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Hey there listeners, Michael Garoflo here.

Before we get started with this week's episode,

I have a special request for you. If this podcast has ever made you laugh or

cry, if it's helped you see others in a different light or given you hope, please consider

making a gift to support our work. You can do that at donate. StoryCorps.org

slash podcast. And if you donate before December 31st, StoryCorps will receive

two dollars for every one that you give. The URL again is donate

storycore.org slash podcast.

Thanks for being part of the Storycore family.

Over the last year Mary Johnson Roy has been getting a steady stream of visitors all there to basically say one thing.

Thank you Mary. I love you. I thank you so much just for being in my life. I love you sister Mary. Thank you Mary Johnson Roy.

Mary lives in Minneapolis and has spent many years supporting mothers who have

lost children to homicide. If it wasn't for Mary, I don't know where I would be as a

grieving mother.

Well, I know that I wouldn't be here.

Mary's dedicated to this work because in 1993,

she lost her own son, the Ramian bird.

But there's something else about Mary that makes her uniquely qualified to do this work.

Her connection to the man who killed her son.

...