This is an amazing story of forgiveness by Carla Carrabino! Following a 2008 college float trip in the Lebanon, MO area where drinking was involved, Brian Miller lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. One of his passengers, best friend Salvatore “Torre” Carrabino, II, only child of Carla Carrabino, was killed. At age 22 Brian faced the possibility of 22 years in prison. Motivated by her forgiveness of Brian, and desiring a redemptive consequence, Carla pursued the Laclede County (MO) Prosecutor to consider an alternative sentencing program. After several months of working together, a unique program was developed, a first of its kind. As the result the presiding judge gave Brian a 17 year suspended sentence … a miracle in itself.
Days after Brian’s sentencing, Brian and Carla began receiving invitations from St. Louis, MO, high schools – none of which they initiated — to make presentations related to drunk driving. As they begin, students are unaware of who they are and why they are there. Brian opens by telling his story, building up to the acknowledgment in his role in Torre’s death as a result of his drunk driving. He then introduces Carla, the scenario resulting in utter shock from everyone in the room as they hear their story and witness them in a warm and supportive friendship. In addition to the obvious warnings against drunk driving, Carla’s remarkable choice of forgiveness of Brian is evident as she shares about her son and their amazing connection and experiences.
Because of Brian’s dedication to preserving the memory of Torre, which goes far beyond parole obligations, Brian is developing a “not for profit” organization to be known as “A Mother’s Mercy.” Its purpose is to make a positive difference in any life impacted by the potential choices or dangerous consequences of driving drunk.
In their first experience of telling their gripping story on radio, you can now hear Carla and Brian share it in their own words.
(At the time of his death, Torre was but a semester away from graduation at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Desiring to fulfill her son’s dream of graduating, in 2009 Carla was invited to “walk” at the graduation exercise to receive the posthumous degree for her son. The university official spoke to the assembly and said “May I have the attention of this arena. Salvatore Rosario Carrabino is receiving his degrees posthumously by his mother, Carla Carrabino.” The entire arena stood and applauded.)
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