Here is an amazing story on forgiveness from the Miami Herald. Jordyn Howe brought his step-father's gun on the school bus. As he was playing around with the gun, it accidentally discharged, killing another student, 13-year-old Lourdes "Jina" Guzman-DeJesus.

When Ady DeJesus, the mother of the murder victim, faced Jordyn, her daughter's killer, in court, she stunned the courtroom by reaching out and hugging him. As the news story says, "There was no anger or rage. Instead, she gave Jordyn Howe a tearful hug. 'I'm sorry,' Howe, 16, stammered as she wrapped her arms around him, fighting back his own tears. "What an amazing display of forgiveness. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Ellen Sue Venzer said, "In 20 years, I've watched human tragedy unfold in this courtroom. I could have never imagined a victim's mother embracing her child's killer."

Howe will remain under the supervision of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice until he reaches 21 years of age. He must also speak to schools about the dangers of gun violence at least 12 times a year— alongside the mother of the girl he killed. In light of the unusual display of forgiveness and the gracious sentencing, Judge Venzer had the final words to Howe: "I hope and pray you do not squander this opportunity you've been given."

Editor’s Note: This story was updated 12/26/20