Reader comments
Litigious world can't fathom compassion

What a kid! What a Mom! What an example!

I only wish that there were more people like this woman in our country.

Mindy and her son Bridger are prime examples of people who our G-d would like to rome the earth, they are living examples of people we read about in the early pages of Torah before corruption became the norm. It may be easy to simply express compassion, but to honestly feel compassion and understanding is a whole other story. The compassion and forgiveness which Bridger and Mindy feel is by far stronger than any physical pain Bridger will feel. While I can not say I understand how they feel, nor what pain young Bridger has and will have for the rest of his life, but I do know in my heart that the feelings of compassion and forgiveness they have for Miller is by far a relief and comfort than any monies or benifits they might gain from feelings or actions of revenge.

EDITORS, I AM PRESENTLY IN A REHAB. CTR. RECOVERING FROM A MASSAGE STROKE AND MY MIND DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK RIGHT, BUT I HOPE I EXPRESSED WHAT I MEANT PROPERLY. FEEL FREE TO EDIT IF YOU DECIDE TO PRINT. THANK YOU.

Too many law schools in America! Too many ambulance chasers! We all pay for their free ride in escalating health costs, and just about everything else! Last winter, on a very cold day, I actually saw an attorney with his hands in his own pockets! Rare sight!

I applaud the example set by this woman and her son. I find it sad others cannot take the same stance and look to do instead of to sue. Clearly, good judgement was not used. However, the example of compassion set forth is one which we could all take a lesson from. Best of luck with all parties ongoing recovery. "In our darkest hour may we find eternal light."

I cried when I read this article. What an example of Christlike love! Thank you!

Mother and son are absolutely doing the healthy, wise, useful approach.

They are better off, the other family is better off, and you and I are better off because their understanding and forgiving example.
Nothing but good will come of it, for wise, honest people.

We often see on TV other families who spend the rest of their LIVES making sure that the offender is punished, geting "justice", looking for "closure".
What a waste.

Thank you for the positive example.

This is an amazing story. I hope it receives wider coverage than The Deseret News. Doug Robinson has a eye (or nose? or ear?) for great messages in human interest stories.

Conservatives hate civil attorneys unless they are Fred Thompson.

This is the best story in the News in months. I think every home needs the "compassion rule".

I have taught my children that when they are choosing a spouse that "Kind" is the most important quality. That characteristic will bless their lives every hour.

1 - If Miller is to help pay for what he did to her son, putting him in jail won't help.
2 - It's not up to Mindy Carter-Shaw. Let Bridger decide, in a few years, if HE wants to sue.

Does Bridger have some sort of account set up that we can donate to?

I have alot of respect for Mrs. Shaw and her Son,that they are so forgiving. They are realy a choice People. If it would'nt been an exident I could understand her not wanting to forgive. But he did not do it to hurt somebody,so give the Man a breack. He Also got a Family to take care of and I think he is very remorsefull, because it could have been one of his Children. Keep the Shaw Fam. in your Prayers and leave the rest to Lord.

After reading all of the revenge, headhunting, and negative comments that have been posted regarding this very unfortunate accident I am pleased that the great moral qualities of this family are coming through. My familys prayers have been with Bridger from day one and will continue to be because of his familys compassion and strength in adversity. My children ask about him every couple of days and we will keep them updated. Thank you. God Bless you.

Mindy and Bridger are examples to all of us. Compassion is not only good, not only wise, but it is also smart. It looks not for what is expedient, not for the knee-jerk reaction, but for the reaction that will produce the best long-term effects. Compassion, the benefit of the doubt, love, these create a better world in the short-term, and in the long-term. They are smart. Compassion does not mean giving in, it means doing what is right, the best for everyone involved in the situation. Sometimes making an example is the most compassionate response. In this case, Mindy and Bridger are happier, a man who made a serious mistake and is repentant is given the chance to make some amends, tax dollars are saved, and an inspiring example makes us all better people. The world is a better place.

Why does it seem so surprising that Mindy and Bridger would respond with compassion? If you and I would not respond the same way, in like circumstances, then we should begin to follow their examples now. Big doors swing on small hinges. I want to live in their world.

It's good to know there are some sparks of sanity in this insane world! How much happier everyone would be if they followed the example of this fine lady and her son. Compassion and forgiveness, not blame and litigation! What a wonderful lesson. Thank you for sharing it.

Rob at 6:03 has the right idea. The whole community ought to contribute whatever they can to help this family. They could have taken the easy approach and forced Miller into a court room. They choose high road and that's wonderful. Now, as a community that applauds their attitude, let's back it up with some real help. I will contribute too, if a fund is set up somewhere. Maybe a follow-up story in DN to tell where to give?

I, too, would like to know if there is an address for a fund to which money can be donated for Bridger.

The family is receiving Medicare.

If they receive donations, that counts as income and will disqualify them. That's why they've been re-donating the gifts they receive. WE (all of us, through Medicare) are supporting the family medically.

If you want to donate, donate directly to the hospital itself.