It has now been two weeks since I had the privilege of
attending the "Celebration of Life" for Dr. Teleka C. Patrick in
Orlando, Florida. It was indeed a moving and profound service, and especially
notable because as a Catholic I had never been to a Seventh-day Adventist
funeral in the past. However, even including the many veteran funerals I that have
attended as a district, and now zone commander of the American Legion, it was an
inspiring experience. Although each of the veteran funerals are similar, I
always leave with a heavy heart, and each of these services have special
meaning. The folding of the American flag by military personnel that is
presented to a family member is the
highlight of that greatly honored ceremony. Near the completion of Teleka's
service a similar protocol was followed with a cloth drapery that displayed her
now famous doctoral picture. It was folded and presented to the Patrick family
just as the American flag is presented at a veterans burial.
I had the privilege of speaking to the people in attendance,
and those who viewed the ceremony as it was streamed across the globe to
friends and family of Dr. Patrick. I was a tad uncomfortable because the others
speakers were esteemed university presidents and clergy of the Seventh-day Adventist
Conference, however the family was grateful for me to be present, and I was
honored to attend, and be considered part of their family.
Many people came up to me and said we cannot give up on our
quest to find justice for Teleka. I have assured the family that after
listening to her celebration of life, the video presentation, the vehement
comments by siblings and pastors, that
we will not give up. Kalamazoo County police officials may consider this case
closed, but I will guarantee you all that it is far from closed!
Groups across the country are still asking questions and
offering information and support. Just a few days ago I had a lengthy
conversation with a lovely lady who went to school with Teleka. I will continue
to ask for help, and will examine any piece of information that could have
relevance. There is an old saying in police work that I have followed
throughout my life; You don't know what to look for until you find it, and you
won't find it until you look." I'm in this for the long run for Irene and
Matthias Patrick, and we, working as a team, will never give up.
One of the reasons that continues to inspire me is something
that was found among Teleka's journal
entries; My image of God is rich. He is a loving, merciful, accepting , and
benevolent Father. He loves me so much. That's why he takes care of me every
day. He is also a high and exalted God who should be worshipped--just because
He is God. She also said; "Thanks God, that I belong to You. J There are
lots of words to say and I don't know which ones will make your day--but I'm
just a little kid--a little girl--a little squirt--a little tot--in awe of You,
Lord. Love Ya! J xoxo
I can tell you all one thing. Something caused Teleka to be
distressed on December 5, 2013 and she did not run to kill herself or get off
the grid. She was in deep fear and we will find out the true circumstances of
what happened that night. To the person/s responsible for this tragedy, "you
can run, but you can't hide."
If anyone wishes to contact me about Teleka's case, please
feel free to do so.
Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan
269.753.1181- Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net
