Today is about Gina. But so was yesterday, and the day before and the day before that.

For the family of Gina Wilson Green, the first victim linked to a Baton Rouge serial killer who targeted seven young women, if it’s possible to think about Gina more than they already do, today will be the day.

Sept. 23, 2004, marks the three-year anniversary of Gina’s death.

&uot;She’s missed just as much today as she was three years ago,&uot; said Gina’s mother Margaret Wilson of Natchez. &uot;Memories flood me though. I just picked up my mail and there’s cards.&uot;

Wilson’s thoughts instantly go to her daughter’s smile.

&uot;It just sparkles,&uot; Wilson said of Gina’s smile. &uot;She was a beauty. She was extra.&uot;

When Wilson thinks of Gina’s work as a nurse, she remembers the long hours with very few days off.

&uot;She was a loving, giving person in her life, and it was all about helping others.&uot;

On those days off Wilson said Gina was a &uot;free bird.&uot;

&uot;She was such a fun loving, yet serious person,&uot; she said. &uot;She was my rock.&uot;

It’s the loss of that rock, the middle child, that makes Wilson think she has a new family role.

&uot;I’m going to light a candle, take some time out and say special prayers for her and try to keep my strength up for the ones that’s she’s left behind.&uot;

Sheree Bryant, Gina’s older sister, has a full day ahead of her. After a normal day of work Bryant will travel out of town with her daughter for a school trip. Being busy is something Bryant hopes will help her make it through the day.

But lunch is for Gina.

&uot;I’m just going to sit out there (at Gina’s gravesite) on my lunch hour,&uot; Bryant said.

Bryant knows her thoughts are going to wander to a bad place today. &uot;What she went through, the fear of knowing someone’s going to kill you, that’s what’s on my mind tomorrow,&uot; Bryant said Wednesday. &uot;I know that she’s in a better place than we are though. It’s just hard. I miss her. I just hurt so bad.&uot;

Gina, 41, was found strangled in her Baton Rouge home on Sept. 24, 2001, after she did not show up to work.

And though today is about Gina, it’s also about Derrick Todd Lee, who is the suspect in Gina’s murder and six others.

&uot;Why did he pick her? Why did he pick the ones that had everything in front of them?&uot; Wilson said. &uot;Those are questions we would like answered.&uot;

Wilson and her family have been closely following Lee’s trials. Jury selection in the first-degree murder case of Charlotte Murray Pace is under way. Tuesday Lee’s lawyer presented preliminary findings from a mental health expert to show that Lee is mentally retarded. If Lee is declared mentally retarded he will be ineligible for the death penalty, something Wilson said she doesn’t want to see happen.

&uot;That’s strange that he was able to hold a job and maneuver himself in and out of jail all those times,&uot; Wilson said. &uot;This needs to be over. Let’s get it over with. There are too many families that are involved here.&uot;

Bryant said she is confident that Lee’s days are numbered.

&uot;Everybody just keep us in their prayers,&uot; Bryant asked.

For the family, tomorrow is about Gina, and the day after and the day after that.