LostNMissing, Inc. is a state and federally recognized 501c(3) Non-Profit charitable organization to assist law enforcement and the families of missing. We strive to help prevent loved ones from going missing and to bring awareness of those who are, by providing support to families while educating others. We work  with various law enforcement agencies across the country, on behalf of  families of missing, and help to bring awareness via community workshops, media, internet and social networking for missing loved ones.  We never charge a fee for our services and are staffed 100% by volunteers including Board Members, Owner and Support Members.

Our Board of Directors

Cynthia Caron, PresidentFounder -New Hampshire

Marquita "Marki" Davis, Vice President Utah

Karen Krepps, TreasurerOhio Linda Addison,

RNSecretaryColorado

Tammy Ross,Board MemberVirginia

Shellee Hale,Board MemberWashington

Vicki Linginfelter,Board MemberTennessee

2011

When a loved one becomes missing, families are extremely distraught.  Working along with their law enforcement we will guide families to what needs done to help locate their missing family member.  This includes media, marketing, designing missing posters and banners, and assisting the family with needed events as well as contracting for search and rescue, if advised by their local police agency.  We are always available to the family and work with professionalism and compassion.

A Safe and Happy Holiday to All!

The LostNMissing Review - 1st Edition, 2011Table of Contents

Page 1: Porch Patrol – It’s not just Social Media; It’s your Social Neighborhood by Donna Norris

Page 2: Holiday Recipes: Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes and Brown Sugar Almond Cookies

Page 3-6: What is NamUs?

Page 7: Clay Busts and Sketches of Unidentified Recovered Remains

Page 8: Kelly Armstrong, Brooke Avery, Carla Cook Fuqua, and Marble Arvidson

Page 9: We are in this together! By Karen Ranoni, Director of Events, LNM

Page 10: My Brother, My Protector by Janell C. Bennett, sister of missing Dr. Jarrett Lee Burton

Page 11: Jeramy Carl Burt

Page 12: Missing Spc.Joseph Dugway and Baby Lisa Irwin

Page 13- 14: Featured Unsolved Missing: Tracy Myers – PA – 2000, Memories of Tracy

Page 15: Holidays without our loved Carla (Carla Cook Fuqua) Page 29-30: Why Me, Why Us?

Page 16: The Holidays Without Our Megan Page 31: What is a QR Code? By Paul Steinbrueck

Page 17: Finding Missing/Located & Billy’s Law Page 32: Wanted Home for the Holidays – Dorothy Mae Heard, 74

Page 18: Joining Together Towards Bringing Them Home Page 33: Dear Santa…Missing Shanna Peoples

Page 19: I Care Campaign – Winners Announced Page 34: Where is Danielle Hill Alvarado?

Page 20: This and That – Curious info and tidbits Page 35: Pillow Fights and Overnights!

Page 21: What LNM Means To Me Page 36: A Birthday is MORE than just a birthday!

Page 22: Angel Garcia, Jeramy Carl Burt, Beth Bentley, Billy Smolinski Page 37: Where is Brian Sullivan?

Page 23-24: Where is Jesse Ross? Page 38: Jaliek Rainwalker, Ilya Lastovkin, Brad Olsen, Christopher & Alexander Watkins

Page 25: Breakfast Pizza ,Gift Wrap Suggestions & Christmas Diet Song! Page 39: Changing Your Thoughts By Kinyofu Mlimwengu

Page 26: Please Consider A Donation Page 40: Tangena Hussain, Earl Kidder, Donna Jou, Christina Whittaker

Page 27: Kyla Porter, Jessica Foster, Matthew Keith, Robert Cox Page 41: Our Team

Page 28: Happiness In Your Life – Facebook Group Page 42: How to Make the Holidays…When your Loved One is Missing

Page 43: Christmas In Heaven – Eugene Losik

Page 44: Poems for those Grieving

1

My name is Donna Norris. I am the mother of Amber Hagerman which the Amber Alert is named for. In July of this year, my friend and business partner, Angie Camp and I created a new social networking site called Porch Patrol. We decided to create it after recognizing the need for a centralized connection point for people and parents of today with old fashioned family values. This website unveils a whole new nature of social networking, an innovation that no other website has considered. The purpose of this website is to allow people from around the world to connect as neighbors, voice their concerns, speak their mind, and provide their opinions on family issues. Have you ever noticed when you're talking with friends sometimes the subject of your own childhood will come up? Before you know it you are talking about being home before the street lights came on and what it was like before the internet. Soon you are talking about how everyone in the neighborhood knew one another and looked out for each other. How the Moms would swap their favorite recipes and how Dad would never let anyone else touch the grill. These conversations are always accompanied with laughter and phrases like "Oh yes, I remember that." and "Wow I haven't thought about that in years!". Seems like everyone agrees that the world has definitely changed and we all need that type of connection that we once shared. The times may have changed but a great many people still share those family values that most of us grew up with and we have created an online neighborhood for people who share these values to connect. Using the technology of today to share the values of yesterday, sounded like a great idea to Angie and I. However, when we started to discuss this idea with others we were told things like: “It won’t catch on.”, “Too many people enjoy the drama on facebook.”, “Strong family values don’t exist in our society anymore.” and well...you get the idea. So with encouragement from family and others and some hard work (and because I don’t like being told I can’t do something), we created http://www.porchpatrol.com/. It's like the other social networks that you are familiar with but a lot more fun. With this online neighborhood, you won't find the online games that take you away from your family for hours or the drama that no one needs, just friends sharing stories, ideas, status updates and yes, even some recipes. In the Forums section you will find topics like: Grandma-isms, Coupon Fun, Why I Love My Country, Dad's Favorite Quotes, Funny Mother-In-Law Stories, Proud Mommas and many, many more. You can also create Groups and Event Pages.

I encourage you all to visit us at http://www.porchpatrol.com/, share your stories and make new friends with strong family values. Please tell your friends about us and help us grow this online neighborhood.

By the way, one of my favorite Grandma-isms is: “Grandma’s don’t jam, they jelly”. You’ll have to join us at Porch Patrol to read the story behind this in the forums section. Guaranteed to make you smile!

It’s not just social media; it’s YOUR social neighborhood.

2

Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes

Serves 6

Ingredients - Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes

4 medium sweet potatoes canola oil 2 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter softened 1/4 cup real maple syrup 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 5 strips bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

Preparation - Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Wash sweet potatoes and lightly coat skins with canola oil.

Pierce each potato several times with a fork, place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for one hour or until fork-tender.

Cut the hot potatoes into halves. Scoop the pulp into a mixing bowl, discarding the skins.

Beat at medium speed for one minute using an electric mixer.

Add cream cheese, butter, syrup, vanilla extract, salt and pepper. Whip until creamy.

Spoon whipped potatoes into six ramekins coated with nonstick cooking spray and top with the bacon. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for five to eight minutes or until heated through.

Alternatively, they may be reheated in a microwave.

•1/2 cup butter, softened

•1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

•1/2 teaspoon baking soda

•1/4 teaspoon salt

•1/3 cup canola oil

•1/4 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed

•1 teaspoon vanilla

•2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

•3/4 cup almonds, toasted and ground

•6 ounces bittersweet, semisweet, or milk chocolate, coarsely chopped (optional)

•1 teaspoon shortening (optional)

•Whole, sliced, slivered, chopped, and/or ground almonds (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Beat in oil, egg, and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour and the 3/4 cup almonds. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill dough about 2 hours or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, half at a time, to 1/4-inch thickness (keep remaining dough refrigerated). Using 1 1/2- to 4-inch star-shape cookie cutters, cut dough into star shapes. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.

If desired, in a small saucepan, heat and stir chocolate and shortening over low heat until melted; cool slightly. Decorate cookies with melted chocolate and, if desired, additional almonds. Let stand until chocolate is set.

Brown Sugar Almond CookiesYield: 36 (3-inch) cookies Prep: 30 mins Chill: 2 hrs Bake: 6 mins to 8 mins 375°F per batch

3

http://www.namus.gov/ NAMUS - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can create a missing persons case in NamUs?

 Anyone can enter a case (after becoming a registered user). The case and the submitting person (known as the case creator) will be verified prior to information being published. A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) number must be in place before the case is displayed on the NamUs site. This is the official law enforcement tracking number for a missing persons report and can be obtained through a local law enforcement or FBI office. These steps are taken to prevent hoaxes and other fraudulent uses of the site.

 2. How does one register to enter a missing persons case into the NamUs database?

You must submit a registration request following the registration link https://www.findthemissing.org/users/new_confirm, or http://www.namus.gov/

 3. Who must register to use the Unidentified Persons System (UP)?

Medical examiners and coroners who will be entering case information in the UP system will be required to register as a UP user. Coroners or medical examiners who are not members of the National Association for Medical Examiners (NAME) or the International Association of Medical Examiners and Coroners (IACME) must provide the name of a sponsor who belongs to NAME or IACME. NAME or IACME members do not need a sponsor.Law enforcement officers must register for full data viewing privileges. When registering, law enforcement personnel must provide the name of the chief medical examiner or coroner serving their jurisdiction.

4. What types of users are using NamUs?

When a person registers, the 'Public User' role is assigned by default. Roles are defined below and anything other than a public user must be verified. Public User - general public Law Enforcement - Police, missing persons, commander, etc. Case Manager - Criminal justice clearinghouse staff and other authorized individuals Regional System Administrator - coordinator of the case managers with in the NamUs system. (System administrators are assigned). Medical Examiners/Coroners Forensic Anthropologists 

5. How long does it take to register as a public user?

A public user can register in just a few minutes. The system will send a confirmation email and password. The password will be valid and then users can log in and enter or track cases. 

6. After registering as a case manager with NamUs, how long will it take for my registration to be verified?

Although users will receive a password just a few minutes after registering, approval of status as a case manager may take a few business days, due to security verification protocol. Users may create cases during this waiting period, but a different case manager will be verifying new cases. Once a case manager has been approved, extended system responsibilities will apply and the user will be notified via email.

 

4

7. What information is required to enter a case into NamUs?

The case specifics listed here are required to create a case on the NamUs system. Be sure to include the NCIC number if possible to assist in verification. The case can be entered, but will not be verified or published without this number.

Required Missing Persons Information: First Name Last Name Age Sex Race Height Weight City State Date LKA Circumstances Hair Color Eye Color

Strongly Recommended Information: DNA Dental records Fingerprints

 

8. What does "Date LKA" mean?

This is the date last known alive.

 

9. If a missing persons report is filed with a local law enforcement agency, do they automatically post it to NamUs?

Although it's encouraged, this is not required. NamUs provides an opportunity for the general public to assist in solving cases by uploading case information into this national data system.

10. What happens when a case is updated?

Users can log in and check on cases as often as they want and add information. Additional information will be held for verification prior to publishing in order to maintain the highest quality data.

5

11. What is the 5-Star Profile Strength rating that appears on each case?

The 5-star scale ranks each case in terms of the amount of information it contains that is potentially useful for finding a missing person.

The system automatically assigns a number of stars based on the amount and quality of data that is entered by the case owner.

Essentially, the more useful identification information contained in a profile, the more likely it is that these specifics can be

used to help solve a case. For example, a case that includes identification information like specific clothing and accessories,

dental records, DNA reporting and fingerprints will have more stars than a record containing only basic features like eye and hair color.

The 5-star rating system does not denote any priority level in solving a case, but is used here to encourage users to add as much information

as possible.

12. Who can search the unidentified person database?

Anyone can search the UP database, but the level of access to information will vary. Medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement officers and missing person clearinghouses/professionals will have access to all case information. The public will have access to basic case information and limited access to identification photographs.  

13. How is a search conducted?

Any member of the public can conduct a search by clicking the "Search" link on the home page. Doing so will take the user to a ‘Basic Search’ screen on which a search may be conducted for a missing person's race, sex, ethnicity (Hispanic/Latino), date last known to be alive, age when last known alive, and the state in which the person was last known to be alive. These can be searched in any combination and the basic search is designed to display a relatively large group of cases that could be possible matches.

There is also an option to perform an "Advanced Search" in which any combination of information may be searched including clothing, dental characteristics, tattoos, scars and many other possible identifying features.

Further information is contained in the "Search Tips" and "Dental Search Tips" help files on the UP site.

14. How can users improve the chances that their loved one will be found?

Law enforcement agencies need as much information as possible when trying to solve cases.

Contact information for the missing person's dentist so dental records can be obtained Fingerprints (Did the missing person ever get a background check with fingerprints?) DNA Samples – For example: a personal item that will provide DNA (hairbrush, toothbrush, etc.) or DNA samples from family members that can be submitted for DNA analysis Good, clear photos of the missing person

All of this information can be helpful and there are opportunities to add detailed information of this type into the system.

6

15. How long does it take for a missing persons case entry to become searchable within the database?

New cases will become searchable as soon they are validated and published by a case manager (usually within a few days).

16. Is a law enforcement user’s case information viewable by the public, or can sensitive data be restricted to law enforcement only?

Most general case information is viewable by all users, with some exceptions. Sensitive data entered by law enforcement is shielded from the view of the case creator or general public for security or investigation purposes.

 17. To which information does the public have access?

Each case in the UP system contains information in several categories, and the menu bar contains a link to each category.

The public has access to: Case Information (Case number, date found etc) Decedent Demographics (age, race etc) Circumstances Body Details (those useful for identification) Clothing, hair, and eye details Case Identification Photograph, if provided Reports (ability to print out a summary of one or more cases)

Registered users have access to the above information plus the following categories: Police contact information Case Follow Up information 

18. Isn’t NamUs a duplication of NCIC? No, the two systems have different objectives.

NCIC (National Crime Information Center) is a computerized database of documented criminal justice information accessible only to law enforcement agencies and their subgroups nationwide. NamUs is a searchable, online database that serves as a national repository for case information on missing persons and unidentified remains. It can be accessed by anyone including the general public, law enforcement and state and local agencies that are not part of law enforcement such as a county medical examiner. It is designed to facilitate the work of the diverse community of individuals and organizations who investigate missing and unidentified persons. 

19. Because anyone can become a case creator and can initiate a missing person’s report on NamUs, how are hoax-type cases screened out? 

The NamUs system will accept a case, but minimal elements must be fulfilled before it is publicly displayed. The case and the submitting person (known as the case creator) will be verified prior to information being published and the Regional System Administrator (RSA) assigned to the case will place a phone call to the law enforcement agency to validate the case.

20. How does the cross searching tool in NamUs work?

In July 2009, the system was upgraded and now automatically searches missing persons records against the unidentified persons records, providing side-by-side comparisons. Cases with similarities are automatically presented to the investigator, reducing research time and allowing the investigator to exclude those that do not match. If there are cases that offer solid potential for a match, the investigator will engage forensic services to conduct further identification testing.  NamUs Rev. 9.8.09 

7

An example of how forensic drawings and clays are not an absolute indicator of what an unidentified victim may have looked like. Remember…USE NamUs as it gives details that you can cross match which is an excellent guide. Use the clays/drawings/sketches as a tool…but don't "rule out" a possible match for DNA because it may not resemble each other. Here are two examples:

Lettitia Robinson went missing in 2007. Remains discovered of unknown black female (Montgomery Alabama.) Below is the Clay Figure of “Jane Doe” and beside it is a photo of Lettitia Robinson who has since been positively identified as the earthly body located. Note the Clay figure and Lettitia’s Photo are not closely resembled.

Another example, we submitted DNA for our missing Tracy Meyers as she looked SO MUCH like the sketch of one of the unidentified victims from the Long Island murders. Results were the opposite of the above Montgomery woman. DNA has ruled Tracy is NOT the body of the Ocean Parkway unidentified young woman. However, pay close attention to how close they resemble. Tracy’s family can now maintain their hope that she may still be alive. (See story on Tracy Myers in this Issue.)

If you happen to recognize the unidentified victim, please contact the Suffolk County Medical Examiner Office, or the Suffolk County, NY Homicide Division. The unidentified victim was located on two separate occasions. The first, her torso found in Manorville, N.Y., in 2000, and her head, hands and foot found on Ocean Parkway in April 2011.

Clay Model of “Jane Doe” ……………… DNA Obtained revealed she was Lettitia Robinson.

Tracy Myers missing – PA ………….. Unidentified sketch of woman, still Unidentified. Notice the resemblance. Also, partial body located at same time Tracy went missing.

Clay Busts and Sketches of Unidentified Recovered Remains

Prayers for the family, friends and all who love and miss Lettitia.

8

9

When you wake up and realize your calling is pushing you towards working with people who are victims of crime, or the family member of a crime victim, also known as a Co-victim... you pretty much prepare yourself for the fact that many of your hours are going to be logged sifting through the remnants of someone’s worst nightmare. You cant compare or even fathom the ease at which a teacher would direct her class or the joy of working in an animal shelter somewhere surrounded by the warmth of oblivious and mostly loving animals, but yet you stay the course and you ring out as much satisfaction as you can from knowing unequivocally that your making a difference.

Not everyone has to have solid evidence of every triumph, they don’t require the admiration of collegues, those people are you and I and our team at LostNMissing. We work with crime victims and co-victims families desparately searching for a missing loved one, “Why one might ask?” Well, for many reasons I’d presume and most of us, if asked, would easily call this our passion with no need to explain. Although there is nothing glamourous about our calling there is sense of purpose in knowing that those found successfully are brought home again. My own satisfaction working for LostNMissing lays very much in the notion that even though you might be missing you don’t always have to be lost, or never found. I know it feels like the worst case scenario is largely the one we find , yet we must admit to some degree that when we do find that one needle in the haystack and all the pieces fall into place... the rewards of the job is that much sweeter.

Being exposed to the darker side of humanity gives us a greater sense of being in the now, savoring the lack of strife in our own lives and reminds us to always no matter what never let anyone walk away without knowing how much they mean to us. We are cautious almost to the point of paranoia, how could we not be with the details recounted to us, the information we gather, and the secrets we’ve heard? The horror of reality is so close to the families we work with and our compassion so sincere that these clients morph into friends after weeks, months or years of helping them through their journey for answers and resolution, notice I didn’t say closure as I’m sure you’ve grown to realize in the world of the missing closure isn’t something most people are privy too.

This herein lies the deep connection between Advocate and Co-Victims…after all the searching has come to an end and all there is to know is known and all that is ever going to be recovered has found it’s final resting place the co-victims become US, you yourself might have found your home here with LostNMissing because you found yourself searching and even though your own personal story has found it’s end your too accustomed to the adrenaline of the search to leave this all behind, and many times those with missing loved ones can’t imagine not helping someone who knows your pain.

You might never have known someone who went missing but saw a face that sparked an interest in you that you couldn’t ignore and by the time you found out that face belonged to a missing person you were too invested to go about your life without helping. The point I want to make is that when you are helping someone you’ve never met, or your searching for someone that you know in your heart will never be brought home, at least In the way the family is hoping… there are more similarities between us then we ever take the time to recognize, as a support person to a co-victim we are forever connected to them, the memories of this search, the voice they recall when they relive this journey. We are afterall working for exactly the same thing they are…we’re all just trying to bring someone home.

We are in this together! By Karen Ranoni, Director of Events – LostNMissing Inc

10

My brother, Dr. Jarrett Lee Bennett, is missing. I have searched over the past 4 years and want nothing more than to know he is safe and warm. Growing up Jarrett was my protector. You see, in 1958 our Mother had what they called mental breakdown.  She had to hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. While there our Grandmother, for her own reasons, blamed us for our mother’s problem.  Nobody knew about mental illness back then. Not like today.While she was in the hospital she was becoming catatonic and our Dad was informed that the treatment to help her was fully awake ECT's.  I never knew how many she had but she eventually came home but she was never the same. Our mother would have what we called "Side Slip" episodes.

One Saturday, I was all of 5 years old and Jarrett was 11, she burned the breakfast oatmeal. If anyone ever smelled burnt oatmeal, they would know that it is an awful smell.  She dressed me in a dress and ordered me to the kitchen.  She told Jarrett to put on just an undershirt and shorts. Normally Jarrett only wore shorts for gym or outside play. When I got to the kitchen, Jarrett was standing in the door not moving a muscle. I peeped around him and standing at the stove was our Mother.  She was rubbing her temples. I heard my brother say" Oh, no, no."  She turned around, stopped rubbing her temples.  Her head dropped to the right and her eyes rolled to the right as well.  Side Slipped.

She served the burnt oatmeal and I couldn't and wouldn't eat it.  She took me out of the kitchen and into our enclosed back porch three times and beat me until I couldn't make a sound.When she returned me to my chair my bowl was empty.  She demanded to know where was the oatmeal.  I couldn't answer.  She told me to get out of her sight.  I ran down to the basement but she was still in a rage.  She went to Jarrett's room, asked him what was he doing. I'm doing my homework” he responded. He had his bible given to him by an aunt to proper up his schoolbook. I had walked very quietly up the bedroom steps to get some toys when I heard the commotion. She took the bible and beat him about the head, yelling the Lord's words isn't to be used with schoolbooks.

While all this was going on our grandmother didn't lift a finger to stop her daughter. Through all this, my brother and I prevailed. He went on to study well and went to college where he earned his PhD. I was proud of my older brother. My idol, my protector.

It wasn’t until 2006 that I learned Jarrett had scraped my oatmeal down the kitchen drain because he said, “He couldn't take hearing my screams and he was hoping she would leave me alone.”  It saved me but not my brother. Thus, Jarrett was my protector but I couldn't protect him from his own mental illness. A mental illness that leaves me with the hopes and prayers that he is out there, wandering the streets, like so many other intelligent and loving brothers and sisters who did not ask to endure emotional suffering that may have caused him to “walk away from his life” as a good brother, solid citizen and a great contributor to society with his research and studies. I ask that everyone help me find my protector. Take a look at all the homeless around you and see if you can find my brother, Dr. Jarrett Lee Burton, my brother, my protector.

My Brother, My Protector. Dr. Jarrett Lee Burton By Janell C.Bennett

Janell C.Bennett

Jarrett Lee.Bennett, PhDMissing since 2007

Pennsylvania

11

Holidays Without My Loved One, by Sheryl BurtChristmas used to be my favorite holiday. Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts and the excitement that came with seeing my kids Christmas morning was magical. Our Christmas tradition was to spend Christmas Eve working on putting together a puzzle, listening to Christmas music and the most important thing.....opening one gift!!! I of course was busy in the kitchen, getting started on Christmas dinner and enjoying the laughter and fun. After finally getting the kids to bed and asleep, I would finish dinner preparations and started wrapping gifts till the wee hours of the morning.

 

One year I had all the presents wrapped before Christmas Eve and had them all hidden in the trunk of my car...the only place that my snoopy kids would not find them. I thought that I had a Christmas miracle happening but that changed when their dad had to take my car to work the graveyard shift at the last minute that one Christmas Eve! It all came to me that all the gifts were in a parking lot 25 miles away and I had no way to get them! The kids always came to my bedroom Christmas morning for us to wait for dad to get home at 8:00 am, so I knew the true test of whether they peaked or not was about to play out. Well when dad got home he put the gifts under the tree and the kids never knew what happened, so I guess they never peaked Christmas morning!

 

When the kids grew up and left home Christmas changed a lot. No more fun early mornings, but a different kind of fun throughout the day as my children arrived to spend the day. Jeramy's first Christmas away from home was in San Diego, California while in the Navy in Boot camp. We were told all gifts had to be shared with his company, so the kids & I formed an assembly line making caramel corn to fill a jumbo gift bag to send to him and his company. Jeramy said that he had many "best friends" and it helped us to feel like he was home with us. These are part of my memories that I cherish and will have forever and I am thankful to have them.

 

My newest memories have been hard to come by these past four years, if not for my grandkids, I would not even put up a tree. They would not understand and so I try to make the best of it and so I put up my decorations including Jeramy's stocking up every year and when I get up Christmas morning alone, I spend it with Jeramy in my thoughts and heart. I love and miss him so very much and I know that things will never be the same until I bring him home.

 

Someday my prayers will be answered and in the meantime I get comfort from my family and many online friends that help me get through each and every day.

 

God Bless You All & Merry Christmas,

Sheryl Burt~~Mother of Missing Jeramy Carl Burt

Sheryl Burt

Jeramy Carl Burt & daughter

Missing February 11, 2007

Boise, Idaho

Facebook: Jeramy Carl Burt

12

Lisa Irwin, age 10 months, vanished from her northern Kansas City home October 4, 2011 from her crib at night setting off an intense investigation and national media coverage.

Irwin's mother, Deborah Bradley, said she last saw her baby when she put Lisa to bed the evening of October 3, 2011. Lisa's father, Jeremy Irwin, reported her missing when he returned home from work the next morning at 4:00 am. Lisa was 10 months old at the time.

The parents were questioned extensively in the case, but police say they are not suspects.

Investigations are ongoing and we ask the public to please look for this child. If abducted she would be with someone who previously did not have a baby.

If seen, call 9-1-1

Spc. Joseph Bushling, 26, missing since May 08, 2011 in Utah. He left English Village to drive around the desert in his black 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Saturday night, May 7th, 2011. On Sunday, May 8, 2011, at about 7 p.m., he contacted a friend at Dugway stating that he had run out of gas and was going to walk back to the test area, according to a press release from Dugway Proving Ground. No contact with him has been made since that phone call. His last known location was west of Granite Mountain, which is about 35 miles west of Dugway’s main gate.

After several air and ground search efforts, the car Bushling was driving when he went missing was found six days later in a deep ravine 64 miles southwest of Dugway's main gate. His baseball hat was found six miles from that vehicle two days later. But then the search was called off on May 27, 2011. Joseph was weeks away from going to nursing school after serving as a medic at Dugway. Kevin Bushling, his father, says his son would never abandon his life or his family…and he did not go AWOL. If info, call the Dugway PD at (435) 831-2929

SPC Joseph Bushling Facebook Page

13

Tracy was such a ray of sunshine; she always looked out for the underdog or the kid that did not fit in. She was very kindhearted to everyone. She had such an infectious and contagious laugh and such a warm smile. Tracy was like our little Shirley Temple. She was just a joy to have a round. She used to go to the local Catholic Church around the corner from our home and she became very close friends with a lot of the nuns. She would visit them all the time at the convent. The nuns just loved Tracy. She would give out Rosary beads to family and friends. I still have a set hanging from my rear view mirror in my car. I always feel that we will be safe when we travel. It is like having a part of Tracy with us when we are on the road. The ironic part about this is that we are not Catholic. Tracy was very interested in all different kinds of religions and cultures. She had many friends from different countries. She had a very diverse group of friends. Tracy could pick up a foreign language without really trying. It was almost like someone who learns a musical instrument by ear. She not only learned many foreign languages, but she also learned how to write in all different languages. Her dream was to become an interpreter for the United Nations. It was not unusual at all for Tracy to be going to the Temple with her Jewish friend one week and to a mosque with an Arab friend another week. Tracy did not care to know what prejudice meant. She just never had a need too. In Tracy’s world everyone was welcomed with open arms.

Tracy was very involved in gymnastics and loved to write poetry. We still have a collection of her poetry and read it from time to time. She was a very gifted writer. Tracy excelled academically in school. She was on the Distinguished Honor Roll many times throughout school. Tracy had a very close and caring relationship with the elderly. She would stop and talk to them and help them out whenever it was needed. It was so nice to see how their faces would light up when they saw her. She really did bring a lot of joy into everyone’s life that she came across. Everyone she met has become a lifelong friend. She is truly missed by so many. Since her disappearance over 11 years ago their affection for her has not diminished at all. There are over 1800 friends on her Missing Tracy Myers Face book site.

Her disappearance has left a huge void in everyone’s life. There is a huge hole in this family and her friend’s life since Tracy has been gone. It has been said “That when you lose a parent, you lose your past. When you lose a child, you lose your future” This is so true! , without Tracy our family is not whole, we have been devastated by this and work hard every day to find answers about what happened to Tracy. We will NEVER give up on trying to find our Tracy. We will pursue this until the day we take our last breath. It will be tough again around the holidays. We always have that empty chair at the table. Tracy’s birthday will be coming up again in January. This is a brutally, emotionally tough day for us. Her Mom will bake a cake; we will gather around the table and sing to Tracy on this special day. It helps to do the things that we would normally do if Tracy was still here. This is such a bright, vital human being who so enjoyed life and looked forward to every day. She brought so much to the table for everyone she met and left such a lasting impression. She would never give up on anyone, that is why we must never give up on trying to bring Tracy home. We would never be able to do this on our own from day to day without the support we have received from so many who continuously help on a daily basis. We would like to thank Cynthia Caron from LostNMissing who has been with us from the beginning, helping us and guiding us through this difficult period. To the many volunteers who we call Tracy’s Warriors, we can never thank you all enough.

Sincerely, Tracy’s Family

Memories of Tracy by Greg Myers, her Father

Greg and daughter, Tracy Myers

14

I've sat in front of this screen for days. I would attempt to start this,and just walk away. Its not that I don't have a million memories of Tracy, its that thinking of all the great times when Tracy was still here and our family was together. That is when her being missing severely affects me. I miss her so much I can’t even begin to explain. It becomes hard to hold back tears.

Tracy and I were completely different in every way. She did excellent in school…I barely showed up. She got along with everyone at the park…whereas I was fist fighting. Her side of the room was impeccable…and my side looked like a nuke bomb went off in it. I was into heavy metal bands,wearing black…and Tracy had rosaries all over our room. She would hang out at the convent with the nuns…I would just hang out. We were TOTAL opposites. We would bicker like normal sisters did, but Tracy was just so different than your average person. She saw no differences in race, nor religion. She didn't care if you were popular or if nobody liked you. It didn’t matter if one was homosexual or straight. Tracy loved everyone. She was also unbelievably unique. As we got older and I had my first child, a daughter,Tracy and I grew closer than we had ever been. She LOVED AND ADORED her niece! She is her Godmother and whenever Tracy would walk into my house,she would yell "BINK" and my daughter would run into her arms! Tracy beamed with love and happiness when it came to my daughter. She loved her so much. So many times we would sit up late at night and well into the morning just talking about so many different things. She was TRUELY my best friend! She stayed at my house every single weekend.

Many people walk in and out of your life,but nobody was like my little sister. She trusted everyone and cared so much about anyone who walked into her life. Its been over 11 years, and I have four awesome kids that she never got to meet. My brother has a 9 year old son, that's a spitting image of my brother,that she never got the chance to know. I feel we have been cheated out of having Tracy in our lives and we do not know why? There is no replacing her and the void inside me will never ever go away. Family functions are not the same because our family isn't "whole" there's an empty chair at every Thanksgiving dinner,Christmas,Birthdays,etc. She should be here to help decorate the Christmas tree. Without her there is no fun anymore. I have a wonderful family, and a huge circle of friends that have kept me going, but nobody or nothing can fill her shoes. Losing a sister is something you just cant put into words. Its an empty feeling. Its like your side kick is gone. I’ve sat and watched sisters talk and watch their kids play and I think of how great that would of been to have done that with Tracy. There is not a day that goes by,or something I pass by,or a song that plays on the radio,that doesn't remind me of her. People say“She's everywhere you are.“ I know this probably sounds selfish, but I want her here with our family. I don't want to hold onto old memories that makes me afraid that one day I’ll forget? I want to make new ones ,with her here....not in my mind. Memories are great,until the day you cant make new ones. I cherish the ones I do have of her and me doing silly things and our late night talks...but honestly,to sum it up...I just really,really miss her! I miss her so much it hurts! Nothing will ever be the same and until I breathe my very last breathe ,I WILL NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON LOOKING FOR HER.EVER! I owe her that much,because she would have done it for me or anybody else out there.

Wherever you my be, I love you Tracy~your sister always, Lisa

My Sister, My Friendby Lisa Myers, her Sister.

Lisa and Tracy Myers

Facebook Page: Tracy Lynn Myers (FriendsAndFamily)

15

Holidays Without Our Loved Carla By Darlene Cook and Justin Fuqua

 

It is hard to bear another Christmas without you Carla. This is our third Christmas without you and we still don't know if you are safe or if harm has come to you? Please Lord, Help Us make it through this Christmas and Prayerfully make a way for our loved Carla to come home safe to her family and friends, and most especially to her son (Justin) and I her Mother. Carla, we Love you and would love to have that special present of you home. Justin needs his Mom and I need my daughter. Justin has made you stuff at school and written letters to you. I wish there was some way for you to get them. Missing you is as fresh today as it was the last day I saw you.

We love you Carla, and still praying that you are out there somewhere and we will see you again soon!!

 

Loving You always, your Mother and son, Justin Fuqua

www.findcarla.com

MISSINGPiedmont, Alabama October 29, 2009

CARLA COOK FUQUA

Height 5’4”   Weight 90 lbs  

Eyes: Blue  

Hair: Sandy  

Tattoos: Right ankle of a "sunshine", a crown of thorns on her left upper arm , a tattoo of "Justin" on

her lower back and an angel wings tattoo on her back.

16

The holidays used to be awesome for me all that changed on June 6th 2010. My entire world had changed as my daughter Megan Waterman had gone missing. All holidays are very emotional, quite honestly a living hell for me still. The first holiday was July 4, 2010 that was not so bad as I had hope back in 2010. It was in late December of 2010, right before Christmas, when I learned that 4 bodies of unidentified females were found on Gilgo Beach. I knew in my heart that one was my daughter. This was confirmed on January 19, 2011. They say time heals all wounds, but it does not. It may lesson somewhat, but it is never healed. The bigger holidays, such as Megan's daughters' 4th birthday party, Megan had missed and it was very hard on all of us. Megan and I used to plan her birthdays together and she always organized it to be a big shebang! I wish Megan was here. On my granddaughter's most recent birthday I had asked everybody that came to not mention Megan at all because it was her day and I did not want her to be thinking of her mommy not there to celebrate with us all. I was hurting inside so bad. I remember last year at Thanksgiving that I was still waiting for that phone call from her as she did always on holidays, even though we would get together later in the day. At Christmas I still held hope that Megan would call and say "Merry Christmas Mom. I love you." Just as she always did. The call never came. I did not matter if Megan and I had disagreements, she still called me to say Happy Mothers day, Happy Birthday, Happy Thanksgiving or Merry Christmas. All those calls stopped as did her presence. My holidays will never be the same I don’t celebrate like I use to do because I lost my beautiful daughter.

Written by, Lorraine Ela Mother of Megan Waterman, 22 - Earthly body located December 2010

The Holidays Without Our Megan

Lorraine Ela, Megan’s daughter and Megan Waterman –

Last Holiday Photo, 2009 ~ In Loving Memory Of Megan Waterman~

We don’t need an angel on the

top of our tree…

we already have one

watching down on us

from Heaven.

17

Don’t forget to bookmark our Updates and Alerts Site! This will keep you informed on missing and located loved ones. You can search by name, too! Just bookmark:

http://lostnmissing.posterous.com

READ MORE HERE: http://helpfindthemissingact.blogspot.com

BILLY'S LAW - The Help Find the Missing Act (H.R. 1300 and S.R. 702)

Billy's Law would link two existing databases maintained by the Department of Justice: the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Department of Justice’s National Missing Person and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). It would also create a grant program to helps local law enforcement and medical examiners report missing persons and unidentified remains to NCIC, NamUs, and the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

KEEP INFORMED!! Did you know the majority of missing loved ones are found by the general public? YOU could be the answer a family needs! Make this your New Year’s Resolution! You will check our page daily for missing and located loved ones!

Learn all there is to know about Billy’s Law – The Help Find The

Missing Act and help support with your signature! It’s that easy!

Located safe!

Joining Together –

Towards Bringing Them Home.

18

WINNERS: Our Fall 2011 - I Care Campaign The following are the winners who purchased $10 raffle tickets to LNM. A total of $265.00 was collected and donated to LostNMissing, Inc. October 03, 2011 - Elizabeth Harris, of Texas Prize: Handcrafted Wood Grain Bracelet and Earrings

October 07, 2011 - Donald Cissell, of Indiana Prize: $25 Best Buy, 4 LNM Bracelets, 4 Child ID Kits... ...October 12, 2011 - Melanie C. Duncan of Georgia Prize: $100 Staples Gift Certificates

October 18, 2011 - Amanda Silverstein, of New York Prize: Donated by Kodak Coffee Table Leather Bound Photography by "Alfred Stieglitz" Gorgeous photography from the early 1900's

October 23, 2011 - Davone Rodgers of California. Prize: Winter Gift Basket designed by LostNMissing staff, Tracy Fox

October 26, 2011 - Tiffini Forslund of Brooklyn Park, MN. Prize: Turquoise Jewelry set

October 28, 2011- Amanda Silverstein of Brooklyn, NY. Prize: $25 VISA gift card

October 30, 2011- Christopher Gonzalez of Wentworth , NH Prize: Personally autographed "Chrysler Imported from Detroit" made famous by Eminem, size extra large T-shirt - autographed by Sergio Marchionne the CEO of Chrysler Detroit.

October 31, 2011- Angela Montgomery of Illinois. Prize: Pink "Thank You Daisy" Snow Globe/ music box donated/owned by Miss Rockingham of NH

October 31, 2011- Tim Aldrich of Cranston, RI. Prize: Personally autographed "Chrysler Imported from Detroit" made famous by Eminem, size extra large Hoodie sweatshirt - autographed by Sergio Marchionne the CEO of Chrysler Detroit.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:FlyTouch3 Tablet PC won by: Jenny Hall of Locust Grove, Virginia

We accept Paypal !

19

To donate, please go to http://www.lostnmissing.com/donate.html

Special thanks to Karen Ranoni, our Director of Events who put together this wonderful program!

20

This and That…QUESTIONAnthropologists can determine whether an adult skeleton is male or female from certain features of the skull the pelvis, and other bones. Can they also determine the sex of a very young child's skeleton?

ANSWERNo. There are some studies that appear to have found sub-adult sex differences in the development of the teeth and the pelvis, but these studies are small and scattered and have not always held up. For the present, the answer would have to be no.

Message from LostNMissing:

Teaching children to scream "You're not my dad!"...is not always the wise thing nowadays. Bystanders may think it's a step parent and the child is unruly. Teach your children to yell the truth..."He's KIDNAPPING ME, HELP ME!"

Take a photo of your children with your cell phone before leaving the home. Should they go missing you'll have their pic ready with clothing worn at the time. Delete upon returning home and keep this as a routine. Just in case.

ONLINE PREDATORS KNOW WHAT YOUR TEENS ARE DOING ONLINE. DO YOU?

CHECK YOUR MATE…BEFORE YOU DATE!

We, at LostNMissing, have noticed a rise in children being harmed, molested or killed by live-in boyfriends that mothers are choosing! This is shocking. Did you know...

* 1 of 5 girls and 1 of 6 boys will be molested before their 18th birthday.

* 90% of all sexual assaults against children are committed by someone whom the victim knew.

•The typical sexual predator will assault 117 times before being caught.

•* The re-arrest rate for convicted child molesters is 52%.

Did you know...a simple inexpensive background check is available for anyone? Just Google it! Plenty of companies that provide this service at a very nominal cost!

Do not put your faith in what statistics say until you have carefully considered what they do not say.

-- William W. Watt

Pssst…..Did you know the sweet child in the cell phone photo is the youngest grandchild of LostNMissing’s Cynthia Caron?

It was June 6th 2010, a day I will never forget. I received a call that my daughter, Megan Waterman from Scarborough Maine was missing. At first I thought he was joking. But when I realized Megan had not called her daughter that morning, which she did faithfully when she was not home, I came to realize he was serious. Megan called her daughter every morning, afternoon and every night.

 

I was advised I had to wait 72 hours before I could report Megan missing. Her boyfriend indicated he would file the report but on June 8th when I contacted the police department in New York where she had been staying, they stated no report had been filed so I went to the Scarborough Maine Police Department and filed a missing persons report. Knowing the waiting game was about to begin and frantic to get the word out about my daughter I returned home, got online and searched for any organizations I felt could find to assist me in locating her.

 

I had filled out what felt like hundreds of missing person’s reports when I received a call from Cynthia Caron, the founder of LostNMissing Inc. Having no idea how to get the word out about my baby girl, Cynthia came in and took on my family and myself as though we were her own. With the help of LostNMissing, we arranged and held candlelight vigils and a balloon launch in Scarborough as well as traveled to Long Island, New York to hold a balloon launch and hang fliers where Megan was last seen. We also held a spaghetti dinner and a silent auction to raise money for an award for anyone who could help us locate her. Cynthia was there every step of the way with her undying faith, support and dedication to finding my child. I could contact her any time day or night and she would answer the phone and talk with me. She holds a very special place in my heart and always will.

 

On December 13th 2010, Cynthia contacted me and advised that 4 bodies had been found, with one possibly being my Megan. She just reminded me to continue to keep the faith, we didn’t know for sure. On December 15th 2010 the Scarborough Police came to my home to retrieve DNA samples from Megan’s dad, her daughter and me.

 

On January 19th 2011, the DNA came back indicating one of the four bodies located was indeed Megan.

I remember calling Cynthia and I was crying so hard she had to tell me to calm down and repeat what I

said so she could understand. Cynthia, saying this was not the news we wanted to hear, was crushed.

 

There were so many times through this process when I felt as though I could not go on, but Cynthia was

there, reminding me to never give up. With her help and support, despite everything I have been

through the past year and a half, I have finished college and graduated. I do not know what I would have

done without her. For this reason, and many more, I love Cynthia with all my heart.

 

Lorraine Ela, mother of Megan Waterman

21

What LNM Means To Me…

22

23

Jesse Ross phoned his mother from Chicago on Nov. 20, 2006 just to let her know that he was having a blast at

the model United Nations conference.

He promised to call again the next day when he and the 13 University of Missouri-Kansas City students and

their faculty sponsor had loaded the vans for the return drive home.

He was that kind of son, said Donna Ross. He always let his mother know where he was, what he was doing,

and when to expect him home. He couldn't keep a secret, not from his mother.

There was an "emergency" meeting of the mock U.N. at 2 a.m. Nov. 21, the final day of the conference that

drew more than 1,000 university students from across the country. Before the mock emergency, there was a

dance, and parties throughout the host Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Chicago's downtown loop.

At about 2:30 a.m., about 12 hours after his last cell phone call to his mother, Jesse Ross got up from his chair and walked out of the room for a 30-minute break. A surveillance camera in the hotel lobby caught the unmistakable image of the red-haired Jesse, clad in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a green warm-up jacket, walking toward the main doors.

It was the last trace ever of 19-year-old Jesse Ross.

The 10-minute walk back to Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, where Jesse and the UMKC group was staying, was well-lit, heavily traveled and covered by outdoor security cameras. None of them recorded Jesse.

"Aliens took him away," said his mother, knowing full well how ridiculous that sounds. But it's no more ridiculous than any other reason offered for her son's disappearance.

Chicago police have found no evidence that he was a victim of foul play. There has been no activity on Jesse's credit cards or his cell phone since he disappeared into the Chicago night.

There was no way imaginable to any one who knew him that Jesse could have committed suicide, or wanted to walked away from the life he was living, said Don Ross, his father.

Missing, Jesse Ross

Facebook: Missing Jesse Ross

24

Jesse had just gotten a promotion from unpaid intern to paid morning on-air personality at Kansas City radio station 95.7 FM - "The Vibe" - a dream job for a sophomore communications major.

"They decided he needed an on-air name, so they named him Opie Cunningham," after Ron Howard's TV characters, Opie Taylor and Richie Cunningham, said Don.

A parent's worst nightmare is supposed to be the death of a child.

There is a worse nightmare than that, said Don and Donna Ross.

"We pray for a sign, anything," Donna said. "We pray, 'If he is in heaven with you, that's not my first choice, but God, please give us a sign. Send me an e-mail, a phone call, something. We have to know that he's OK and with you.'

"When you lose someone you love when they pass on, you grieve and then you move on with your life," Donna said. "We are nowhere. We are still stuck in that revolving door. We know nothing more than we knew that first day."

As the months roll on, Don and Donna Ross can't give up hope.

"If Jesse ever thought we'd give up on him, we'd catch hell from him. 'How could you just give up on me?' he would tell us," Donna said.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO PLEASE CALL

The Chicago Police Department at:

312-744-8266 ,

or your local police.

25

Breakfast PizzaMakes: 8 servings Prep: 25 mins Bake: 10 mins Oven: 375°F  Views Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

•Nonstick cooking spray

•1 1/2 cups frozen loose-pack diced hash brown potatoes with peppers and onion

•1 clove garlic, minced

•1 1/2 cups refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 6 eggs, beaten

•1/3 cup fat-free milk

•1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

•1 tablespoon olive oil

•1 ounce Italian bread shell (Boboli)

•1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

•2 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and sliced

•1/4 cup shredded fresh basil

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an unheated large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add potatoes and garlic. Cook and stir about 4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

In a small bowl, stir together egg, milk, the 1 tablespoon snipped basil, the salt, and pepper. Add oil to skillet; add egg mixture. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on the bottom and around the edge. Using a large spatula, lift and fold partially cooked egg mixture so uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking and folding until egg mixture is cooked through but is still glossy and moist. Remove from heat.

To assemble pizza, place the bread shell on a large baking sheet or a 12-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the bread shell. Top with cooked egg mixture, tomatoes, and the remaining cheese.

Bake about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup shredded basil. Cut into wedges to serve.

Gift Wrap Suggestion….Use the shirt to wrap the sweater or pants box!

Go Green! Literally! A nice walk in the forest or backyard and you can find beautiful trim for your special gift packaging.

The Christmas Diet Song

'Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips. Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care in hopes that my thighs would forget they were there. While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps had just settled down to sugar-borne naps. When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash tore open the icebox then threw up the sash. The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear: a marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer! That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear; On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS a Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall now dash away pounds now dash away all. Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress my clothes were all bulging from too much excess.

My droll little mouth and my round little belly they shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly. I spoke not a word but went straight to my work ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn I gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned. I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry if temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night in the morning I'll starve . . . 'til I take that first bite.

26

http://www.lostnmissing.com/donate.html

WHERE DO YOUR DONATIONS GO?

    Marketing and services for the families of missing loved ones.

    Creating websites for missing loved ones.

    Costs towards Fundraisers and Events to help bring awareness of missing loved ones.

    Search and Rescue Expenses (we subcontract & pay expenses)

    Support for family travel expenses should a loved one be located.

    Vinyl Banners, missing posters & mini poster cards for missing loved ones.

Assistance towards investigative services for missing adults.

    Educational Workshops

A minimal amount used towards:

    Workshop Binders, printing, paper, pens, and handout materials.

    Mailing, postal supplies, office maintenance, computer maintenance,     LNM website fee and supplies.

    Brochures and printed materials.

As we grow, our goals are to be able to provide:

       Provide Billboards for the families we represent should a loved one be missing for six-months, or longer.

    Assistance towards Reward ($500) for families we represent should a loved one be missing longer than 3 months.

27

28

VISIT:https://www.facebook.com/Happinessinyourlife

Happiness In Your Life on Facebook!

29

Sometimes in life we bear our crosses and have pain that is great and we just cannot

understand why me, or why us? Sometimes we have the opportunity to understand and

see the reasons that we endured the hardships presented us. When I, as a mom of a

special needs son, with multiple medical and psychological needs, feel very overwhelmed

or begin to fall into a "why us" mode, I think of my friend *Pat.

 

15 years ago my friend Pat, and co-worker, was very suddenly met with the grief of losing

her young father of 60 years old to a massive sudden death. Pat's father was the epitome

of good health. She, along with her family was devastated. The sudden and immediate

death consumed Pat as she was not able to say "goodbye". In the same month that her

father passed away, her teenage daughter, Sara, came home from school to announce

she was pregnant. Sara was a senior in high school and her baby would be a bi-racial child.

Pat was then faced with the knowledge that her own daughter is not going to go away to

college as planned and a new child to the home is going to be necessary as her daughter

cannot support a child on her own...and she had many fears of society and how they

would treat a biracial child? In the same month, only one week later, Pat and Jay's

youngest daughter had an uncontrollable nosebleed and a massive headache.

Their youngest, Tami, was only 7 years old. Naturally they sat worried as Tami was entered into the CAT scan at the local hospital. Pat sat there and wondered how much more heartache and worry could she have in her life? How will she ever get through the grief of her lost father, the unplanned and sudden pregnancy of a teenage daughter and a possibly ill child? 

It was later in the day that Pat and Jay's worst fears were presented. Their beautiful Tami had terminal brain cancer. Life was so unfair and how easy it would have been to have turned to God and have hated him for "bringing" so much pain in their once happy carefree lives! Over the course of the next three years, Pat and Jay were truly blessed to have the knowledge of why the pain they've endured...had a reason.

 

For the next three years after that awful month of heartache, life moved forward. Slowly, painfully and heartbreakingly they watched their beautiful Tami struggle to play with her new niece and to give her a bottle. They spent many days in and out of the hospital, chemotherapy and watching all the awful side effects that Tami was presented. If there was a chance of a side effect you can be sure sweet Tami was one of the unlucky percentages to have endured it. Through steroids, hair loss, chemo and all that accompanies the fight against the cancer...Tami loved her little niece Briana, and Briana loved Tami. Many times as a toddler mistakenly would call Tami "ma ma". This brought huge smiles to Tami.

 

One night, in October, Tami passed away. She passed away in her mother's arms. For six weeks prior Pat and Jay learned that it was nearing the end of Tami's battle. It was a battle that was not to be won. Tami was so engulfed with the cancer that at night she could not lay down to sleep as she could not breathe. Pat and Jay took turns sitting up all night in Tami's bed so that she could sit up and sleep comfortably and be able to breathe. Tami was never afraid. Fact is, she talked of how she couldn't wait to meet the angels and how she hoped to be able to have wings and fly the heavens. Tami was only ten years old when she passed.

Written by, Cynthia Caron, President-Founder of LostNMissing Inc. 

*names changed for privacy purposes

30

Attending the funeral of Tami, I was terrified. I had never been to a child's funeral and to think I just saw Tami alive a number of weeks prior I feared attending but knew it was something I had to do. I needed to go to comfort my friend and coworker, Pat. Little did I know, it was Pat who comforted me....or should I say...it was Tami. 

Standing outside the funeral home, the lines were extremely long and wrapped around three rooms inside the funeral home. Many children were there with their parents as they were schoolmates of Tami. The crowd was very somber, sad, quiet...tears and nervousness was so apparent by all those waiting in line. As I stood in line I watched all those who were exiting the funeral home. It struck me that many were smiling, laughing and seemed to be happy it was over that they were "out of there". My mind quickly judged, as we humans tend to do, just how wrong it was to walk out of a child’s funeral laughing and smiling. Good gracious! What was wrong with those people?  

It was about 45 minutes later when my daughter and I stepped into the funeral home...the overwhelming smell of carnation and flowers greeted us at the doorstep. The lines wrapped around three other rooms before we entered the room where Tami lay. The very moment, the very minute second that we entered that doorway an overwhelming beautiful and peaceful calm surrounded me. It was like nothing I have ever experienced in life. Just a complete "wash" came over me and as I walked up to the beautiful casket and saw Tami with her beautiful lilac colored bow on her completely bald scalp and looked down at the gorgeous lavender taffeta dress...I just knew at that very moment that she was ok. She was an angel. The feeling was almost telepathically communicated to me that Tami was saying, "I'm alright and I'm free of pain. I love heaven." It was uncanny. After saying my prayer for Tami, my daughter and I got up and walked over to Pat and Jay. Both smiling and both calming all those who came to visit their precious daughter. In the background little Brianna, now nearly 2 1/2 years old was busy playing and finding new toys to take over and put in the casket with Tami. It was unlike any "wake" that I've ever seen...or experienced. It was almost a joyous occasion.... internally. I cannot explain it, but I can tell you that when that "wash" came over me...that joyous feeling entered. 

On our way out the door...I saw a plaque above the exit of the funeral home. I will never forget the words and the words summarized the entire wake. Those words stated "Death is merely the gateway into the arms of the Lord". Wow! How profound and how true. I just knew it was true as that "wash" told me so.

 

Three weeks went by when I stopped by to see how Pat was doing. It was then that I realized the blessings that Pat was given by God. You see...in that horrible month, three long years ago....all had it's purpose. Pat told me that had her father not passed away she would never have gotten through Tami's passing. The knowledge that her own father, Tami's grandfather, would be greeting her at heaven's gate and they’re to take care of her made her passing bearable. The fact that Brianna, her teenage daughters unplanned pregnancy, was born provided not only Pat and Jay with comfort and joy in watching her grow...but more importantly, she offered Tami the opportunity to "play mommy" and to help care and play with Brianna as both Pat and Jay knew that Tami would never grow to become a mommy herself. The joy was always present in that Tami "took over" with baby Brianna and the thrill of being called "mama" was something that Pat and Jay would hold in their hearts forever. Yes, Tami was able to experience the joy of loving and caring for an infant even if it was for only 2 1/2 years.  

Whenever I feel down and wonder "why me"...I think of my friend Pat and how blessed she was to learn the reason as to why the awful life experiences that she endured.... had a purpose.  

So now when I feel overwhelmed I look for my purpose. Sometimes we all are lucky enough to find that purpose...and sometimes we just never know how our life experience just may have touched and made a positive impact on someone else's life. We are all blessed and I am a firm believer there is a purpose for everything. Keep the faith and perhaps like Pat and Jay, one will be able to understand just why the bad things that have happened....had true purpose.

 

Written by, Cynthia Caron, President-Founder of LostNMissing Inc.

 

*names changed for privacy purposes

31

Have you seen these odd looking black and white squares (like the one displayed here) in magazines, on signs, and online? They’re called

QR codes, and they have the potential to do some remarkable things for your organization.

What is a QR code?

A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode, which has encoded in it a URL (web address), text, or other information. It can be read by a

QR code scanner, including QR scanner smart phone apps.

How can I read a QR code?

If you have a smart phone, go to the app store and search for a QR code reader. You’ll find several free apps. Run the app and then hold your phone’s camera over a QR code to read it. Most QR codes you’ll come across have a URL encoded, so chances are when you read the QR code it will take you to a web page.

What’s the point of QR codes?

QR codes link offline information to online content, effectively providing additional information and even multimedia to an offline experience. If you’ve created print material that included a URL for more information, a QR code for that URL could also be added to enable smart phone users to go directly to that web page without having to type in the web address.

Where are QR codes being used?

QR codes are already being used on product packaging, magazine articles and ads, ads on buses, museum exhibits, and business cards.

I was recently at the Florida State Fair and saw them using QR codes like the one shown in this picture, in “Cracker Country,” the area devoted to Florida History. The QR code links to a 2 minute audio file, which gives more information about the exhibit. (Below is a close-up view of the QR Code for the Kitchen Garden which you can scan if you want to try it out.)

How do I create a QR code?

QR code-generating sites include Kaywa, Qurify and Delivr. The Google URL Shortener will also create a QR code file from a shortened link — just click Details to see the image file.

Tomorrow, I’m going to post several ways churches can use QR codes to help people.

Where have you seen QR codes? Have you scanned QR codes with your phone? If so, have you found them useful?

Oh, and speaking of mobile apps, if you have already done so, please Take the Ultimate Church Mobile App Survey.

Paul Steinbrueck is co-founder and CEO of OurChurch.Com,

elder of CypressMeadows.org, husband, father of 3, blogger.

You can follow him on Twitter at @PaulSteinbrueck

What is a QR code ? By Paul Steinbrueck, OurChurch.Com

32

Dorothy Mae Heard, 74 – Needed Home For The Holidays, and after.

Dorothy Mae Heard, 74 is missing. The beautiful face of this great-grandmother is being sought by her family, friends and neighbors since she disappeared on June 13, 2011 from her home in Noblesville, Indiana. As each day goes by her family fears the worst. Dorothy has five children, 15, grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and they will all say that the holidays just will not be the same without her. Can you help her family? Have you seen Dorothy? Do you have information that could lead to her whereabouts? She is described as 5-foot-2, with gray hair and blue eyes. Family members say her disappearance is uncharacteristic of her and that she would never go missing or not make contact with anyone.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Dorothy Heard, you are urged to contact the Noblesville Police Department at 317-776-6371, or your local police.

Dorothy Mae Heard, 74 – MISSING – Noblesville, Indiana

Facebook: Dorothy Mae Heard – Prayers and Support

33

MY CHRISTMAS LIST:

Dear Santa,

I don't want millions of dollars or to be the richest man on earth.

I don't want to be President or a King of a country or nation.

I don't want a mansion or a castle overlooking the sea.

I don't want a Rolls Royce to drive or a yacht to sail.

I don't want a big screen television or a computer.

I don't want a gold watch or a diamond ring.

I don't want a lot of expensive gifts under my tree.

When everyone else is unwrapping their gifts on Christmas Day, I want to wrap my

arms around my daughter and say “I love you and Merry Christmas!”

Santa, she has been missing since September 08, 2011.

Please Santa bring her home to us.

By, Elvis McKee, Shanna’s father

Shanna Genelle Peoples, aka McKee, 19, is missing. She is considered at-risk due to her vulnerability as she is developmentally challenged. She may be under the influence of an adult male over the age of 50. Shanna was reportedly last seen on the afternoon of Sept. 8, 2011 and never returned. Fears exist for her safety as she would never just disappear on her own. Shanna must take needed medication for medical purposes. She does not talk much and exhibits a slight speech impediment.She does not read well. Land and air searches have been conducted by the police, Alabama Bureau of Investigation as well as many volunteers. Her family asks that the public please help look for Shanna.

Height: (tall) 6'0" Weight: 120 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Long Sandy Blonde

If seen, please contact the Geneva Police Department - Lt. Ricky Morgan2373 S US Highway 231 Geneva, AL 36340 Phone: (334) 684-2777

DEAR SANTA…

SHANNA PEOPLES, 19 – MISSING

ALABAMA

FACEBOOK: Find Shanna Peoples

34

Where is Danielle Dillard Hill-Alvarado?MISSING: January 24, 2010

FROM:  Wichita Falls, Texas

Danielle Hill Alvarado, 27 is missing. A young mom who adores her young daughter and was very close with her family.  She was last seen following church services and attended a baby shower with family. Danielle was afraid to go home as her husband was very upset that she attended a family function. She feared him. Her mother begged her to stay at her home, however, Danielle said if she didn't go home it would be a far worse punishment. She left and has never been seen again. Her husband has not been considered a suspect by police.

Her young daughter resides with her grandparents and Danielle's parents have been continually searching for their needed answers as to what happened to Danielle?

Danielle would never go without contacting her family and daughter. At one point, a woman told her mother that she had reliable information that Danielle was choked and put in the city landfill.  At the same time, when questioned by police, the "source" wavered on her statements and therefore was not considered to have "first hand knowledge." Danielle’s husband took his own life in August 2011. The family fears they may never learn what may have happened. They have been forever searching for Danielle.  They would honor interviews with the media to help get the message to the public about their missing and loved Danielle.  The family is hoping and praying, that by some miracle, perhaps someone abducted Danielle, maybe even drugged her and trafficked her.  While that would be a parent's worst nightmare, the alternative is far worse. They beg if anyone has information to please contact authorities. If you are afraid, please send an anonymous letter to the police ..but please do something to help her parents, her daughter, her sister, grandparents and friends to bring Danielle home.

The family is offering a $4,000 REWARD for information leading to the safe return of Danielle, or viable information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for causing her death.

www.finddanielle.com

Danielle Dillard Hill-Alvarado

35

1. Always KNOW the family with whom your child will be spending the night.

2. Be sure that you provide needed contact information in case the overnight family needs to get in touch with you and vice versa.

3. Don’t forget to relay important information regarding any medications, allergies or prohibited foods to the overnight hosts, the same you would if your child went on a school field trip.

4. ASK if parents will be home all evening to supervise. Don’t assume.

5. Let your child know if he or she is uncomfortable or homesick they can phone and you will pick them up right away. Do not use an overnight stay as “your time to go out” and make yourself “unavailable.”

6. Be sure you have set times that you will be arriving to pick up your child. DO NOT make arrangements in which your child will walk home unattended. If you may be late, call the host family to let them know.’

7. Ask the host family if it is ok to send your child with snacks, many times they may have other children in the home with allergies or they may already be well prepared with snacks.

8. Be sure to go “over the rules” with your children, in advance. Always.

9. Inquire if the host family monitors computer activities. Children, and yes… especially teens, may become more brazen on a computer when their peers are around!

10. As the overnight host, be SURE you have parental permission to have another child in your home overnight and also ask the family the same questions above…in reverse. Ohhh…and don’t forget the popcorn! (With the parents approval, of course!)

Pillow Fights and Overnights!By Cynthia Caron, President-Founder, LostNMissing Inc

36

We, at LostNMissing, never release the birth date of our missing loved ones. I wish all organizations,

especially the NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) would discontinue this

practice, as well.

With internet cyber crimes and identity thefts...what better person to take over an ID than a missing

loved one? It could literally throw off an investigation. If “John Smith” went missing on

February 12, 2011 from Florida and his poster states he is 21 years old and born on January 12, 1990,

it would be awful if the detective assigned to the case phoned the family to say “he is alive and well

in Iowa.” and days go by before it is realized that in fact it is not John but someone who took his

identity. A worse scenario would be the PD would automatically just close his case!

We always explain this to families so that they understand our thoughts. One's birthday can help aid ID Thefts and especially children’s birth

dates...as they have clean credit records. So this is not just for those missing…this is for all parents to please not announce online your child’s

date of birth. “Little Lucy’s birthday is today!” Is great, but don’t write “Our sweet Lucy is 9 years old today!” It truly does not take much for

someone to steal information and use it maliciously. I wrote to the NCMEC and even took it to the Dept of Justice to the Identity Theft Crimes

Division to get them involved to help cease this practice of divulging this information to the general public. Sure, they can have it in their

records of course as that is needed information…for investigation purposes…but not for the general public. After writing my letter, and

providing a few circumstances in which this happened, The DOJ responded with “Not enough missing had their ID's taken to institute a policy.“

Well, my thoughts are...Nobody has ever found someone because of a birth date. An age to help bring recognition to a possible lead, yes…but

date of birth? No. To my knowledge nobody has been located because their birthday was January 12, 1990 by the general public. By

investigators who may find a person truly is alive and well and working somewhere, yes. The general public? No. They find our missing loved ones by facial recognition, not because they were born on January 12th.

A Birthday Is MORE Than Just A Birthday!

November 27, 2011: (MICHIGAN) Kevin Jay Ayotte, a 3-year-old, disappeared from his family home in Sugar Bush Township in eastern Beltrami County in 1982. His mom stated to police that she went outside to hang up some laundry and when she returned her son was gone. It was recently discovered the identity theft, of the missing child, while an investigator was running names from the case file through investigative databases that he found the suspect was living in the same area as the child's parents in Michigan. After interviewing the parents, and the man who admitted stealing the identity, it was determined it was a coincidence that they were all living in the same area so the man was not a suspect in the child’s disappearance. However, he did steal his identity.

ON THE RISE: CHILD IDENTITY THEFT. Carnegie Mellon University Case Study: 4,000 kids in there with gun licenses, mortgages, car loans and driver's licenses.

August 19, 2008 A con artist accused of stealing a missing South Carolina woman’s identity to get into an Ivy League school pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft charges

37

NCMEC Age Progression Photo of what Brian Sullivan may look like at age 21.

In 2011, Brian will be 23 years old. Do you have information?

Facebook: Help us find BRIAN SULLIVAN

Brian’s brother Daniel P Sullivan, jr and his dad Dan Sullivan Sr.

Barbara Sullivan, to the right, is Brian’s mom. She longs for her child. No mom should ever have to go without knowing where their children are. A strong advocate and always there for other families of missing, Barbara needs to know what has happened to Brian? He would never just walk away from his family. Can you help her? Can you help his family? Who has information that can bring their loving son home?

Brian Sullivan was 19, living with his parents in Chili, N. Y., in Monroe County, when he disappeared in July 2007. It has now been over 4 years and his family needs to know where and what has happened to their loving son? Brian was last seen July 8, 2007 at the Burger King on Chili Avenue in Gates, a western suburb of Rochester. His red Pontiac was found later that day on nearby Lettington Avenue; the doors were locked, and his wallet was in the car. Brian would never have left his family and never make contact again. Someone has information, or someone has seen something that can help lead this family to their son. Can you help?

Brian is 5'11“ and weighed 170 lbs. when he disappeared. He was last seen wearing blue-jean shorts, a blue pinstriped button down shirt, and a green baseball cap.

If you have information about the Brian Sullivan case, please contact the Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff's Department at 585-753-4900, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1- 800-The Lost.

WHERE IS BRIAN SULLIVAN?

The best holiday wish would be for Brian’s family to have their needed answers….and most importantly,

their loving son.

38

IF YOU HAVE INFO, PLEASE CALL. DO NOT LET THEIR FAMILIES GO THROUGH ANOTHER HOLIDAY WITHOUT THEIR LOVED FAMILY MEMBER.

39

Written by, Kinyofu Mlimwengu , Facilitator of The Womens Empowerment Center at www.EmpoweringWomensLives.com

Kinyofu Mlimwengu

Changing Your Thoughts

Do you realize you are always telling yourself a story? Just listen to yourself – better yet look at your life. This might be a hard pill to swallow, but the reality is your life will reveal the thoughts you think. A very simple example is a scenario where your thoughts say you can’t do a thing, and when you try it, it becomes true. In reverse, if your thoughts were more positive, then your results would be more favorable.

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Your wonderfully active mind has lots to say to you and about you. In other words, your mind could be saying things that motivate you into action, or it could be saying things that make you feel small and insignificant.

Those thoughts, believe it or not, were put there by an outside source – most of it from early childhood. The thoughts are the result of words said to us by our family, friends and even society. Quite likely the words were the result of a protective parent, an angry family member or society’s stereotypes and limitations.

If these thoughts show up in your life today, they have been weaved in to your subconscious and act as a constant recording. What’s tricky is that these thoughts will appear hidden, preventing you from hearing them clearly.

The best way to bring them to surface for elimination is to listen to your own words. How often do you say “I can’t” or “I’m afraid”? How often do you avoid doing something because you feel that you can’t do it, or that you are too afraid to do it? The more conscious you are about these two things, the more you will be able to challenge them.

You can challenge them by telling yourself “Yes I can” and realizing that in most cases there really isn’t anything to be afraid of.

Fear causes physical changes in our body that tells us to act in one way or another. As humans these primal tendencies move us to act without thinking in order to keep us safe, however, the danger we face is usually not life threatening, If something is not life threatening, it really doesn’t make sense to fear it, yet fear still stops us cold.

The more we think about what we fear, the more we fear it. It therefore, makes sense to not think about it. Actually you can’t really ‘not think’ about something because by ‘not thinking’ about something, you are thinking about it. So what you do is to think about what you do want.

This might sound cheesy until you realize that you actually feel better - maybe even smile – when you think about a laughing child, or some equally pleasant memory.

Your mind really does not know the difference between what is real and present, versus what has been developed in your mind. When you think about this laughing child, your mind believes that this laughing child really exists in current time.

Likewise, your mind does not know that that when you recall a terrible argument from your past, that it is really in the past. Your mind makes your body feel as if is happening right now and all the associated thoughts become present. If this is the state you are in, you certainly are not in a position to be rational, especially if you are communicating with the same person you had that argument with. Our mind is so deep it will attach those same feelings to someone who reminds us of that person we had the argument with. It will even attach those feelings to a similar situation.

It is important to recognize that whenever you have strong feelings about something that those feelings might really be old feelings that are resurfacing and bringing forth old thoughts.

Remember that you can change your thoughts.

Think about something positive. Say something positive. Tell yourself a new story.

Check out Kinyofu’s Empowerment Thought of The Day at The Self Reflection Blog and receive daily insight on how you can change your thoughts to change your life and create a better you.

40

41

OUR TEAM

Karen TammyMary

Amy Michelle Carlos Caralyn Lorraine Renee Julie

Suerae Tracy Amanda Gerald Paula Lou Jacqueline

Billie

42

While lights are twinkling and people all around are laughing and joyfully looking towards the holidays…you are left feeling cheated.

Cheated that your loved one is out there somewhere and not with you. The holidays are difficult enough for those who are struggling financially

or trying to cope with family issues and even those who are clinically depressed…but when a person you love is missing it makes it even more

difficult to partake in the festivities. Hopefully some of these tips can help you get through the holidays and maybe even give yourself a well-deserved holiday experience.

•Do not over commit yourself. Many friends and family may want to surround you as they have empathy towards what you are going through, however, you need to be the deciding factor in what YOU feel comfortable with partaking. If you feel more comfortable with just a few choice people around , then gratefully thank those who have invited you to join them and politely explain that you need to pace yourself and do just that. Do not feel you need to accept every invitation as the added stress will surely bring you down deeper. However, on the flip side…do not lock yourself away in your home and avoid what could be a therapeutic activity. What would your loved missing want you to do? They would want you to find some joy even if it is for a few hours at a holiday event. The smiling faces of children and the hugs of those who greet you can actually help pick up your spirits. Just do not over commit out of "obligation."

·        Perhaps you may consider having that holiday party at your home instead? Sometimes the much needed distraction is what you will find that gives you strength. It does not have to be a large gala affair, perhaps just a simple get together with good music, light refreshments and surrounding yourself with those who love and support you to attend.

·        Find ways to enjoy yourself. Helping others is a great way to help yourself! I've noticed those who are best at coping during the holidays, who also have missing loved ones, devote time towards helping others which invariably lightens their own holiday stress and gives them a few moments away from their own despair. So maybe take an afternoon and read to an elderly person in the nursing home who no longer have family close by, or perhaps volunteer at your local Easter Seals to help make a brighter holiday for adults and children with disabilities.

·        Should you buy a present for your missing loved one? I say absolutely! They are still an integral part of your life even though you may not know if it is even possible that they will be located safely, they are still a part of you. Wrap the gift and always keep hope and prayers in your heart. Should things turn differently you can always share that special gift with someone who will be honored to receive it. Perhaps even send it to a child who has to go through the holidays that has a missing mom or dad? As adults it is very difficult to live with the unknown, for children it is devastating. Should your loved one be located safely, that gift may bring them a smile to know they are truly loved and thought of while away and may help them on the road to healing with whatever difficulties they endured. So go ahead and buy that special gift and wrap it pretty.

·        Laugh. "Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life." So go ahead and rent that funny movie you've wanted to see…better yet, go to the movies…even better, go with someone to the movies. Have a phone call with someone in your life that you know will make you laugh, prior to a stressful event. "Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects." Life may never be "the way it was" but it will still hold many upcoming blessings, joys and newfound experiences. So when you have a few spare moments…always remember to laugh each day. It truly is the "medicine for your soul."

While you may feel you cannot enjoy and contribute during the holidays, due to the trauma of missing someone terribly, there are those in your daily life that are missing you. Spouses, younger children and grandchildren still need you…as you need them.

We at LostNMissing want to wish you the very best holiday possible and know that we are always available to help you, even if you may just need a caring ear at the moment.

Hugs, hopes and prayers…always. The Team at LostNMissing, Inc.

How to Make the Holidays…When Your Loved One Is MissingWritten by, Cynthia Caron, President/Founder LostNMissing, Inc www.lostnmissing.com

Cynthia Caron

43

Gene’s Dad,and

Sister , Anya

Our Gene

The holidays are here once again.  The music is playing, the trees are up, the lights are on, the crowds in the mall, the gifts, traveling, the excitement.  My list is short, I cannot buy presents for my son, he does not need them where he is.

 Not knowing where your child is - is unimaginable pain for a parent.  Knowing that your child is gone - is the greatest pain a parent can ever experience. Losing a child is unnatural, it just should not be, it is against any cosmic law, it is just wrong on so many levels.  That pain does not go away, it just changes a bit.  That pain does not leave you just for holidays, or just because you are on vacation, or just because you need a break from it.  You have to learn to live with that pain, and I am still learning.

 My son, Gene, is my first child; he is my love and pride.  I was only 20 years old when I had him, almost a child myself, but my love for him was very strong from the moment I saw him.  I grew up myself while raising him, and he made me the person I am today.  The bound between a mother and a child is strong, and nothing can break it.  Although he is gone, I feel his presence with me everywhere I go.

 Gene lived a short life; I will never understand why he had only 25 years on this earth? But I know that he had a happy and full life.  While I feel cheated of not having him with me, I also feel blessed that I had him for 25 years.  Every day with him was a gift, every event in his life - a treasure.  I am so grateful that I was chosen as his mother. 

 The journey to continue to live without him is very hard, but I know that with every day  - I am one day closer to seeing him. Until then - the memories of my beautiful son keep me going.  His blue eyes are so shiny, his great sense of humor, his rationality, his taste in music, his loyalty to his friends, his brilliant mind.  He is my biggest accomplishment in my life and he always knew it. 

 Love you, Gene, now and always!   

In Loving Memory, Eugene Losik

November 24 1984 - February 20 2010

North Andover, MA--Raytheon electrical engineer, Gene Losik, 25, who was last seen at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel in Boston, MA, on February 20, 2010, was recovered at Rowes Wharf on November 8, 2010.

Written by Zhanna Losik

Christmas

In

Heaven

Zhanna and son, Gene

44

My Favorite Poem for those Grieving.

Submitted by Tammy Ross, Senior Support Member

written in 1932 by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear For I am spending Christmas withJesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear. And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. was always most important the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, my Father said to do. I can't count the blessing or love has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and Wipe away that tearRemember, I am spending Christmas withJesus Christ this year

…Author Unknown

My Favorite Christmas Poem for those Grieving.

Submitted by Cynthia Caron, President-Founder

POEMS FOR THOSE GRIEVING

501c3 Nonprofit

www.lostnmissing.com

LostNMissing, Inc.26 Noyes Road, Londonderry, NH 03053Email: lostnmissing@comcast.netWeb: http://www.lostnmissing.comPhone: 603.548.6548

501c(3) Non Profit

LostNMissing, Inc. is a state and federally recognized 501c(3) Non-Profit charitable organization to assist law enforcement and the families of missing. We strive to help prevent loved ones from going missing and to bring awareness of those who are, by providing support to families while educating others. We work with various law enforcement agencies across the country, on behalf of families of missing, and help to bring awareness via community workshops, media, internet and social networking for missing loved ones. We never charge a fee for our services. All Support Members, Board of Directors, Officers and Owner are Volunteers.

Always Hope, this Holiday Season…and After

Should you have a missing loved one, and a filed & accepted police report, register at http://www.lostnmissing.com/register_missing.html

HAPPY HOLIDAYSFrom the Team at

LostNMissing Inc

www.lostnmissing.com