Doug Sheff said he was floored by Ward’s forgiveness. “I was extremely proud of her and the way she presents herself with dignity and class; contrary to the way Aaron Hernandez represented himself.”

“Love makes you grow,” Ursula explained. “In order to grow you have to forgive, you have to be at peace with yourself. I woke up the Sunday morning before the verdict with such a joy in my heart and I said this is the day I can let go of the pain. They have taken too much of my life.”