
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 29, 1993                   TAG: 9403020191
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KELLY DAWN CHESNUT-SNEAD
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NOBLE SPIRIT

YOU HAVE all read in the papers, heard in the news, and probably talked among yourselves about my family. My family has too; we have cried together, held onto each other, asked why, and prayed that this was not true.

But Phadra Dannielle is gone.

And now, I will tell you about her mother, Cindy, a truly remarkable woman.

As I walked out the door, on my way to the funeral home, I felt a strong need to do something for the grieving parents, Marty and Cindy Layne. Yes, this was a selfish need, yet one I believe was felt by many others. Marty and Cindy have lost so very much, their daughter. I wanted to be able to give them something, some hope, understanding, comfort, or anything that might ease their pain, no matter how brief or how small. If I could just do something for them, I would feel better.

The last thing I expected was to receive so much from a woman who had just lost her child.

When my family drove into the parking lot, I was afraid of how we would be received. See, I am a niece of a grieving parent, Marty Layne, and a niece of the accused, Billy Layne.

My fears were unfounded as we walked toward Cindy, and she opened her arms to hug each one of us. We all cried as Cindy told my grandmother how much she had thought and worried about her. She expressed that she knew of the hell my grandmother is going through, as well as how much she loves her, her "second mother." This was all communicated with such sincerity that I was amazed at the depth of character this woman possesses.

As I held Cindy, brushing her hair with my hand, hoping to give her some comfort, I realized with surprise that she was actually helping me! She was allowing me to give her what I needed to give. She let me speak volumes through silent touch, and she heard me! She made the effort to listen not only to me and my family, but to everyone!

When a young child tentatively approached Cindy, unsure of what to do, and what was expected, it was with such caring and warmth that Cindy enfolded the child in her arms. She gently rocked him or her, and somehow in a very precious way let the child know that nothing was expected, that she was honored that he or she had came, and that his or her presence was welcomed and needed.

I was deeply inspired by Cindy's ability to give so much in spite of having lost so much.

Driving away from the funeral home, I knew that no one had ever had such an impact on my life as Cindy has had. I witnessed such a rare beauty in her that I doubt that it escaped anyone's notice. I cannot help but to feel that Cindy's grace and dignity surpassed that of royalty.

\ Kelly Dawn Chesnut-Snead lives in Iron Gate in Alleghany County.

by CNB