Like many people, I was shocked and saddened by the senseless tragedy that befell the family of Oscar-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson. Because she’s a native South-sider of Chicago (like me), a Christian (like me) and a bit on the curvy side (like me), I found a kinship in this woman and all her successes. Like many people, I desperately prayed for the safe return of her nephew, Julian. Sadly, this morning it appears that the answers to those prayers will be no. The Suburban was located and the body of a black male child was found. As of now, there has not been a positive identification, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Julian is dead.
In the days and weeks to come, the press will focus on the more sensational aspects of the case: Jennifer’s statement, photos of her grieving, how she reacted at the funeral. Eventually, there will be more coverage: the People magazine article, Jennifer’s first public appearance, the first TV interview, the first time she performs, etc. Because she is a star, it’s to be expected. Truthfully, I’m also curious about these things, so I will follow the coverage.
But that’s not really who I’m concerned about.
My thoughts are for Julia, Jennifer’s sister.
The alleged suspect in the killings is Julia’s estranged husband. The man is an ex-con on parole and it’s been reported that he had threatened to take Julian away from her.
I don’t know if he’s guilty or not; that’s for the courts to decide. But if he is, the tragedy is compounded on so many levels.
For Julia, not only has she lost her mother and brother but also her son. She has to wonder how she could have brought this person into her life – and the lives of her son and the rest of the family – knowing that he has a criminal record and a violent past.
I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. And maybe this man had made mistakes and was trying to turn his life around. Perhaps he was a good man, a working man trying to take care of his family. Perhaps.
But I’d bet not.
In the days and weeks to come, the focus will move solely to Jennifer. And in her interviews, she won’t blame anyone but the person responsible. And maybe she’ll mean it.
But privately, she’ll probably question her sister’s judgement, as will Julian’s father, Greg King. Anybody that’s human would.
But the doubt, the recriminations, the guilt will be Julia’s alone. In those sleepless days and nights to come, she’ll bear the burden of “What if?”
The Hudson family declares they are a family of faith. It’s their faith that will sustain them through these dark hours.
And it’s my prayer that Julia will find some comfort and peace for the many dark days to come.
donnad69
