SHEPHERDSVILLE – It was a time of reflection and a time for hope.
Several dozen family and friends of Jessica Dishon made the walk from the Farmers Market to a spot located in the Shepherdsville First Street Park.
At the end of the journey was a special place of recognition and remembrance of a teenager who lost her life too early.
Back in September 1999, a 17-year-old Bullitt Central student was taken from her home. It would be 10 days later that her body would be found.
Jessica’s uncle, Stanley, would enter a guilty plea years later that he was responsible for her death. He was also responsible for child molestation.
The march on Saturday served an opportunity to remember Jessica but to also give those who have suffered, are suffering or know someone who is suffering a place they can reflect.
Jessica’s Garden is located just north of the baseball fields in the city park.
Organizer DeAnna O’Connell, who is Jessica’s cousin, was inspired to develop a quiet place that individuals could gather. In the garden, there are phone numbers for agencies that can help those who are suffering from abuse.
Jessica’s mom, Edna, thanked those who came out to dedicate the garden in her daughter’s honor.
“We grow stronger,” O’Connell told the family and friends. “We’ll remember the good and happy times.”
She thanked mayor Jose Cubero, the city council and the community for their support in establishing the garden.
Cubero said that city workers would make sure flowers are planted each spring in a long remembrance of Jessica.
“Jessica will never be forgotten,” said Cubero.
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