A young teenage girl who’s been missing since the first of the month was found yesterday in Pennsylvania, more than 700 miles from her home in Kentucky, not far from where we used to live. I’m grateful for her safe return, and to all the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly for her safe return. I can only imagine the ecstatic relief her poor parents must feel. Their child who was gone is now home!
Her disappearance hit close to home, not only because she’s my granddaughter’s classmate, but because my own father went missing once. He’d been showing signs of dementia, but stubbornness and denial kept him working part-time well into his 80’s. One day he didn’t come home, and that sent my family into a panic. A policeman brought him home more than 24 hours later; his car was found more than ten miles away, in a very bad part of town. We were so happy to have him back!! But where was he all this time??? How did he get from there to here? Who’d emptied his wallet? So many questions had to go unanswered because my dad couldn’t remember, and they had to remain mysteries. We were just so happy to have my dad back, safe and sound.
I’m grateful this girl has been found and for the joyful relief of all those who love her. I pray that whatever underlying issues she may have are recognized and addressed because life is much harder for kids to navigate these days…they need all the love, help, and support they can get. I’m grateful for the hope of healing. ❤️🩹
‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. ~Luke 15:6-7
