OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma City bombing thrust Diane Koch into the life of a crime victim’s advocate for 13 years, until she realized she had to leave the state to start a new chapter of life.
Bud Welch said his ability to eventually forgive enabled him to survive emotionally after the death of his daughter. For Jannie Coverdale, though, there’s “no such thing” as moving on, even after two decades.
All three lost loved ones 20 years ago Sunday, when Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City federal building with a rental truck laden with explosives. However, all three took different paths as they tried to come to grips with a pain that never fully heals.
Koch initially sought justice for her husband and the 167 other people killed in the attack, eventually becoming an advocate for victims of all crimes in a role at the Oklahoma attorney general’s office.
“It was my life for 13 years,” Koch said. “I just had a heart for those who have been hurt by crime – and still do.”