Myrtle Beach Rally Stop

It was easy to wake up this morning, everyone had a new burst of energy due to we knew it was all down hill now, the tour was about to end. Their is always a sense of pride to complete the tour, knowing deep down in side you have made a small difference in the world of missing persons, their families and communities. It was bitter cold but those who needed to be heard were waiting, a voice for the missing; they had many visuals and families on hand, one who stood out was recovered, yet another still in search. Also their was those who represented Brittanee, she is still missing and her mother could not be there, but she had her supporters there. I reflect a lot today on Brittanee's case, her mother has fought so hard, many states "strangers" have become her family, they have been her true support system through all of this, most do not know the struggles she has in her day to day life, in addition of suffering a missing child. I think to myself how strong all of these families really are, to the general public never see the back biting with in families that goes on, a parent maintaining a job and raising their children on their own, the worry of a parent, the damaging words and rumors they endure...oh how the list goes on. At the end of the day as an advocate one must always remain with a clear focus, the missing person, no matter what, I find myself thinking some days that proves to be a difficult task. But, we are here now and bringing awareness to many others that are missing in South Carolina, they did a great job, we lit candles, many heartfelt words were shared and the launch on balloons were lifted, almost as to say I release this pain God, here you go...as the balloons gain air and float away. I really do feel that each time we do a release of any kind, lift up and let go, let God, even if it is for a short while. As we prepare to leave and hugs were exchanged, I know this will not be my last trip to this town, for the current missing and those over the years that will become missing, I know I have many searches plan after the tour and some in this state, so it is yet a short goodbye. Then I am distracted by an incoming text saying "you have planned it all so well, but did you talk to anyone about the weather?" I then began to worry about our final rally stop, the rain and cold...we drive only about 15 minutes and the sun begins to burst through the clouds and warmth is felt quickly. I begin to laugh out loud and text the person back saying, "FYI, spoke to God and he said he cleared up that issue, we are running on time".
Monica

Myrtle Beach, SC

We awoke the last morning of the tour to rainy and cold weather. The bleak outdoors, however, had no affect on my mood....Recharged, excited to begin our last day...I thought I would be sad but I really wasn't, maybe a little pensive is all.
The rally stop, hosted by Peggy Bettis, was held at Chapin Park. The wind was really blowing and it was all we could do in the beginning to keep things where they should be. The missing persons posters on the clothesline, the candles on the table, and the playing cards...I had heard about the cards but I don't know if I had seen them before. Decks of cards featuring the pictures of the missing. Another effort to bring an awareness to cold cases, another attempt to bring in leads.
The group today were mostly familiar to me. Some Brittanee Drexel advocates with posters, here to keep the faith and also to support Dawn. The families and friends of Lisa Shuttleworth and Alice Donovan. Taking pictures of families smiling brightly holding photos and banners of their loved ones...
Susan Murphy Milano, a specialist in intimate partner violence, spoke about the link between domestic abuse and missing women, a theme that we are all well aware has permeated our tour this year.
Lisa Shuttleworth went missing from Beech Island in 2003. A 34 year old mother of 2,Lisa had
dropped her 9 year old son off at school like any other normal day. Yet by the time he and his 14 year old sister got home she had vanished..The car still in the driveway...As a mother of a recovered missing person my eyes go immediately to her mother. Having her child missing now for 8 years, having to raise her grandchildren without their mother...her daughter...the strength that must have took..Lisa's children are now young adults and were able to express having to grow up without their mother. All she missed, all they missed.. Facing the unknown every day for 8 years. Wondering, hoping, praying for answers..
Then Angie, Alice Donovan's daughter. Alice was 44 when she was abducted from a Conway Walmart in 2002 by 2 men who had escaped from jail. The men were caught, arrested and prosecuted, and received the death penalty for her kidnapping and murder in 2004. Yet Alice remained missing until 2009. Over 6 years..There is another missing woman, Samantha Burns, a 19 year old college student who was also abducted and killed by these 2 men. They pled guilty in her case also, yet she is still missing...since 2002...The search to recover her remains an ongoing CUE case..
The rallies have run the gamut from a handful of people to hundreds of people. From full out media assaults to no media. From small, intimate gatherings to stages and microphones.Each one has been unique. This group numbered about 20, I guess, with a small media presence. As Angie spoke she directed her comments directly to Lisa Shuttleworth's family..it was as if the rest of the group melted away and they were alone. Their eyes locking, connecting, the immediate bond..I was overwhelmed by it..the I know you, what you are going through, the I've been you, I am you..It happened every day on the tour because whether your loved one is still missing or has been found we know what it's like, and most people do not. So the bonding is always fairly immediate. As a matter of fact not a lot even has to be said..the moisture in your eyes as you meet someone and let them know yes me too..there are no strangers..
As each rally stop has been different so have the balloon releases. Some shout out as they release their balloon,some quietly pray, some wonder where their balloon might land, who will find it..Some watch as the balloons begin to group together as they rise..Sometimes balloons get stuck in trees as they travel upward which different families have interpreted in so many different ways. I released my balloon quickly, as I always did, so that I could watch, listen, and take pictures. As I watched Lisa's children they were standing side by side preparing to let their balloons go. Then Lisa's daughter lowered her balloon and gently kissed it before releasing it into the sky.
Elisa

Georgetown Rally Stop

As we come over the bridge a smile comes across my face to see all the people there to support our families of the missing, to include the faithful law enforcement and press. We hit the ground with tons of energy as the ending of the tour is nearing and the excited spirit of it all overwhelms us. We all miss our loved ones at home and it has been a week of traveling; for sure a lifting feeling is in the air. Then for a moment it hits you, we will be seeing our loved ones and the reality along side this road today is these families will not, a sadness creeps in slowly as everyone is welcoming us with hugs and some tears of happiness. Most folks do not and will not ever have a clue what "the not knowing" feels like...it is a horrible place to have to live your life. We go straight into the families speaking, lighting of the candles, balloon release, desperate pleas for information to the media are made; then the families also reflect on the mother who was not able to attend, Brittanees mom. See they have been there with her all this time, they support and share in each others searches and lives, they have all teamed up together...becuase thats what we do to help our families get through. We introduce them to a support system from the start that CUE knows they will need. Brittanees mother knew she was in good hands and was grateful for these families who featured her daughter. Many do not know the enter turns of all these cases, the behind the scenes of our daily task, what we "the volunteers" endure with our familes, unless they suffer a missing loved one, I guess they may never know. I can first hand tell you it is not easy, some way more difficult then others, but you have to remain focused on the good, the victim and the end result, a resolution. I found myself thinking of the hundreds of familes we have brought together over the years, the freindships, bonds that have occured, I smile for a minute. I also find myself reminded of the journey, the years we work in place to search for these missing children, see no matter the age, they are all still missing children. In 1998 CUE realized that and a wonderful volunteer named Laura added that to our center's slogan that we adopted and live by today. The one thing I came away this day with is good does trump over all evil; we will continue this journey of hope and I am blessed everyday with loving and dedicated people who want to help make this world a better place. Those same people are making that effort in true form. At dinner we all begin to talk about the tour as a whole; I think everyone is starting to feel a sense of accoplishment, it truley is a good feeling; I silently smile again.
Monica

Florence Rally Stop

We arrived early to the area so we stopped and I took some pictures of the tour crew, we would do this from time to time during the tour; trying to be creative to show different areas and such, it was a mild day and everyone was in good spirits. In the parking lot we were greeted by some cue members first then we all walked into the Sheriff's Office together, it was packed with law officials, press and a very large group  representing the McLeod family.This stop was more like an official press conference type, very well put together and even little creative details to present the missing from three agencies and unsolved homicides. The Florence Sheriff Office did a great presentation, of coarse they always do in their participation in our annual road tour program. They did it all, the visuals... press conference and then they came outside to launch balloons with a prayer in support of the families. Many CUE members were on hand as they helped prepare the family side of the event and it showed. I think this was the first time for me to see how much family Ms. McLeod really had and I know if it had an impact on me, it also had one on the law officials as well. This is one of the many cases "which we all know to well", that had fallen from the news and so much time had passed, they need answers, they needed to know people care. I felt good about the stop because that was the main reflection of the day, it brought much attention to their missing loved one and other cases. It was also a day of watching my SC state directors from CUE with their family, a bond has occurred and seeing that first hand made me feel proud inside. See, this is what CUE is really all about, advocacy first...we work daily, behind the scenes with families across the nation, so much is involved that the average person looking in from the outside has no real clue what we do' the calls, organizing, involvement with communities, conducting searches, working with law officials, making things happen in every case; it is a constant task with no mercy or relief. We are on the ground with our cases and all that are involved, we get overwhelmed a lot but we get things done, when things unfold at the end of the day, you rest well that night. In most days, we might multi task on 20 different cases, several search plans and the list goes on. I reflect throughout the day on how much all of the volunteers with our organization are able to accomplish, and reflect on the ending of the tour of how much we have to get caught up upon our return. The thought is fast to leave when someone says, we have to go and get to our next stop...so we pack up saying our goodbyes, leaving I feel something will come from this stop, some tip, maybe a case solved, I linger in my thoughts on whose turn it will be next for a resolution.
Monica

Interstate 10 Road Tour

During our travels going from stop to stop we made sure to follow another mission, that was to distribute information on a man in prison for murdering females years ago. John Wayne Boyer was a truck driver and one of his routine routes he traveled was leaving North Carolina, traveling through South Carolina, picking up I-10 all the way until he would reach near Texas. It is believed their are more victims that were in his path during many years and routes of his trucking career. CUE volunteers have been proactive in the search for missing and unidentified persons that would be in these "now" known routes and areas he has lived. We are focusing on a timeline from 1984 until January of 2006, we have almost a complete time line from 1990 to 2006 and continually gathering more facts, cases and people known to this man. We did not know a year ago that the route chosen for the 2011 tour would end up being one of his routes; see a month before the tour was scheduled to leave a major break in another case of a woman who had been missing 11 years was identified and then we knew for sure, three of our case he has confessed to was CUE Center cases and it was now proven they were connected, we expressed that years ago and we were not heard. It is our opinion and belief that we will be right on many more of our unsolved cases and will uncover some that were never ours at all and that will be connected. You can learn more about our project as we discover information at a site we have built to place facts in public, hoping our effort will reveal more truth on the unsolved crimes. We hit the truck stops and hit them hard handing out information and requesting other truckers to pass it along, we have already had calls since our return and hope we will hear from even more. Learn more at
http://www.longhaulterritorykiller.com/

Jacksonville Rally Stop

Night time came quickly and we tried to get our room first since we had arrived early to our stop, this lingered feeling of sadness still present in my day. We rushed to get in our rooms and freshen up, I had planned all the time out in my head so all was good. In the bathroom, my phone on the counter...ringing off the hook - I look to see who cannot wait to leave a message, it is a law official, I figured I could call him back when we finished the day out. Then another call, then another, it was important because I knew deep down he would not call over and over unless it was important, so I finally answered...I said out loud before picking up "this is not going to be good", hello? It was the call we all dread...we got her! A million questions flooded through my head but the only one that came out of my mouth was "does the family know yet"? Reply...they are on their way now with a pastor...came from the other end. Then from the room yelled we gotta go, its time, I asked a few questions and advised I would call back; all of a sudden I felt rushed, we are late, I have to call them but I can't, I knew as soon as the family knew my phone would blow up. I felt so many things at one time but now had to get to the last rally stop, and fast, we left. The ride over was just a few miles, I was pleasantly surprised to see some searchers their to support the family and the stop, and was greeted by many upon entering, so I really had no time to process all that had took place in the last 20 minutes. But now, the calm comes, the event begins with Austins sister struggling through her pain to speak and holding the burden for this event for her mother, in a sense to show her mother "she has it" but also because she knows her mother needed to be relieved of the task...I look as her mother had a gleam of admiration in her eyes, a deep love and respect for her daughter, you can just see it. Maybe I can see it more, I think to myself because as an advocate you learn about your families, each look, words that never have to be spoken, you just know, and you know them, a bond occurs over time and you really just know. So as each speaker graces the front to talk about their missing loved one, and then a lighting of the candle ceremony moves forward...I am more than emotional, this is where I hate this part of me. I keep thinking to myself, just focus on the task "soon I would be called to light the candle of HOPE and speak", do not think about anything right now. Well.....then it hit! Right now at this very moment, this child's family is hearing the news that she has been found, it is a homicide and so much more; it hit me hard. See, because I knew right at that moment what that house looked like, and I knew ever detail of the happenings, because I no our family...and well. I also knew they would be calling, just as I had that last thought my phone began to ring on silent, and then the texting...call me, came flooding in. Then as if someone was waking me up from a sleep, my name was called out to come to the front and light the candle. I felt like I was in a dream, foggy for thoughts, surely during the lighting I would regain the things needed be said...yeah, that did not happen. I stood their not able to speak, looking at the crowd, not really seeing anyone, trying to focus but then, I looked into the eyes of Austins mother, that look of encouragement, she knew, because as we learn about our families...hummm, they learn about us, she knew this time it was different. Her eyes filled with tears, and I began to cry, I was mad at myself, I barley could get a thought or words out, I had only cried in public one time before and it had been years, I was so mad at myself. She kept her eyes focused on me and I seemed to draw from her a will to speak, I really did not know what I said, but I know my thoughts were on ever case, the suffering families and yet I could see the road ahead, it appeared to have an ounce of light, enough to get through. I knew all day this would happen, something inside of me just needed to release the sadness, and at the end of the day their was no fighting it anymore. The event was over, I reflected on all the extra details of the organization of it, looking around and saying goodbye to those in attendance, a large group of us decided to go and eat, we spent some quality time, it was nice. Upon returning to our hotel I found myself sitting with a searcher and Austin's mother, telling funny stories like we always do, laughing hard and looking at maps for the next upcoming search plan. I fell asleep fast that night. I knew deep down inside that she came to my room to pick my thoughts on the search, but also to make sure I was my normal self again before she went home, kinda like a mother tucking in her children at night; I did not mind in fact if I confess, I needed it. The next morning hitting the interstate, the chatter begins about the next rally stop, we are all excited because we are getting closer to the end of the tour and closer to home, no one ever speaks about last night, no one in the bus has ever saw that side of me, then I see "welcome to South Carolina", now I feel better and begin to think of all the folks that will be at each stop...my phone rings and it is a new missing person being reported, it's okay I know we can help them.
Monica

Georgetown, SC

The Georgetown rally was held in a field in view of Brittanee Drexel's billboard. It was an emotional gathering for me for a number of reasons. We've been meeting up more and more with families that I know...Families that are important to me.
Dawn Drexel, Britt's mom was unable to attend. I knew how upset she was over this..I know I wrote about this in a previous blog but having to search for a missing loved one far from where you live takes an additional toll..Brittanee Drexel was a 17 year old high school junior from Rochester NY. She vanished during a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach in April 2009. She had gone without parental consent so the phone call that her family got was that much more confounding...She was missing and she was missing far from home...turmoil, spillover fallout, limbo...breaks my heart...
The families of Crystal Soles and Garrett Hughes were our hosts. They had a beautiful banner made to both welcome and thank us. They stood beside it lighting candles in front of their loved ones pictures and telling their stories for the cameras, pleading for help or leads to bring their family members home. Garrett Hughes disappeared in November 2003. He was 44 years old when he was last seen leaving an assisted living facility that he had lived in for 3 years. He had a left sided partial paralysis from a head injury and was unable to walk long distances. He has never received the attention, the press coverage that EVERY missing person deserves..then time goes on and cold cases fade away..But for the family, life can never really go on...it is impossible to move forward...you are forever stuck..
Crystal Soles was a 28 year old mother of a young son when she vanished from Andrews, SC in January 2005. She was last seen at a neighborhood corner store. She called her father and said she was going to walk home....she never made it home..I first met Crystal's mom Gail in March 2006 at the CUE conference. We were both rookies that year and formed an immediate bond. I had gone alone, people seemed to react to that and I remember not understanding why...I felt alone..alone in my journey...why wouldn't I come alone? Once I was at that first conference I knew I had found people like me, people who understood, and I was no longer alone. Year after year we attend, Gail and I, Mathew was eventually found, my journey has changed it's course..Gail's hasn't...year after year...Gail has had some more loss, and is raising Crystal's son... A young man now, whom I was meeting for the first time...a boy who needs to know what happened to his mother..I also met her family, a large group that I was happy to see support her in her journey. I know how hard Gail works for Crystal..still..flyers, events,
searches..Always trying to continue, to move forward, to make some sort of progress..she's even begun counseling other families on what to do...Victims become Advocates...we help one another...because when we help others we are also helping ourselves..
Elisa

Fort Pierce Rally Stop

It was definitely a bright sunny warm Florida day, being a native... this is what you miss most about Florida. On time we arrive to a beautiful scenery of sculptures, waterway and several families present to represent their missing loved ones. I think it is sad as most faces are familiar to me. My emotions are in a place today I really do not like them to be; normally when I am feeling down and sorrow for our families, I get off by myself somewhere and folks never are the wiser. I am really good about that, not showing that side of me. But today I know I will see Donajean, Tony and so many more of the cases I am searching for and working on, the what I call LIFERS''. See the families I refer to as LIFERS...is because these people have not committed any crime, but they have been handed a life sentence of suffering a missing loved one. I have been working on a project called the LIFERS behind the scene for a few years now, putting together all of these cold cases to feature in a large way, the project has it's name and is not short of a list...I start thinking of things to add again to my project. I cannot shake this sadness today, normally I get angry at all the injustice of the missing that takes place, that's my true motivation, that'' helps me to avoid the sadness, but today is different. The program is about to start, I have greeted everyone there, the organizers, the wife of a once missing man Nick Halliday who was found deceased asked me to speak, I declined; for the first time in the tour I had declined...hummm. I did not want to take the chance I
would breakdown in front of folks, so I sat this one out, no one noticed. It was a very nice program, all the families spoke, Tony asked of me to walk up with him and I did...he was emotionally that always bothers me with him, we have become close like brother and sister and have shared a lot in private...he breaks my heart, he wants and needs to find his brother. We
toss flowers into the ocean, it becomes a snap shot of silence, tears flow as you can almost hear all of the silent cries of these families, for me I know all the names being screamed out. As we say our goodbyes, we are going to be late if we do not leave for the next stop; I feel rushed, I needed more time, I needed to hug Donajean one more time, but we do leave. Traveling over that waterways leaving the area a great feeling of emptiness lingers with me
for hours, I send up my own little prayer, God help theses families to endure their pain, please afford them a resolution, help me to be better to help those who suffer such a great loss, but most of all bring them comfort now and forever, amen. I close my eyes for awhile to escape the reality of it all, not allowing myself to continue to think to much more.
Monica

Tampa Rally Stop

Crossing over the courtney campbell bridge seeing ahead our destination I had a deep sense of returning to a familiar  place not only a visual "I have been there searching for Kelly", but my home, my area I grew up as a child, my sense of family. You see I was born only miles away from where she vanished, I practically lived at all the beaches growing up to include the one she lived on and most of my family still lives in the area with even both of my parents buried nearby; this is home to me and coming back to help my community means a lot. But the reality of a missing person is in every town, community and each state, it touches everyone or will one time or another. It bothers me greatly that before I arrived on the case that this woman who was a few weeks away from being a police officer did not get the national news coverage, and only a few searches conducted...it bothers me that people were not in an uproar about her disappearance, the burden for that was left on her friends and family, only? I know deep down the investigators want to solve the case, find Kelly Rothwell, but it has to be more than about just the investigation, then I get angry, not at them but at the system in which we are guilty of accepting. Then I have to refocus, her loved ones are waiting, we are honoring this missing woman today, sending out a tribute, crying out to God for guidance, keeping hope alive. I stand in awl on the muggy morning, approached with hugs and there not far away the butterflies setting out begging for flight, table covered in flowers and there picture after picture of this peaceful smile; you would have never guessed her life was not happy. After we listened to the start of the song, I fought back tears as this song already meant something in my life before and became a favorite of mine, no one knew that, I could related to its message for sure. The release of the butterflies made me think of Morgan Harrington, a young girl whose life was cut short by an abduction in Virginia and last year we released butterflies in honor of her...I smile and send up a wish for Kelly to be found and one for Morgan that her family would see justice. Then to the waters edge, we threw flowers in the water way, I noticed it was low tide; searching for 11 days for this woman I camped on the tide chart for these waters, even though I dislike that body of water I find myself in somewhat of a peaceful state there. I meet a woman who came from Canada and told me her story of her unsolved homicide "her 10 year old brother", that stuck with me throughout the day. As we were leaving I felt okay because Donna, her best friend was there, she is one of us, determined, so I did not feel like I was leaving Kelly behind, I know I will return soon  and Donna knows that too. Minutes down the road onward to our next stop the fog is lifting, bright sun is burning through, I had to separate my emotions to focus on the next stop....there will be numerous families there waiting and I will need to be strong, I already feel different today, the tour is draining on me a little and I feel like I may need to cry.
Monica

Road Tour Crew 2011

Effingham, SC

This event was hosted by the Florence County Sherriff's Office. Families of missing persons and those who've lost loved ones to unsolved homicides gathered with law enforcement officials to bring attention to cold cases. It had the appearance of a press conference. High ranking law officials taking turns speaking from a podium facing a plethora of media cameras. Clartha McLeod's family, all 10 or so of them, were dressed in bright orange t Shirts that showed Clartha's missing photo. When I first noticed them they were all sitting under our On The Road To Remember banner. Throughout the proceedings my eyes kept wandering back to them seemingly huddled together. Clartha was 74 years old when she went missing from Turbeville in January 2009. She was last seen being dropped off at church. Her large extended family needs answers. The matriarch of their family is gone. They deserve answers. Later we went outside for the balloon release. Prayers were said, hymns were sung, tears were cried, and hugs were shared. Emotional..As we got ready to leave the family handed out postcards with Clartha's picture...They said still missing...Not forgotten, and thank you.....
Elisa

Jacksonville, Florida

I've been pondering how to start this one for two days...I've decided that it's probably best to stop thinking about it and just dive in...so here it goes...
We got to town with a half hour to spare and decided to check into the motel. Something that we had never done before. That's where Monica got the news that Shonda's remains had been recovered. Krishonda Townsend from Mineral Wells, Texas. Her rally had been an emotional candlelight vigil held three days earlier. I remember the blog, my concerns for her son.. Shonda was a beautiful 19 year old mother when she disappeared some fifteen months ago.
We arrived at the church with heavy hearts, fully aware of the pain being experienced states away as Shonda's family was being notified by the police...
The entrance to the church held large color posters of some of the local missing. Plus the clothesline of flyers that we've become accustomed to seeing. The front of the church held the pictures of the six individuals that we were here to honor. This stop was being hosted by Finder's Hope and the family of Austin Davis. Austin's sister was wonderful in the role of emcee. Each family came up and lit a candle and spoke about their missing loved one.
Rosemary Day, 27 years old went missing in May 2011. Her car was found two months later. The newest case presented. The "freshest" family..I remember thinking...When does that change? At what point does that look go away?
John Rowan disappeared in February 2001. It's been ten years since his family last saw this 34 year old man who was both a husband and a father to two sons. He left for work one morning and was never seen again. His car was located one month later wiped clean of any possible evidence or fingerprints. These facts brought me back to memories of my late husband, although the circumstances are vastly different.. Yet..Danny left for work one morning and I never saw him again. His truck forever absent from my driveway. I can remember waking each morning thinking he was away on a trip, and then I would become fully awake and remember.
Joshua Smith is missing from Ponte Vedra Beach. He vanished in November 2000. He went missing on his 23rd birthday eleven years ago...
Bryan Hayes, 13, and Mark Degner, 12, went missing together in February 2005. They were last seen leaving their middle school. How do two boys vanish? Their mothers have had age progressions done. These preteens would now be near adults. Age progressions are an important tool, but they've bothered me on this trip. I think it's because of the amount of time that has gone by to make it necessary....and the consideration of what your child may look like now..
The last candle lit was for Michael Austin Davis. He was 26 years old when he was last seen in June 2007. His mother read a poem highlighting the amount of time Austin has been missing. I've listened to her recite this poem before and it retains it's powerful message. Each time she has to adjust it.. changing the years, months, days...
Elisa

Louisana Rally Stop

Approaching the large church excitement and hope that the stop had support was first on my mind, arriving I was relieved as I saw all the cars piled in the parking lot. I notice the oldest son of Troy Mark waiting for the first sight of our tour bus, he got it and took off running inside to let everyone know, he was so excited. Entering we all were greeted with a warm welcome and hugs. The place was filled with people, large screens displaying ongoing pictures of Troy, moments in time and his family, it was a little overwhelming to see so many different pictures as with his case I have the same four I use for the public and you find yourself getting use to it, not really seeing the many moments of a missing persons actual life. I thought as I spoke to everyone and watched his boys in action, he would be proud of them and how strong his family was staying together. His wife Ashley did a fantastic job with her visuals, displays and also featuring other missing persons from the area. Troy Jr. Was right there by his mothers side, even providing a tender touch when she would get emotional, sadly he has had to grow up and be the man of the house but the family has made sure both of the boys have mentors in place and are encouraged to be children, I found comfort in that. She thought of every little detail and made all feel apart and very welcome. After the inside events, we moved to the outside for the launching of balloons and chinese lanterns, it was awesome to see them fly, and the kids ran after them. It was powerful to see all the teens from the missing teacher take part, their pain was written all over their faces, that made me sad and ache for them. So many families, so much time that can past in a case, and so much sorrow...can we ever really know how much of the world remains in greif due to a person ripped from ones life? I left with know answers to that question..now on to the next stop and working the truck stops along I-10 highway to gain information on the route of a man who has murdered woman. I snuck a peek at the basket I was presented from the boys and the Marks family, all of the contents was what Louisana was famous for, it was so sweet of them, I remain very humble.
Monica

Fort Pierce, Florida

Getting from Tampa to Fort Pierce on time was quite the feat!!
Teresa Holiday hosted the event in memory of her late husband Nick who had been missing for two months in early 2010. She did a wonderful job. She spoke with a shaky yet determined voice.. She's one of us now.. It's been over a year since her husband was recovered but once you join our group you become a lifer. She organized the event to bring awareness to other missing persons in her area. As she invited each family to come up and speak she seemed to know instantly whether she should remain next to them for support or whether they would be OK to speak alone.
Emillie Hoyt was 23 years old when she went missing from Highland Beach in 2006. Her family lives out of state which makes things that much more difficult. They were unable to attend and sent a letter that Teresa read. Emillie was living with a boyfriend when her family stopped receiving phone calls from her...the boyfriend told them that he had kicked her out. When her family called the police they refused to take a missing persons report. They told her family that there was no evidence that she was missing. It was years before they agreed to list her as missing. It really makes you wonder how many cases like that are out there? How many people disappear without anyone noticing?
Richard Borrack, 77, went missing from Jensen Beach in July 2010. He had taken off his GPS tracking device and walked out of the assisted living facility that he resided in. He suffers from short term memory loss and had done this before. Previous to this time though, he had always been quickly located. His daughters attended the rally to spread the word about his case. They appeared "fresh".
A friend of Kelly Rothwell was at the event. We had just left Kelly's rally that morning. Also, the brother of Gail Palmgren, who we had attended a rally for days earlier in Tennessee.
Donajean, Dori Ann Myers sister also spoke. Dori was 43 years old when she opened her home to what she thought were two military men in need of a warm bed. She went missing in 2006 from Vero Beach. Her home had been set on fire and gutted. Hr car was eventually found 80 miles away, also burned. I've been familiar with this case since Matt went missing, which sometimes seems like a lifetime ago. It's been too long not to have answers, to not know what happened to someone you love..to live day in and day out waiting...
Tony DiFrancesco pleaded with the crowd for any information about his missing brother Patrick. Patrick went missing in 1985 from Fort Pierce. He was 24 years old. Tony feels that there are people out there who know where his brother is buried. This is an old case with a chance for resolution after 25 years. CUE is currently involved in an ongoing forensic dig. Tony seemed "fresh", at first I didn't understand...it's been 26 years...but I guess that with the chance of finding him so close at hand, old wounds have been reopened.
The program ended with the crowd casting flowers into the Intercoastal. I felt overwhelmed leaving. There was a lot packed into this stop. This is my backyard...my mom came to show her support. I was glad she got to witness a snapshot of what I've been doing over the last week. I didn't get to spend much time with her but I had warned her that it would be like that...chop, chop....off to Jacksonville....
Elisa

Road Tour Rookie

As the tour rounds the corner to the finale, it's a bittersweet feeling. I'm glad I'm going to see Scott waiting there for me and the rest of the family when I return home. Could I have went on for another week, without a doubt "YES"! The experience has been inspiring, emotional and unforgettable. At every stop I was amazed at the time and efforts of the family and friends, so much work, to bring light to their missing loved one. You witness their strong side for a brief moment before they start to speak or hold a poster of their missing loved one. It's been an honor to be part of this,somehing I will carry with me the rest of my life, hoping to take this adventure, journey again. To the National Road Tour Crew of 2011, Monica, Harlen, Kenny, and Elisa, thank you for the friendship, love and all the fun. I love you all!!!
Angie

Tampa, Florida

Hello Florida! The rally stop for Kelly Rothwell was held on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The water made for a beautiful backdrop. Kelly has been missing since March 2011. A fresh case..the raw emotions of her friends was clearly evident in all the speeches, in the music..Kelly's best friend Donna arranged for a butterfly release. Another first on this tour. Watching the butterflies leaving the containers lightened the mood, laughter permeated the crowd. Some of the butterflies refused to leave the group landing on us for long periods of time, having to be encouraged to take flight. Afterwards, flowers were tossed over the rocks and into the water.
The closeness between Monica and this case was evident. CUE has been hard at work to bring Kelly home.Hopefully before this group learns the ropes as well as others...before it becomes a cold case..It was one of those days when we did not have a moment to spare. Our itinerary allowed no leeway but it was still difficult to leave.
Elisa

Road Tour Rookie

As we have stopped at Rally's in so many different states, I've seen how easy it is for a missing persons case to fall between the cracks, to be only spoken about between family and friends. So many families of a missing loved one hearing of the Rally Stop, show up clutching their missing loved ones picture close to their hearts, hoping for help. It's getting easier to pick them out without seeing their picture, it's the look of help, the standing off to the side as if waiting for someone to notice and make the first move. They look so helpless,lost, scared. They need help but their voices aren't loud enough, their fight not strong enough. You notice a change in them, the longer they listen to other stories, they don't seen as scared, it's as if you lost your voice but it's returned. One by one they filter closer to the strong ones and before we pull away heading to our next stop, they've spoke in front of a crowd about their loved one, they seem taller, stronger, ready to fight for their missing loved one. I ask myself over and over, especially when it's a child around my children's age or my grandchildren, could I be strong, could I move forward, would I be able to fight to get the much needed help and answers I deserve? Would I be like some who just sit there in a daze unable to do anything, I can't answer those questions. I don't think anyone can that has not walked the path of having a missing loved one.
Angie

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

As we drove to Louisiana I asked Monica why she had picked Troy Marks to be the "honoree" of this year's tour, and while the answer made perfect sense...she picked a case that she felt needed the most media exposure..it wasn't the answer I was expecting. My logical side thought it would be logistics, the middle of the route; and my emotional side thought it would be a family that had most touched her heart. But it was Monica and this is an awareness tour.

Troy's boys were full of smiles and waiting for us in the parking lot. They seemed so grown up (they looked to be about 8 and 10), as they led us into the church. A projector was playing images of the Marks' family. There were assembled missing persons posters, and a table dedicated to photos and albums of Troy. A lot of people were there, I was taken back by the amount of children. Ashley, Troy's wife, came over wanting Road Tour T Shirts for her boys and herself. They immediately changed into them before the rally began. Ashley ran what seemed to be a very thought out and organized program. As she spoke of her husband, her family's journey, one that began with her husband's disappearance in 2006, you could see how far she had come. She spoke of no longer running every time the phone rings or rushing to return every missed call. She spoke of attempting to make a life for her boys, with her boys, one devoid of their much loved father. Troy Jr rose to speak. He told about how his friends talk about their fathers. When he is asked, "What is your dad like", he can only say that he doesn't know..Ashley then introduced the the families of 2 other local missing persons. We heard the stories of Shane Fell, a 36 year old man who disappeared in June 2011, and Sylviane Lozado, a foreign language teacher who vanished in July 2011. Sylviane's husband has taken her toddler and left the country. The difference between Ashley's composure and the others was apparent. Fresh vs longterm... A process no family should live through...As the program ended we were led outside for a balloon release. It was then that I realized that a lot of the children present were student's from the school Sylviane taught at.
Along with the balloons were Chinese lanterns. The area quickly filled with many attempting to light these. Watching as each one rose and flew away, the flames visible underneath, was exceptionally moving. We attempted a group picture on the a bridge, but I could not capture such a large group in one shot one my cell camera.
As I went back into the church to pack up I came across 4 individuals gathered on the stage, a photo album of Troy opened up in front of them. They were quietly sitting around, reminiscing, telling stories about Troy and sharing memories. They were smiling...
As we were leaving Troy's two sons presented Monica with a gift basket of Baton Rouge delicacies. Once again exhibiting a maturity beyond their years. As they posed for one last picture, in front of our banner on our tour bus, they all pointed to a picture of Troy and posed for the camera. At one point as we were snapping their images Troy Jr said, "Please take another one, I wasn't smiling yet"....
And this family's missing loved one is somehow less worthy of our attention..?...
Elisa

Vidor Rally Stop

I was excited to come to this rally stop as I love seeing my longtime friend DeDe, she has know me and everyone at the CUE Center for many years and has always provided us with her support but most importantly her prayers. You see she is one of those people you meet and her devotion to the cause is crystal clear, love. I appreciate that in her, and if no one else ever does, I know that lady prays for me, no doubt in that ever! Her stop was nothing short of amazing...all the press was there to aid in getting our message out about the missing, law officials in full color, the mayor, a pastor sent up prayer and if you were of another faith, that was okay, she had a priest there to take up the rear. A law officer shared a touching story of a long time missing teen, her mother was on hand to witness the facts and to support the police and our efforts, it was really nice. DeDe presented me with a certificate and shared kind words, I will cherish it all. I was so proud of her stop...she wanted everything just right and it showed, she also sometimes is a little protective of me and worries about me...lol, so she packed us up enough food and goodies to take with us, we did not have to stop for lunch that day..it was greatly needed too as our timed tour schedule does not always allow us to stop and eat between stops. We had a good visit, that's how she makes you feel, like you came to visit her, even though I may not say it enough, I admire her work and her love for Christ. As we let go of the balloons I thought to myself this will be a great day, it started
off with a sense of peace, I felt hopeful.
Monica

Hudson Rally Stop

We arrived in the dark to the stop for Hope Meeks, kind of fitting for a case left in the dark for so long, I think we need a new tip, I know she has great law officials on her case...but we all need a break. We have searched for her recently and I find myself reflecting on that a lot. The chapter domestic violence organization was there in support, the Towns Mayor, etc. It was simple but heart felt. We brought light to the night by our candle light...I found the chapter was very informative and were good speakers, you see it is domestic violence month and they are on their own campaign for awareness as well, so I felt we helped with getting their message out this year. It really was then that I realized several female cases we were featuring on this years tour were victims of domestic violence, sometimes I wonder later when the tour is over if God did not have a hand in the route and case line to even better help, who could know. I always find myself feeling protective over Hopes case and loved ones as they do not live where she became missing and sometimes the distance makes a case even more of a struggle. Hopes family relies on us and investigators heavily to keep this case moving and out front. The thing that resonates most in this case to me is how each generation of a missing person grows up with long term cases and the next generation without knowing is being prepared to take the journey over to find their missing loved one, it should not be this way.
Monica

Vidor, Texas

We pull up to the Clairhorne Park pavilion and once again are confronted with the posters of the missing. This rally, organized by America's Missing, Abducted and Lost Persons, was in honor of Kimberly Langwell. Kimberly was a 34 year old mother who disappeared in 1999. There was a lot of press there and various law enforcement. One told us an interesting story about a woman who was there with us on that day. She had a 14 year old daughter who had gone missing 20 years ago. A suspected runaway, she garnered no real attention. Why wouldn't they look for her? Even if she did run away she was still 14 years old. How was she going to care for herself? Why is this OK? 20 years later they found out that she had run off with an older man, had his child, and was dead by the age of 17. The story, as I perceive it, was that the man said that she was violent and attacked her. He spent 5 years in prison on a charge related to her death. 20 years waiting...
There is a positive side to the story, the mother has been in contact with her granddaughter and is hopeful for a relationship with her. Of course, she could have raised her, spent the last 17-20 years with her....
Elisa

Hudson, Texas

The rally stop for Hope Meek was held outside a Fire Rescue Station in a small town in Texas. This is not where she went missing from, but where her extended family resides. Hope was 25 years old with three small children when she vanished from her home in Valliant Oklahoma in 2002. Her vehicle, cell, keys, and prescription glasses were still in the home. She was missing five days before the police were contacted.
So there we were nine years later with her family who not only need answers about her disappearance but have also been denied contact with her children who were six and under when Hope went missing.
It seems...When we see children of the missing yearning for their missing parents it breaks our hearts, but this other side happens frequently. Family members of the missing denied contact by the custodial parent. Often there's conflict...Allegations...Suspicions...But..Those children are being denied access to the people who knew their missing parent best...who loved them most....Another thing to ponder..What are they being told? Do they believe left behind? That they were walked out on? Do they know how much they were loved? They have not only lost that parent but an entire side to their family..
The candlelight service was especially moving in the darkness. Hope's family included many children, each of whom wanted a candle to hold for their aunt. As they gathered around our banner for the family picture the candles illuminated all their faces. It's one of my favorite pictures from the tour. As everyone took off we stayed behind longer than usual. The next day was to be a travel day and for once we weren't in any particular rush. I sense this must be an old case for Monica. I can see the bond between her and Hope's sister who stayed behind, alone, to talk. She's studying domestic violence investigations now...She has a purpose beyond finding out what happened to Hope.
Elisa

Killeen Rally Stop

Coming into the parking lot of the church where Ben Lund's parents and love ones await I find myself feeling a little discouraged; see Ben has been featured on our national tour two years ago and he is still missing, time has dragged on for this family and I have lived it along side of them. He is so young, their love is so transparent to any stranger, for me I feel it right to my core. Beth aches for her son and Craig stands like a guardsman in wait and protecting her, most days holding her up. I think people should not have to suffer like this dammit. So I go in and it is always great to see our families...it was a awesome tribute to Ben and while their I get a sense their will not be another tour, I think maybe it will be his turn next to be found, I was feeling hopeful. Their were prayers sent up, I have to admit on this tour we have been prayed for in every states and by every faith on earth, I am thinking God has to be having a miracle heading our way soon, I will wait! I tell you all this as people need to stop always saying I will pray for you or the famous..you are in our prayers, if more really did pray a lot more things in life would be evident of it. It is time to leave now and that is always hard, you wait for the right moment when your departure will be less noticeable, yea that never happens either...so you fight back tears because you are the strength for these families of coarse, you are the advocate, right? Pulling out we have a beep and quick wave, I saw a half worried smile come across their faces...I carried that image with me for over four hundred miles..
Monica

Killeen, Texas

As we pulled up to the church for Benjamin Lund's rally I realized how anxious I was about this stop. You see, Ben was 19 years old when he went missing in July 2005. Matt was three weeks shy of his nineteenth birthday when he disappeared in November 2005. As heartbreaking as all these cases are, we are all touched more by certain cases. And as we discuss them, we've realized that we are each touched differently, most likely because of our unique life experiences. Missing young adult males will always make my heart ache just a little more. I wonder..Where would I be today if Matt was still missing?
Anyone who knew me then knows that I had a strong belief that Mathew was no longer with us...Actually, I told anyone who would listen where he was...he was in the Griffin canal..However, there was always a small chance that I was wrong, and without proof I had to always consider other possibilities. Seeing Ben's age progression photos, listening to his parents talk about how that had changed how they scan a crowd when they look for him....I thought for maybe the first time...What would Mathew have looked like today? If he was still missing would I still be following every red Ford F-150? How would my family have dealt with it for six years, we only waited six months for answers...ONLY? No, it was forever to us...
Elisa

Mesquite, Texas

The morning fog set the mood as we arrived at the rally stop for Lisa Stone. Hundreds of missing persons flyers hung on clotheslines surrounding a lake in a quiet peaceful park. The visual just took my breath away. Lisa's friends and the For the Love of Lisa Organization presented a very meaningful program. Sonny Franks, a local artist, I believe, sang the song "For the Love of Lisa"..that he had written for her. He told the crowd that all the proceeds would go to the cause. Speeches were given, tears were shed. Another stop in another town on our tour. NO. Each stop, each group of loved ones is different. Each has a different effect on me. There's a common thread, for sure, a bond that I will always have with those who have experienced having someone they love vanish. Every stop for me is like...I would compare it to meeting a relative for the first time..I've never met you before, but I know you, you are in my heart. At times when I see someone grieving, crying, tearing up, or just obviously in pain I just want to run up and envelope them. Comfort them, tell them it will be OK..But I can't, because it won't...you can offer hugs, a shoulder, an ear, support..But you can never take away their pain.
I got way off point there. I usually end with my thoughts...at a lot of stops people will show up who have a missing loved one. People not associated with CUE. Maybe they heard about it from the press, or saw a flyer. They are compelled to come. They show up clutching pictures, information on their missing loved one. I watch time and again as the rally hosts welcome them. Call them up during the program so that they too can share. This happened again at Lisa's stop. Two women carrying a picture and information on Brenda Oliver, a 55 year old woman who has been missing since July of 2008. They had read about the rally in the paper, gathered up their stuff and came down in the hope of getting some help. You could see how important it was to them...so we leave Mesquite adding another family to our fold..a group that continues to grow each day...a group no one would ever choose to join.
Elisa

I just read Monica's post. We usually write very differently...maybe we are spending to much time together....

Mesquite Rally Stop

Woke up to a heavy fog set in the area and while driving to the rally stop for Lisa Stone. I could only think...this resembles a lot of her case, her friends were left in a fog along with all who knew and loved her. Rightly so, we worked our way through the fog to only find a lake plastered with lines roped from tree to tree housing hundreds of missing person cases not solved. I had to catch my breath, what a statement and to think those featured were only from Texas? Our nation of missing and murdered victims left to suffer the loss of a loved one grows in number each day, sadly it is the same folks affected by this crime that attempt to actively do something about it and walk the fight. I look at each face staring back at me on the posters, they are loved, needed, they all have a story - will the world ever hear each story of a missing individual? I have to wonder for a moment, even though I already know that answer and then a maddening fear for a moment rises up, and someone yells out, where's the tape...it breaks my current thoughts and I am once again okay and back on track. When I spoke to supporters there I am strong, I know theses stories and I share them, and the same fight and often. One good feeling I did experience while at this stop was the awesome and dedicated friends Lisa has...wow it tells me a lot about what kind of person she is for sure. I leave this stop not feeling badly because I know her troop is there for her and like me will never give up.
Monica

Mineral Wells Rally Stop

Well we are almost to our half way point in this years tour and I have much reflection of so many different events already held, Shonda is different. See I am reminded of a few other teen mothers who in the past that I have searched for and it ended tragically as I know hers will too...we have been searching for her, for her family and most of all for her toddler son left behind. Shonda's abduction has hit her loved ones and wholesome community hard, it has left officials stumped in the search as well. I have grown very close to all of her loved ones and visiting her rally stop is like coming home in a sense to me; I know deep down for them it is more, more of an assurance I have not left them abandoned in their darkest time. So many were in attendance, holding hands, crying, laughing out of fear of crying and their in a distance her mom and dad, privately praying inside to God, you can almost hear their pleas by looking at them. This is where my heart aches, I look down and away, not in shame by no means but to avoid a connecting glance with her parents. See those are the looks I share way to often with families who suffer a missing loved one...on this day I broke away, a lot of people think it does not affect me. I leave tonight with a heavier burden then when I arrived, but it is all part of a well known path of my journey I am on.
Monica

Awesome Road Tour Crew 2011

Photos

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=210199319050629&18b14c7a38

Some of our photos are posted at that address.

Greenville Rally Stop

Coming into the small town of where Sarah Kinslow disappeared from was sad, such a small town so I know what that means, small resources. Her family has endured so much, recently her father was hospitalized and under went a major heart operation..but that did not stop their rally stop. You see many will never understand how families cannot let go and in my opinion they never should be told too. Her mom, Louise will be her voice until a resolution is brought forth, one way or another. We spent time talking something most do not do anymore in these times...on the front porch of Sarah's house, reminded me of being at my grandmothers home, just a simple wood framed home, swings on the porch, kids laughter, makes me wonder why such a good family has to go through over ten years of the unknown. They make their calls and offer An understanding concern when they are told nothing new in your case, when is it enough, I think to myself, deep down I feel most families are just to nice...as an advocate you must be respectable however the fight for victims to be heard is vital to each investigation, at all cost. Your love one is missing, then fight to win...I leave knowing I will have to teach them that tool for their case.
Monica

Mineral Wells Texas

Krishonda Townsend disappeared July 4, 2010. She was 19 years old and left behind a young son. The candlelight vigil held by her family was at a pavilion in a park. Entering the area we were welcomed by a large Road Tour banner, and a band playing Christian Rock music. The crowd was large, full of extended family, friends and many children. Not one speaker survived their speech without breaking down into tears,including the Pastor from her church. We listened to many wonderful stories about this young woman who has seemingly vanished just short of her twentieth birthday. Her mother spoke of her courage after being burned in a fire. In the hospital whenever she had to go through a debriding she would quietly sing Jesus Loves Me to herself and it would help to ease the pain. Her mother then asked us all to join her in the song in the hopes that it would reach Krishonda....or Shonda, as her family calls her. The candles were lit and handed out. They were also placed all around her photographs illuminating them in the darkness with a starry glow.I found myself watching her son, he must of been about 3 years of age..what could he possibly remember about a mother who has been gone fifteen months now? I am sure he hears her name every day, I'm sure he knows who she is, but...does he have any real memories? Of his own..or only those created by the stories that he has been told....
Elisa

Road Tour Rookie

As we go from stop to stop on The National Road Tour, you have cases that for me have stood out more than others, not that any case is less important. I've had 2 of these, the first being on Saturday nite. Tabitha Franklin, missing 2 years, mother of 3 inspiring children. So much love for their mom, everything they did that nite from singing, to reading a letter to mom, to running around with friends, I could see the love. As I watched the 3 of them standing together my imagination got the best of me. I could see them standing at a picture window waiting on mom to come to pick them up for a visit. I can hear Dawson saying mom will be here in 15 minutes, to Hannah. Saying mom's late, to Gavin patiently waiting saying she'll be here. I can see them not moving from this window, talking between themselves, where is she, is she coming, did she forget. I still can see them standing there after 2 years, watching for mom to pull up but now they're not smiling, they're crying tears for their missing mom, tears of why and tears of not understanding. How you wish you could take the tears and pain away now, but as we all know it takes the public's tips, the searching and that one person who knows what happened and where she is to come forward....

Then our first stop on Sunday in Greenville Texas for Sarah Kinslow, missing for 10 years, gone, vanished at the age of 14. I have an overwhelming feeling as we pull onto the street Sarah grew up on, balloons, banner, pictures, and I can't get this feeling to settle. I see her mother, and it's like I'm drawn to her, needing to hear every word she speaks, from this is my daughter Rebecca, to telling her granddaughter Harmony not to run in and out of the house. There's a presence there, almost as saying to me she's here, Sarah. I snap a picture during prayer of Sarah's mom, sister, and the niece she is yet to meet, I see the hurt of the not knowing in their faces, the look of help me please. As the yellow and purple balloons are released, I finally feel a sense of relief, not knowing why until someone points out a purple balloon stuck in a tree, could it be the balloon represented that Sarah is there....
Angie

Greenville Texas

We awoke Sunday morning in Memphis Tennessee at dawn. It was a quiet drive through 3 or 4 states into Texas. We were tired, but also individually lost in thought. I think some of the rallies were beginning to take a toll on us...
Our first stop was at the home of the family of Sarah Kinslow who disappeared on May 21, 2001. A cold case in desperate need of renewed attention. She was 14 years old when she went missing. A DVD sat in the middle of a table playing images of her and her information, it was surrounded by photographs of her childhood and all the newspaper clippings of her story. Age progression pictures showed what she may look like now, what her family hopes she looks like now...
I immediately noticed that she was born in the same year as Mathew. She should be 25, Mathew's birthday is fast approaching....Mathew is forever gone...Sarah has been gone for 10 years, but...is she gone forever?.....
Elisa

Cullman Rally Stop

We left the mountains of tennesse heading into our stop for Tabitha Franklin in Alabama which experiencing another time change issue which we mis-calculated..we were late, I think in the eight years that may have happened just a few times, we were trying to get there as fast as we could. Driving in a large park with a lot of water and a peaceful setting that welcomes families from the area, it was nice. We were greeted before we could get out of the vehicle by several, with huges and well wishes, all ready to forgive our tardiness. See we really hoped the press would turn out to tell her story in a big and reach further out to someone who may know something more. Their were tons of supporters, children of all ages, a stage that many spoke from and sang from, beautiful balloons and every place you looked was a picture of Tabitha, they did an awesome job putting together her stop with fine tuning of every detail. Sadly all the press were on bigger things to report such as a nearby ball game, whatever, they all had excuses, I felt so horrible for this family, her children who beg for every little story that may list their mom; no they will cover maybe a search...we all know why, that would be in hopes something or someone is found then they got a story, but not a missing woman, her life, and all those who ache for her. It is not the fault of the press but those who tune in, people create ratings and sadly the missing sometime do not stack up on ratings and therefore are not covered. I sit amazed all the time in one case that will get hundreds of hours but then hundreds never heard of, hence why the tour travels each year to get the word out. You see I know the cries of these families left behind and see the suffering behind the scenes, they lay in wait for someone to help them, someone to tell their story.
Monica

Cullman, Alabama

Tabitha Franklin was 28 years old when she disappeared August 13, 2009. The rally stop we attended for her last night was held at a pavilion in a park. It was a large group of extended family and friends that included many children. Moving speeches about both Tabitha and her being missing were given by her sister, a State Senator, law enforcement and Monica. Tabatha's daughter performed a song (after a little coaxing from the audience) in a clear and meaningful voice, which was followed by both of her brothers reading letters written to their mother. They exhibited such courage for 9, 11, and 13 years of age. You could stand back and watch them gathering their strength, their resolve... This was their time to speak out and tell the community how much they loved and missed their mother....they want her back...they need to be heard.
We had been late arriving, something we strive hard to not have occur..we were so sorry and apologetic but were greeted with smiles...no problem...just glad you are here..they were so excited to host us and the rally. To be doing something...you could see all the thought and planning that went into this event...this chance to maybe, possibly, reach someone with information on Tabitha.
It was an exceptionally emotional event for all of them and also for us, just heart wrenching. Tabitha...her family calls her Tabby needs to be found. Her family needs answers, her children should not have to growup without knowing what happened to their mother....
Elisa