Marcos Ortiz Blog: So Sad

How does one go up to a grieving family's house and ask for an interview?  I've always found that moment the hardest part of my job.  I have no desire to invade their privacy especially at a time when they are hurting.  How would I as a parent want a t.v. crew knocking on my door after receiving the news?  I think of that everytime I approach the family.  I always hope someone will be appointed as a front person for the family.  For me that works the best.  Someone that is close to the family but not the family itself.  After talking with the front person I know whether or not the family wishes to make a statement.  Without that front person, heaven help me as I knock on that door.  It's something I dread but as a reporter it's a necessary part of telling the story of a person that has suddenly been taken away.  And sometimes these stories from these brave families can be beautiful and inspiring.  When that happens I know I've done my job in telling who these victims are, not just a statistic but a person who was loved.