By SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Hometown Press

Lawrence Bell was weeding his mother’s lawn in 1991 when a car veered off the road and crushed him against a tree.

Lawrence’s two young children witnessed their father’s death.

It was almost Christmas.

The intoxicated driver was sentenced to 10 years probation.

On Tuesday, almost two decades after the tragedy, Lawrence’s wife, Kathy Bell-Schexnaider, joined other victims of violent crimes at the Chambers County Courthouse to hang ornaments on the Tree of Angels.

“While we are celebrating the birth of Christ and opening presents with those we love this Christmas season, we should remember that many people are heart broken and should be remembered with a kind word, a hug or a pat on the back this Christmas,” said District Attorney Cheryl Lieck. “For they are the victims of violent crimes and for them Christmas and holidays are not so joyful.”

Mrs. Kathy Bell-Schexnaider, now a senior victim’s advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, attested to that.

“My children and I, we don’t celebrate Christmas,” she said. “I don’t celebrate holidays.”She said she visits a Tree of Angels each Christmas somewhere in the state so that her husband will be remembered. 

Tree of Angels was started in 1991 by then-Texas Governor George Bush to remember the victims of violent crimes. That was the same year Kathy’s husband was killed.

“You know what I got that Christmas?” she asked those attending Tuesday’s solemn ceremony in the Chambers County Courthouse. “My children drew pictures of their father being killed, and picture of their father in a casket. That’s what I got for Christmas from my children.”

County Attorney Scott Peal said crime affects everyone in a community, not just their families.“Violent crimes affect all of our lives. Violent Crimes affect everyone,” he said. “It changes lives. It changes families. It changes you.

County commissioners proclaimed Tuesday, Dec. 14, Tree of Angels Day in Chambers County.

County Judge Jimmy Sylvia read the resolution during Tuesday’s tribute.“Whereas, when crimes occur, society must protect not only the rights of the accused, but also the rights of the victim; and whereas, recognizing that the holiday season is a difficult time for victims and their families. The Tree of Angels will become a memorable tradition, observed in Chambers County to recognize that the holiday season is a difficult time for victims and their families. The event will honor surviving victims of violent crime and victims’ families by allowing loved ones to bring an angel to place on a special Christmas tree; and whereas, all Chambers County recognizes the important work of all who commit themselves to assist crime victims and their loved ones. Traditions like the Tree of Angels reflect the kind and compassionate spirit of the holiday season and  encourage us all to play a role in building a safer, more-just community.”