The End of the Story – Ricky’s Burial Will Be Private
Story Created: April 14, 2007
The person who should have been able to bury Ricky is the person who first saw him come into this world.
I have asked myself many times when the right time would be to close this blog or to write the final entry. I thought about moving forward for the rights of children in Michigan in Ricky’s memory but there does not seem to be enough interest in doing that.
Now, with the news released today of the details of the agreement regarding Ricky’s burial it appears there will no longer be anything left to write about the story of Ricky Holland.
The families agreed to keep each of their services private.
“They are not to notify the media or anyone … of the date, time and place,” say court documents signed Friday.
So, just as quickly as the public was drawn into the drama of the Holland family, the public is being pushed out. We are left to wonder where the little boy many of us grew to care about will be buried. Even if we wanted to go and pay our respects one day to the little guy, perhaps to place a single rose or a small toy on his grave, we are banned from doing this because it is forbidden by the terms of the agreement between two families who did nothing to keep him from being abused and murdered.
The two families, the Hollands and the Taylors will each have their own funeral service for Ricky with the keeper of his remains, Dean Senko, forced to transport Ricky’s remains from one memorial service to another. These two families who never really cared about Ricky in life both insist upon the right to “have closure” but need to have that process separately because they hate each other so much. The nuts don’t fall far from the tree on either side of the family.
I am just rambling now and that is because I am feeling upset. I know the public deserves nothing in this situation. We deserve no consideration when it comes to laying Ricky to rest but he left such a big impression on so many people from the time they first saw his sweet little face on that missing poster.
I will be writing a recap and closing entry for this blog within the next week or so. The blog will stay up after I stop writing entries.
[Source]
21 Responses to 'The End of the Story – Ricky’s Burial Will Be Private'
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hi, that is me in the white jacket in front of Casey.
I did attend the hearing, and thought it was very cold and uncaring. First thing, when I entered the 2nd floor, sitting at the end of the hall were Lisa’s parents and one of her brothers, her mother was in the whelchair, but not on the oxygen, as far as I could see. I had to really brace myself to not say something. They did not go into the court room, and were gone when the hearing was finished.
Casey can only go IF someone invites her, give me a break. She was the only one that showed him any love in his life. But, they are letting the adopted families that knew of the abuse and even may have participated in it have private memorials.
You may think I am crazy, but my thought is this, that the governor or DHS had some input as to the decision of the private memorials. They don’t want the media to know, because it would put focus on the DHS again. They have not held anyone accountable yet. I believe it very strongly, that the governor got in touch with the judge. I hope that the media does find out where it will be held, and make it front page news.
*****************************
Hi caring,
I thought one of the pictures taken had caught you. I thought it might have been the one with Casey and Matt…there was part of a woman’s face next to Casey and I thought that might have been you
Anyway…I agree ‘give me a break’ about Casey needing an invite to her son’s funeral. It is a crying shame the state didn’t pony up and allow her to bury her son. The least they could have done was to reinstate her parental rights so she could bury her own flesh and blood. I hate how this was handled as well.
I don’t think you are crazy for thinking what you think about the governor putting her seal of approval on the arrangements. It is important for all concerned to get this whole ‘mess’ over with so everyone can move on. At least that is what it looks like from where I am sitting and it is a travesty. Ricky never got any real justice and the ending of this just makes me ill.
And the beat goes on…Charlise Adams-Rogers goes on trial in June for the murder of her foster son Isaac Lethbridge and Carol Poole will begin her trial soon for the murder of her foster child Allison Newman…nothing seems to change for the better and these are just two children who have died in foster care since Ricky’s body was found in January 2006. Governor Granholm says the system works fine and does not need fixing. She tells the legislature to investigate Ricky’s case and then when the committee makes the recommendation she vetoes it.
Oh, btw…I meant for you to write an entry not a comment…I was going to give you the stage…
caring
14 Apr 07 at 10:33 pm
This is Aweful I talked to Casey Last night about it all and she has Written a Letter to the families asking to be apart of it all.. ( the Same Ones who Killed her baby she has to beg to see the burial) how aweful is That..It sickens me and makes me wanna just scream and break down into tears…its just Aweful. there are No other words for it..They Railroaded her To get the Kids and now they are Railroading her for the burial. Just aweful.
***********************
Hi KC,
I agree with you. It is awful that Casey has to ask or as you put it ‘beg’ to attend her son’s funeral. The state should have reinstated Casey’s parental rights to Ricky so she could bury him. JMO
KC
15 Apr 07 at 2:48 pm
This has got to be The Worse thing for casey Ever.. I talked to her and She has sent letters to Both families basically haveing to BEG to get to see the burial of her baby.. thats aweful and its the Only word for it
KC
15 Apr 07 at 2:50 pm
First, I was not sitting next to Casey. She was with her husband and 2 other women. I was 2 rows in front of them.
I know she must really be hurting, but, I’m not sure I could be at a memorial with either of those families. I would want to jump all over them. They watched and knew of this abuse, and may have participated in some of it. I could not do it.
I don’t know how the Taylors/Hollands could even hold a memorial, they know they are guilty and partly responsible for what happened to this child. This whole thing amazes me.
The courts don’t care, they just want it done. Every time Lisa or Tim try to appeal, the story will make news, so this is not over.
**********************
I didn’t say you were sitting next to Casey, I just wondered if the woman in the photo might have been you.
It would be hard to be around them during the memorial. What would be even harder I think would be to listen to them speak so fondly of Ricky during the service.
The problem is caring, they don’t know they are guilty and partly responsible. In their minds their hands are clean.
caring
16 Apr 07 at 1:06 am
Isn’t that sad that they think they did right by this poor child? They make me so sick.
I am happy that this Children’s Rights group from New York is suing the State of Michigan, maybe it will make them act on things that need changing. I would hope it will help to bring those that should be held accountable happen.
I hope it goes to trial, and I plan on attending. This has got to stop, they are so careless with these poor children. They pass them on as though they are pieces of meat.
caring
22 Apr 07 at 12:21 am
Hi this is Casey and i want to thank all of u for being so supportive of me and i am talking to the childrens atty and she said that she would let me know where he is so that i can take stuff to him and so my family can do the same thing. The one thing i dont understand is that when my rights were termanatied so was my familys now with tim and lisa there rights were taken but there familys wasnt why is that?
*******
Hi Casey,
This is Trisha and I am the author of this blog for your son. I am glad the children’s attorney is going to let you know where Ricky is buried so you can visit his resting place. I agree with your question and have wondered the same thing. Why did your parent’s grandparent’s rights terminate along with the termination of your parental rights but not so with the Holland and Taylor families?
I believe the state of Michigan should have restored your parental rights to Ricky so you could have given him a proper burial. I am sorry for your loss, Casey.
Casey
4 May 07 at 8:46 pm
hi trisha this is matt caseys husband, despite any of the past comments about me and my wife i would love to take this oppertunity to thank you and all of the people that have now since rickys remains have been fought over and treated as realestate started to stand up for us and support and believe in us is very much appreciated and for you (careing) god bless you for everything u have said about us my wife and i, although this isnt about me its about my wife and her baby boy im glad that everyones opinion has changed about us i for 1 will never forget all the comments good and bad and all of the people that have spent countless hours enduring heat elements and troubled times god bless you all i have also looked for him and the results were very promising but thats another day, again thank you all and god bless you all your all in my thoughts and heart, good day.
matt
6 May 07 at 2:21 am
Casey, I hope you were able to attend a memorial service for your son, I know you were trying very hard to do so. My heart goes out to you, No one can really know what you have been through. I know this for sure, that Ricky would have had a much better life, if he had been with you.
I too, like you, have questioned why the rights of your parents were not as those of Lisa and Tim’s. I am in disabelief. Have you consulted an attorney?
I did see you at the hearing, and almost approached you, but thought I woud not want to interefer.
This beautiful child was robbed of so much, by the system (DHS), and all others involved. I fell in love with Ricky myself. wish I could have done more, but I will never stop fighting.
caring
10 May 07 at 12:49 am
no i was not able to im not even sure if they have even had one yet. even if i dont go i will have one of my own after i find out where he is at. mine will be for family and friends and if trisha will let me i will put the date and time on here for whoever might want to come to it. would u allow me to do that trisha? for now thank u for being so caring and kind hearted. hope that everyone that reads this will have a great and wonderful day. and i would never wish anything like this one anyone
*****************
Casey,
This is Trisha. I don’t mind you announcing the time and place of Ricky’s memorial service in the comments section of the blog. However, if you would not mind, I would much rather announce it on the main page of the blog in the side bar under “Upcoming Events.” I wish I could attend the service but I live in California but I will be there in spirit.
Casey, I am sorry for your loss.
casey
11 May 07 at 1:01 pm
Casey, please let everyone know when the memorial will be.
I am surprised that the media didn’t find out when the memorials were that the Holland/Taylor families were having.
Although, it wouldn’t surprise me if they (Holland/Taylor) didn’t follow through with anything. I find it very hard to believe that they could hold a memorial after they did nothing for him when he was alive.
I sent Mr. Dunnings a note, telling him how mad I was at the way they were handling the burial of his remains. That none of the people that really cared about him, could even attend. I told him the whole process and decisions were very cold and uncaring.
Casey, I too, want to say I am very sorry for your loss.
*******************
Caring,
I am interested in hearing if you receive a response from Mr. Dunnings and what that response is to to your comments.
Trisha
caring
14 May 07 at 7:45 pm
He e-mailed me back and told me to call him. I had no luck in reaching him.
He once told me he had told the secretary to set aside some time for me to call him ( he gave me a date and time), and when I did, no one answered the phone. I think he was just putting me off.
I had e-mailed him numerous times throughout the trial and afterwards. He would answer some of my e-mails, but at times would say to call him.
caring
17 May 07 at 12:24 am
Casey, have you decided anything yet? I hope you follow through and have some sort of memorial. I will attend, if at all possible.
caring
20 May 07 at 1:29 am
Casey, I hope you really have some sort of memorial for Ricky. He deserves it. Also, it will keep the awareness that the DHS needs some major changing.
If you do,, let the media know that you are having it, for Ricky.
caring
23 May 07 at 11:33 pm
Ok I was Just Informed that Fox 47 had Where Little RIcky is Buried… On the News.. Just To Let Everyone Know He Is buried Not far from his Birthmother Casey
KC
26 May 07 at 2:36 am
i just found out tonight where my baby boy is at. im not sure when i will have the memorial for him but once i know i will let everyone know. for now i am so happy that i know where he is now. for people that might want to take flowers to him before our memorial he is at St. Joseph cemetary on Willow St. in Lansing. im going to go for now but i will check back later.
***********************
Casey,
Thank you for stopping by to leave the information about Ricky’s burial. It was a very thoughtful thing to do.
Trisha
Casey
26 May 07 at 3:10 am
Hi,
I am completely appalled by this whole sequence of events. I live in Michigan and I have been obsessed with Ricky’s story. I have a 9 yr old son, who really DOES have ADHD and a mild case of Asperger’s Syndrome,both of which cause some behavioral issues. These issues cannot be treated through medication alone and harsh punishment is not appropriate because some of his behaviors are “hard-wired” and he isn’t choosing to be “bad.” Probably because of the similarities in age between the two, I began to think of Ricky the way I think of my son. I am happy that he was finally laid to rest, but I am still disgusted that the Hollands were able to treat him the way they did. While under the license of the State of Michigan, those pieces of human offal abused and murdered a child. It’s as if the Michigan CPS/FIA has single-handedly reinstated the death penalty for the “unwanted” children in Michigan, while the murderers and their families get to whine about their rights. I wish that the State, in its infinite wisdom, would refer people like Casey, who needed help, to private agencies rather than steal her child and place him with a pack of wolves. I apologize, I could go on forever. I pray for Ricky every night in the hope that he has found peace.
***************
Anna,
I agree with you. I also believe the psychiatrist who treated Ricky should have his license revoked for prescribing medications and misdiagnosing Ricky. He based his diagnosis solely on information provided to him by Lisa Holland.
Anna
26 May 07 at 10:44 am
we have a date and time set for our memorial. it will be on june 23, 2007 at 2p.m. at St. Josephs cemetary where ricky is at. if anyone would like to attend leave me a message and i will continue to check here to see what people have to say.
********************************
Casey,
Do you mind if I post the announcement regarding Ricky’s memorial as an entry on the blog so all will see it who come to read? Some people may not read the comments section and if they don’t they will not be aware that you are having a memorial they can attend.
Trisha
Casey
28 May 07 at 3:23 am
that is fine by me. u can post it as an announcement. i have no problem with it at all.
******************
Casey,
Thank you.
Trisha
Casey
28 May 07 at 9:59 pm
Hi Casey,
I’m so sorry your little boy was murdered, he looked like a beautiful little boy. The US foster care system is seriously flawed when children can be raped and killed over and over and the powers that be say that “everything is fine”. If the children were heard and able to vote, your government would definitely do something about it.
I was watching the Dr Phil show and listening him defending the CPS system in your country made me feel nauseous after reading Ricky’s story and the stories of other little children ignored by the system until they become statistics. I wonder why he so adamantly defend this system? Do other TV shows in your country try to get people to turn a blind eye on the neglect of the CPS people?
I feel like I can’t sleep again knowing that children are being abused somewhere right now.
Why?
Why?
Why?
I hope young Ricky can rest without seeing all the bad in this world anymore, he deserves a rest.
Marion in Melbourne Australia
28 May 07 at 11:46 pm
June 23, at 2 PM,I will be there. I need directions.
caring
29 May 07 at 1:37 am
I like how all of you people think you know everything. I personally know Tim Holland’s family and they are not the monsters you make them out to be. They did know to an extent of what was going on with Ricky and they did go to other sources for help. Remember a lot happens behind closed doors that know one knows. A lot of children are abused behind closed doors but it is not always seen and parents (yes, Tim and Lisa) are capable of making everything seem like all is well. Plus, remember there can be monsters in families who just scare the heck out of you and you avoid them. So stop trying to act like you know everything and condeming everyone. Work on getting the system fixed and say prayers. I will tell you that the kids in care of the Holland family are perfectly safe and taken care of.
*****************
Well, Susie@yahoo.com, I am certainly surprised you would stick your neck out and even admit you know let alone stand up for Tim Holland’s family. I could have decided to not approve your comment simply because I did not want to see the attack on you to take place. I changed my mind and have decided to send your comment to the wolves.
So what are YOU doing to get the system fixed in Michigan so that people like the Holland’s and the Taylor’s cannot get anymore children to abuse and murder. Oh, you are in charge of praying.
OK everyone, what do you think of Susie’s spin on the innocence of the Holland family relatives? Do you think that Ricky’s remaining siblings are perfectly safe and taken care of? What are you going to do to work on the system getting fixed?
Trisha
Susie
4 Jun 07 at 7:49 pm