Anything beats nothing

Dear reader,

Meet my special friend Erick Davila, who is currently on Death Row in Livingston Texas is a human being. A human being just like you and me. He is a man of flesh and blood. He is also a man who didn't have an easy life. Actually, he didn't have much of a chance right from the beginning. But he tried. And as far as I know... He often did well. As a big brother for example, he was very caring. Erick is a man who has done many good things and he also did some very bad things in life. And 8 years ago.... All went terribly wrong. What actually happened I'll never know for sure. Simply because I wasn't there.

What I do know for sure is that Erick didn't get a fair trial. Poor people never get a fair trial because they can't afford a good lawyer. Do you know one rich person on Death Row? What I do know for sure as well is that Erick is not the person he was when he was arrested and sentenced to death 8 years ago anymore. He has grown up a lot and I am one of the lucky people who got to know Erick Davila as a person. I got to know the strong, funny and lovely man behind the 'evil perpetrator' (pictured on the internet) too.

It's now almost two years ago, since I decided to open my heart and picked up my pencil. I did that with shaky hands. I took the initiative to send a message to Erick. I wrote that reading about him gave me the shivers. Yes, reading about his case gave me the shivers and I told him so. But, reading about the place where he was send to and is 'living' now gave me the shivers as well. In my opinion the punishment he received (Death) and the way he is treated (on Death Row) is very degrading. For me it's best described as torture. In my first letter to Erick I wrote that I was there for him if he needed someone to talk to. That I would listen to him. He responded a few weeks later and his message was loud and clear. The only thing he wanted was a people-to-people contact. No more and no less... His exacts words were:

"I truly appreciate your writing and giving me the opportunity to express who I truly am. As a human. I will enjoy writing you, but writing just so you can listen and reply to me I am NOT interested in. I'm interested in learning about Karin and building a friendship with you. A friendship with understanding, loyalty and honesty. I'm open to discuss about anything. If this is a friendship you would be interested in building, then feel free to be yourself..."

His response made a deep impression on me. Little did I know that the friendship he wanted was exactly what I needed as well. During the development and the growth of this very special friendship I've learned so much. For example, My friendship with Erick was one of the driving forces while I was saying goodbye to my own victimhood. And... Nowadays, in my relationships I go for nothing more and nothing less than equality. My friendship with Erick and all that we've shared is really one of the greatest gifts in my life.

And now it seems that I might lose this very special friend of mine. If we don't act now Erick will probably get an execution date soon. His life hangs by a thread and only a good lawyer might be able to safe him. Last month I felt really powerless when Erick asked me if I could help in any way by getting him a good lawyer. A lawyer that is willing to look into his case one more time. I felt so powerless and confused by this question that I didn't even know how to reply. Eventually I just told him the truth (as I always do). I told him exactly how I felt and again his reply was very clear:

"I'm sorry for putting any pressure onto you. I don't want to be a burden towards you and most of all, I don't want to make you feel powerless in any form! I truly appreciate your straight forwardness.... Thank you Beautiful!! I really hate asking you to go beyond your limits in helping me out. I truly love you for being part of my life and for making me part of your life.
'To Be Powerless Is To Do Nothing At All. And Anything Beats Nothing!'
As it is I've asked you to help me out and you already have, with your heart. Thank you so much for that... You want to know what else you can do? Well, let's say, all we can do is spread the word on internet and ask people if they would be willing to help saving my life by helping out with donations towards legal fees. That's really all we can do."

So, if you would like to support Erick and can afford to provide a contribution in a last attempt to save his life, please let me know. I will personally ensure that he will receive every single donation. For your information. A good lawyer asks at least $ 3,500 to look into Ericks case.

Thanks you all for your attention (of course also on behalf of Erick).

Karin Höhle-Dikken

If you want to send Erick a note of support, you can send it to:

Erick Davila #999545
Allan B. Pulunsky Unit
3872 FM 350 S
Livingston, TX 77351
United States

Or, if you post your message in the form below, I will pass it on to him.  Your message will not show up on this website, but will be emailed directly to me.  I think Erick will appreciate knowing he is thought of.