep life-changing, tragic loss of my daughter Amber Slaughter. My heart is running, my belly is tight and working on trying to hold back the flood of tears that hide behind my eyes. On January 23, 1994, Amber was murdered by three young men all under the age of 18, who drove her to the South Jetty and ended her life. My father would have accompanied members of the Loleta fire department who responded to a call from a man who nudged her body lying in the road. Thankfully he was taking care of his mother that night at her apartment and was not one of the valiant first responders. Amber’s sisters, parents, uncle, grandparents and community members also dredge up this tragedy with varying levels of emotional distress when January 23 approaches. Unfortunately, we continue to live with murder and mayhem in our world. Please join me for an extra prayer for peace on this day in Amber’s name.
Francine Schulman, Eureka
This article appears in Nurses, Stat.
Yes I will join you in prayers! Love you and your family! Lori Boots
The loss of my beautiful friend Amber was one of the most profound losses that I’ve ever experienced. It still hurts to my core, yet I know that my pain barely touches the pain felt by her parents and sisters. Amber remains in my daily thoughts, as do Francine, Alison, and Erika.
I will never forget the profound loss felt by our entire community when Amber left us. I am so happy I knew her. She was a beautiful child of the 80’s and the little girl inside worshipped her fashion and of course her hair. My heart is always with you ladies. Sending love
My heart still hurts for Amber’s family and friends. I often think of how her life would of turned out if she wasn’t taken so young. Maybe a couple kids, awesome husband, large family get togethers with Erika and Alison’s families, etc. I am glad I was given the opportunity to know this family growing up. So today, and often I remember little, sweetly sassy Amber.