We've been though a lot in our lifetimes with the recognition and remembrance of those who put their lives on the line for us every day. Police, fire, military and first responders are the once "going in while we're all getting out". It's a selfless and sometimes thankless job because all of the aforementioned tend to meet us at the times we are at our worst. We may be in a high pressure situation, overwrought with emotion, we might be up to something that has some consequences attached and afraid of facing them and not really thinking straight when it comes to what we are doing. It doesn't take long however for all of us to stop and realize the sacrifice that they are willing to make and that the sacrifice extends to their family who are home waiting for their safe return.
Lydia Amaya was one of them waiting. She had become a newlywed to Michigan State Trooper Craig A. Scott. Both of them young and from Muskegon and Craig had completed and assignment in Detroit and was placed in Lansing which seemed safer, until a traffic stop one day when some speeding and a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle resulted in the End of Watch for Trooper Scott. This was 39 years ago. Life became a media circus for Lydia and an entire lifetime of hopes and dreams came to a standstill right then and there. The emptiness you feel in hearing this story, it's a fraction of the reality for Lydia. 
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This story has played out over 600 times in Michigan. Those who gave all are remembered in Lansing at the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument. It stand tall in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Groundbreaking for this memorial happened in 2018 and the dedication for it was in 2019. The names etched and those awaiting have endured the pandemic like we all have and Lydia found herself appointed a Commissioner of the organization that helps maintain and fund this incredible tribute.
With that, she's doing what we in Muskegon know how to do best. The scars are still there from her loss, but it's in the giving to others and helping them in what she does that the grief, well, it becomes a little more manageable and in the collective of knowing that she's not alone and that the combined efforts of many can equal one voice for a common purpose. How do we start it up in Muskegon? We put on a small event. It happened last year even in the midst of a pandemic, a walk was organized to remember and reflect. This year, the walk will grow a little and some added things like a theme as well as refreshments and music will be there. Lydia will be welcoming friends from across the state, and this serves as your invitation to "Walk a Mile Halloween Style" with Lydia to help the memorial as well as the 60 names that need to be added to it.
Lydia took a moment from her busy schedule to meet up with us at The Gym in North Muskegon to talk a little more about it. Take a listen.
It's our story. As we pick up the pieces from what life throws at us, the people in Muskegon generally show a unique characteristic that takes the healing process so far past what they need for themselves. Defining why it happens this way is hard to do, but think about it. Someone dies of cancer, up pops a motorcycle run that lasts 30 years and raises a couple million dollars. We lose someone to a stroke, a benefit comes along that makes $50,000 fall out of the sky. I often brag that we live in a town of miracles. Lydia is one of them. You are watching it unfold right in front of your eyes once again and to be a part of her event coming up on October 24th.....it's how the miracles grow and it's how we in Muskegon continue to do more than anyone else. It's why we work and it's the hero's like Lydia we are proud to shine a light on.
You can click on the image below to register for the event and please take a screen shot of your receipt to bring with you as proof.
