Sunday, November 30, 2008

Today we Honor Ryan Knoedler, Peace4 Many, Look4 Tommy


Tommy Oeschlin, Monday4 the Missing

Ryan Knoedler disappeared from his family on October 15. For five long weeks his mother, Jacquie, sister, Kelly, and other family members did all they could to search for him and search for answers. They found support in their neighborhoods and online. You could feel in the writings of both Jacquie and Kelly that there was a desparation to find Ryan.

Their answers came on November 23 when police came to the home to tell them Ryan had been found. It wasn't the answer they were hoping for. Ryan had been in a terrible, fatal accident, and his car had just been found in a heavily wooded area and had gone undetected for five long weeks.

Today is the day the Knoedler family puts Ryan to rest. His memorial service will mark the end of the searching for Ryan, but a new beginning for his family. The beginning of healing, a long process of mending hearts broken and shattered.
KNOEDLER
RYAN M., Oct. 16, 2008. Beloved son of Jacqueline (nee Boyle) and George Knoedler, devoted brother of Kelly Fisher (Keith), loving uncle of Brianna Brinn. Relatives and friends may call Monday 11 A.M. at WACKERMAN FUNERAL HOME, 8060 Verree Rd., Fox Chase. followed by Prayer Service 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations in his name to Peace4missing.ning.com, 121 Lafayette Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 would be appreciated.

TOMMY "BEAN" OECHSLIN

Ryan's mother, Jaccquie, has pledged to help another family near her, also searching for a young man. His name is Tommy Oechslin. His sister, Crystal and Jacquie met as members of Peace4 the Missing when [Photo]
Crystal posted this heartfelt plea:

PLEASE HELP!!! MY BROTHER TOMMY(BEAN) IS MISSING!!

MY BROTHER TOMMY OECHSLIN(BEAN) HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE SEPTEMBER 24,2008. WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR KNOW OF HIS WHEREABOUTS WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT THE CHERRY HILL POLICE AT 856-665-1300 OR HIS FAMILY AT 609-233-5636. PLEASE!!! SOMEONE HAS TO KNOW SOMETHING!!! WE ARE SCARED AND WORRIED SICK!

THANK YOU,

CRYSTAL

Tommy has been missing longer than Ryan and, of course, his family is frantic for news of his whereabouts.
As Jacquie Knoedler memorializes her son today, and we all mourn with her and her family, we shall all band together to help Crystal find her brother, Tommy "Bean" Oechslin.

If you would like to be a part of this effort, or have skills and resources that would help the Oechslin family find Tommy, please consider joining Peace4 the Missing and uniting to support the families of all of our missing.

Peace4 the Missing

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Ryan M Knoedler, Rest In Peace

Daughters That Are Missing: Ryan M Knoedler

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Peace4 the Missing, Missing Persons Support and Awareness Network


We'd Love to Welcome You to Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network

This is a free networking site intended to foster dialogue and sharing of resources involving Missing Persons Awareness, Supportive Missing Persons Loved Ones Interaction, Domestic Violence Issues as it relates to Mothers and Networking between Missing Persons and Domestic Violence Prevention Organizations.

Feel free to explore the site content and features, connect with missing persons organizations and loved ones of the missing, REGISTER and create your own profile, contribute to and/or share a FORUM DISCUSSION TOPIC, share a BLOG post, CHAT with one another, INVITE OTHERS to join, view a VIDEO, Join and Interact within GROUPS and more.

To learn more about the features and how to manage your account, visit the PEACE4 GUIDE.

Sincerely,

Peace4 Co-Founders Delilah and Maggie's Rose (Sara Huizenga Lubbers) and Peace4 Administrator Angie

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

DO YOU HAVE A MISSING LOVED ONE?!!

Because we truly do care, we urge all of you to call in to JI's radio show tonight w/ questions for Gil Alba, highly regarded PI for the Missing. Go to this link and listen live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/justiceinterrupted
Call in with your questions: 914-338-0663

Visit Peace4 the Missing at: http://peace4missing.ning.com

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Monday, November 24, 2008

Peace4 Missing Loved One, Ryan Knoedler has Found Eternal Peace

One of our Peace4 Loved Ones has been found, but it is not the joyous homecoming that we've been praying for...instead our hearts are heavy with sorrow for two of our Peace4 sisters, Jacquie and Kelly as they grieve the loss of their much loved son and brother, Ryan Knoedler.

The family and friends of Ryan Knoedler seek comfort and consolation.   Lord, Please heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief.  We pray to the Lord…Gather them close to Your Heart, surround them in Your Love and assure them of Ryan's now Everlasting Home in the Eternal Kingdom of Peace.................................“Lord Hear our Prayer”
The challenge of Paul in Galations 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” teaches us that God expects us to not only need each other but also reflect the love of Christ by helping each other. Grief is not a pathway we should attempt to walk alone.  A Grieving Mother Shares Her Heart: Treasures in Darkness by Sharon Betters



Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Monday4 the Missing, Jeramy Burt

Jeramy Burt (written by Peace4 Admin, Ange)

As I sit here this late sunday evening starring at my blank computer screen,I am wondering how to write this piece..There is not alot of information to report and so little to go on..

Jeramy Burt is a son, brother and father who is deeply sadly missed. On Febuary 11th 2007 Jeramy left his home in Boise Idaho at ten thirty in the morning to go visit a friend..He never made it to his destination. Shortly after he went missing his ex-wife recieved a text stating that Jeramy was leaving and starting a new life else where..The question then and still is, Would a loving, caring father just up and abandon his three year old daughter? I would not think so..His family says that he would never leave behind his daughter..He loved her with every fiber of his soul..Months later the car he was driving which belonged to his ex-wife was found burnt in a remote desert..After sifting through the vehichle it is obviouse that someone was trying to destroy evidence of some sort..What actually happened in that car? Or for that matter who else was in that car? Who wanted so badly to hide something? And who was so desperate to hide or destroy Jeramy Burt?

I can't even imagine what the family of Jeramy Burt have and are going through..To have your loved one torn from you and vanish without a trace..Not knowing if he is alive or not..


IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING JERAMY BURT OR HIS WHEREABOUTS PLEASE CONTACT:
BOISE, IDAHO POLICE DEPARTMENT
(208) 373-5406 OR (208) 377-6500
OR
TEXASEQUUSEARCH.ORG
(281) 309-9500 OR
TOLL FREE (877) 270-9500

Please Join Us on...
Peace4 the Missing
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Coping with the Holiday when Your Loved One is Missing

Our Thanksgiving memories will live on through the generations, whether we are all physically together or not. They are rooted in the heart and soul, and no storm of life can take them from us. We pull them out each year, along with our holiday tablecloth and napkins, and as we bow our heads, we feel the clasped hands of our missing loved ones joining ours for one more Thanksgiving around the old oak table.

Coping with Holidays
It is not wrong for you to feel angry, sad, or overwhelmed by impending holidays. Because you are not able to control these changes, you are bound to have feelings that conflict with what you used to feel during holidays. If others around you are not feeling the same, you may feel further alienated. What used to make you happy and joyous may now make you feel sad and angry.

Ten Thoughts on Coping
It is always difficult to live through holidays in the aftermath of intense tragedy. For victims and survivors, holidays are often marked with pain and anguished memories. What, in the past, may have been a time for family gatherings and celebration will be a time for missing loved ones and a sense of loss.

HOLIDAY SOLUTIONS - STEPPING STONES
Plan ahead
Have a backup plan
Embrace the feelings - both good and bad
Realize it doesn't have to be the best holiday ever - just get through it!
Find something different to do
Go to a buffet instead of fixing the big meal
Leave town
Take the pressure off of yourself - don't fake it
Have reasonable expectations of yourself and others
Add something to your tradition that honors your loved one - light a candle
Create whatever holiday you want

Surviving That First Holiday Season After a Loss
For people who have lost a loved one, through death, divorce, or even relocation, big holidays throughout the following year often prove painful and difficult. Rituals that brought joy in years past serve instead as stark reminders of missing loved ones.
"Holidays can reawaken the grieving process," says Marianne Wamboldt, MD, Director of the Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. "It can be extremely painful. But there are ways to cope, things you can do to get through the holidays and even to find comfort."

Coping with Holiday Grief
At holiday time, many people are dealing with loss and are often caught in a dilemma between the need to grieve and the pressure to get into the spirit of the season. Holidays or not, it is important for the bereaved to find ways to take care of themselves. The following guidelines may be helpful:

Suggestions for filling your holiday loss and tears with celebration and love:
Express yourself through artwork.
Begin your holiday dinner with a minute of silent prayer and a toast in their honor
Send up a balloon(s) with messages and prayers to your loved one.
During the meal ask the question, "What comes to your mind when you think of _________?", and share memories with those who surround you.
Plant a tree or a special plant in their honor in your garden or in your home.
Create special Christmas ornaments for your tree and hang a stocking in their honor.
Write a letter or even keep a journal of your thoughts.
Light a candle(s) in their memory.
Place a single flower or bouquet of flowers that your loved one cherished as the centerpiece.
The "Shames" or head candle in the Hanukah celebration can be in honor of your loved one
Look at pictures (or display pictures) from past holidays shared with your loved one. View videos, audiotapes and any remembrances, which reflect on the wonderful times you experienced together.
Design a quilt with the memories you have
Write a brief history of the ups and downs you have experienced in the past year and place it into a Christmas stocking or some memorable cache that you can add to yearly.
Play a favorite song
Create a sacred alter with photos and treasures where you can sit and reflect.
If you vacation in a special area that you used to go to with your loved one, do something special in honor of them.
Consider volunteering for an organization affiliated with your loved one;s illness, hospice or a caregiving program to help others through your own experiences.
Vounteer to help feed the homeless over Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Volunteer to read or spend time with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals or to read and spend time with children who have terminal illnesses in hospitals.
Donate gifts in your loved one's name. This is even more special when you donate in memory at their birthday, a special anniversary, etc.
Offer a scholarship in a loved one's name.

Remembering at the Holidays
The principle that we should keep in mind is: they may not be here any more, but they are still here.

For those with loved ones still missing, not knowing can be the worst grief of all
OF ALL the agonies that an outrage creates, the worst is not knowing. It is almost beyond that of loss and grows in the silence of an unanswered telephone.

Our hope is that this information is helpful to you as you approach the holidays. Remember — grief is both a necessity and a privilege that comes about as a consequence of the ability to give and receive love. Don’t let anyone take your grief away from you during the holiday season. Try to love yourself and allow yourself to be embraced by surrounding yourself with caring, compassionate people!



Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Gigantic Step Towards Bringing Them Home! Tuesday Night, Justice Interrupted Radio!

Missing Person's Investigator Guest on Justice Interrupted
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 8:00PM PST/ 10:00PM CST/ 11:00PM EST
Call-In to the show: 914-338-0663
He will take your questions, LIVE on the air!
If you have a missing loved one or an unsolved murder case you won't want to miss this important show!!!
http://www.albainvestigations.com/

This is an Incredibly Exciting Opportunity to speak directly to Gil about your own Loved One's Missing Persons Case. Before founding Alba Investigations in 1998, Gil Alba had a distinguished career with the New York City Police Department. During his 28 years of service, Mr. Alba attained the highest investigative rank, First Grade Detective and worked with the Major Case Squad and the FBI/NYPD Task Force specializing in difficult and unusual cases.

We can help with Cold Cases, Unsolved Cases, Missing Person Cases, Missing Murdered, or any type of unusual case.

Gil Alba has at his core a strong desire to help those in need... with a specialized focus on those good people suffering the anguish of having a relative or a friend that is missing and possibly even murdered. Cold cases and those with unusual and mysterious circumstances are his specialty.

As a private investigator, I know the value of helping others. In this industry, teaching and sharing information is crucial. I am proud to have this opportunity to share my experiences and expertise with the readers of P.I. Magazine. I have found great value in the opinions, strategies and recommendations of other private investigators that have shared their knowledge through P.I. Magazine.

Heart-rending cases are my specialty - young men and woman who disappear, their loved ones frustrated by law enforcement's perceived heel-dragging, citizens kidnapped and now the perfect pre-meditated murder disguised as a missing persons case.


Testimonies

by Cheryl Gassler
My name is Cheryl Gassler from Bangor, PA and I am writing this on behalf of Mr. Gil Alba. Mr. Alba was contacted in April of 2003 by our lawyer who could no longer help us in locating our missing 19yr. old son...

Please take advantage of this! Hope is on its Way! If you are are Planning on Definitely calling in, please leave a comment under this post and/or email pertitinet Case Details prior to the show to...kindlivingpress@aol.com

Tuesday Evening, November 25, 2008 at 11pm EST, Justice Interrupted Radio...Gil Alba.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Rilya ALert - Peas In Their Pods

~Rilya Alert~

ZANELLE & ZYLON ANTONIO BROWN
Missing Date: Oct 31, 2008
Age Now: 3
Height: 3'0" (91 cm)
Weight: 30 lbs (14 kg)
Missing City: TAMPA
Missing State : FL

Circumstances: Zanelle and Zylon may be in the company of their mother. They may still be in the local area.

Case Type: Family Abduction
DOB: Jan 27, 2008
Missing Date: Oct 31, 2008
Age Now: 9 Month(s)
Height: 2'0" (61 cm)
Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
Missing City: TAMPA
Missing State : FL

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Tampa Police Department
(Florida) 1-813-276-3200

NCMEC Poster


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Caylee Obsessed "Internet Celebrity" provides an "Online Home" for Armchair Cybersleuths

Hmmm...well.........to each his own? Because obviously some 3,000 daily visitors quite enjoy this type of footage, which, for example, is currently of Murt himself typing, reading and vocally sharing (all at the same time!) "breaking" info. he and one of his members are cybersleuthing about on a private chat...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


A man obsessed with missing child cases has become an Internet celebrity after purchasing an old TV news live truck, mounting cameras to its mast and broadcasting live images from areas involved in the search for Caylee on his Web site.

William Murtaugh, known as "Murt" on the Internet, said he is not alone in his thirst for coverage about Caylee.

"There are people out there who are literally addicted to Caylee," Murtaugh said. "The commercial media cannot provide everything we want. We want more. We're addicted to it," Murtaugh said.

Murt's Web site -- murtwitnessone.com -- serves as a home for armchair cybersleuths, and he said the TV truck he purchased has made a big difference."It looks neat. It gets me in with you guys. Instead of pulling up in an old Cadillac, I can pull up in this thing and you're more or less accepting of it," Murtaugh said.

Murt has mounted surveillance cameras to the truck's 60-foot-tall mast, allowing him to send images to his Web site, which also contains a chatroom for his users.

"They'll say, 'Murt, move the camera. Jesse Grund (Casey Anthony's former boyfriend) is over here' or they'll say, 'Murt, there's a lady with a sign over there,'" Murtaugh said.http://www.local6.com/news/18013764/detail.html
When Murt is not at a search scene involving the case, he takes his truck to places like the Anthony family home, the Sawgrass Apartments and other Caylee-related locations.Murt, who is a professional truck driver and car dealer, said his Web site is only a hobby.

"It's not about me. It's about Caylee," Murtaugh said.

Murt said about 3,000 users visit his Web site, but he also has detractors, who say it's strange that a man follows a case so closely or believe that he will try to profit off the case.
Murt also once claimed online that he knew the abductor of Trenton Duckett, the boy in an unsolved missing child case in Central Florida. Murt apologized for the stunt, calling it an amateur attempt to crack the case.


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
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Erica Yancey is Missing

I found this alarming news today:



Police were called to 2320 Dulles Station Boulevard on Monday, November 17 shortly after 9 a.m. to investigate suspicious circumstances. The property manager of Camden Dulles Station reported finding what appeared to be a trail of blood leading from the parking lot to a dumpster.          


An investigation led detectives to determine that a resident of the apartment complex was missing.Police are asking the public for their assistance in locating Erika Yancey, a 22-year-old, black female.


Erica Yancey is Missing, Nov 2008



You should read the whole article.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tuesday Night Radio! 2 Great Shows, Justice Interrupted and Scared Monkeys Radio!

SCARED MONKEYS RADIO @ 9PM EST
JUSTICE INTERRUPTED RADIO @ 11PM EST


Justice Interrupted: Eye on Prevention
8:00 PM PST/ 10:00PM CST/ 11:00PM EST

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/justiceinterrupted

Dana Pretzer , Host of the popular Scared Monkeys Radio a national news based /entertainment talk show for 10 years. He breaks news makers before the networks. Covering stories Like Natalee Holloway, OJ Simpson, Drew Peterson, Missing Persons, High Profile Cases In The News, Entertainment, Politics and The Law.

The Dana Pretzer Show On Scared Monkeys Radio - Listen Live Tonight At 9PM Eastern - Guests Include Stacy Dittrich, Robin Sax, Susan Murphy Milano, and Glendene Grant Discussing “The Anatomy Of A Crime”. Also Joining Dana, Jossy Mansur

Join Dana with his special guests tonight as he takes listeners from the reported crime to the punishment and beyond.

Joining Dana tonight will be a victim of horrific domestic violence, the victim’s mother, a police officer (Stacy Dittrich), a District Attorney (Robin Sax) and a victim’s advocate and violence expert (Susan Murphy Milano).

Tonight, we take the listener from the moment the crime occurred, to the investigation, to the court and we will discuss whether the system is working or failing.

Also tonight, Jossy Mansur will update us on what Joran Van der Sloot has been up to lately.

Human trafficing has come to the spotlight in the latest Van der Sloot news. Joining us will be Glendene Grant who will discuss the disappearance of her daughter, Jessica Foster and how she believes her daughter may have become a victim of human trafficing.

LISTEN LIVE TONIGHT AT 9PM


Robert Geffner, PhD, ABPP, ABPN is the Founder and President of
Institute on Violence, Abuse and TraumaFounder/President, Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute Clinical Research Professor, CSPP and respected Author.


Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins works as the National Program Director for Victims and Survivors for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Her interest in public policy and advocacy began with a watershed moment in Jennifer's life in 1990. Jennifer's youngest sister Nancy, her husband Richard Langert, and their unborn child were brutally murdered in their Winnetka townhouse, killed by a thrill-seeking 16 year old neighbor whose only motive was that he wanted to "see what it would feel like to shoot someone".

And from the headlines, breaking news and case verdicts.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
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Monday, November 17, 2008

Peace4 Donna Parent, Let's Bring Brandy Hanna Home


Much admiration to Brian Hicks for this article, you give journalism a heart...and Peace4's Monday4 the Missing someone to look up to...

Another sad birthday
BY BRIAN HICKS (CONTACT)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, November 16, 2008

Previous Stories
Vigil marks 3rd anniversary of woman's disappearance, published 05/20/08

Missing woman hasn't been forgotten; Center for Missing Persons keeps Brandy Hanna in spotlight, published 06/19/07

Today is Brandy Hanna's birthday.

There won't be a party, or a fancy dinner, no one to joke about calling the fire department to put out the 36 candles on her cake.

No, this day will pass like the past 1,270 — with her mother, Donna Parent, waiting for the phone to ring.

You see, Brandy is missing.

A lot of people already know the story. On Friday, May 20, 2005, Brandy worked her shift at Alex's Restaurant on Dorchester Road, got a ride to her apartment and, later that evening, talked to her mother on the phone. She had big plans for the weekend — shopping Friday night, the beach Saturday, breakfast with her mother and brother Sunday.

None of that ever happened.

That night, Brandy walked out of her apartment, leaving her money, her clothes, her entire life, behind. No one has seen her since.

For the last three-and-a-half years, there have been candlelight vigils for Brandy on every birthday, every anniversary of her disappearance. They are sad affairs of prayer, tears, candles and balloon releases. But they serve a purpose: they ensure no one forgets Brandy.

This year, her mother instead chose to drive to Conway for another family's vigil. Six years ago, Alice Donovan was abducted from a Wal-Mart parking lot and killed. Her killers, one of whom is on death row, either can't or won't tell where they left her.

Donna thought it was important to honor Brandy by supporting Alice's family.

"I feel like it is the right thing to do," she said Friday. "I know what that family is going through."

Since Brandy's disappearance, Donna has become active in missing person advocacy. She does it for the right reason, to help. When the newspaper dispatches a photographer for a new picture of her, she asks that we just run a photo of her daughter instead. She wants no publicity, no fame, no attention. She just wants Brandy back or to at least know what happened.

Not knowing is perhaps the hardest part.

Donna wakes up every morning and goes to sleep every night thinking about Brandy. She has had to go through something no parent ever should — she has seen her daughter become a face on a billboard, a story on missing persons Web sites. She endures it as part of her fight to make sure that no one forgets.

This is something you wouldn't wish on anyone, especially not a kind-hearted, generous soul like Donna. It's a miracle she holds up as well as she does, and has even gotten strong enough to allow the occasional joke to slip out — she laughs that the idea of Brandy being 36 makes her feel old.

Donna has added two new grandchildren to the family in the last couple of years, and they provide her a lot of joy. But even playing with them reminds her how much Brandy would enjoy her new nephew.

This is never far from her mind. Every time another body is found, every time the phone rings, she feels a cold chill. That has become her life. A few months ago, police thought they had found her in Calhoun County. It wasn't Brandy, just another false alarm, but it brought on another period of unbearable waiting for Donna.

Today will be no different, vigil or not, birthday party or not. But by now Donna knows that there are people out there who will not forget, who will not give up until she has found her daughter. Since it's her birthday, maybe some of them will even light a candle for Brandy.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I was so happy when I met my husband. We were perfect for each other. But as we go along, I'm finding things that I don't like. Porn was never a big deal for me, watching one was fine once in a blue moon. I didn't know of his addiction until I got pregnant. He always turned me down whenever I'd come onto him. I didn't know why. I thought it was because my belly was getting bigger. Soon to find the magazines in the washroom, waking up to him jerking off in other rooms watching porn. I knew I was not good enough for him. He settled for what he could get.

He doesn't really take me out. I think aside from money being tight, I'm just not worth the trouble. He's married me, that's it.

After having my son, I've had trouble getting the weight back down. I've been working myself very hard exercising everyday. But now I think, what for? He's still going to ignore me, he's not going to notice, and his eyes will still be unfaithful.

I don't know what to do anymore. I'm blank inside. I thought I was the only one in his eyes. I believed him when he told me that I was beautiful, and that has never happened before. The thought of running away has come into my mind many times, but I could never do that to my son.

Emotionally, I'm in a place where no one can follow. Everywhere I turn, I'm lost, in a darker, deeper place.

http://www.helium.com/items/1102001-reflections-emotional-abuse?page=2





Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Introducing the Radio Show of My Very Own, Anna Grace



(Special Guest, Claudia, BFF from School)

Mothers are Vanishing: Alice Donovan Memorial Benefit


Mothers are Vanishing: Alice Donovan Memorial Benefit

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Friday, November 14, 2008

Susan Murphy Milano's Journal: E! True Hollywood: "Husband's Who Kill"

Tonight at 9:00 PM EST E! True Hollywood Story Investigates.

The one-hour episode, "Husbands Who Kill," explores cases of seemingly loving husbands driven to murder their wives. One was in fact a loving husband. Problem was, his wife loved another man.

But don't miss Susan and Kelly tonight, in what the producer for "Husbands Who Kill" promises to be a provocative hour of television. Click here to watch the trailer for the next THS Investigates: An in-depth examination of criminal behavior.

Friday, November 14th, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Central Time

Susan Murphy Milano's Journal: E! True Hollywood: "Husband's Who Kill"

Look for Susan’s upcoming book, “Time’s Up; A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships” to be released Summer of 2009.  


Check the time, it’s UP, do not hesitate to claim your ticket towards a lifetime of freedom from of abuse and visit Susan’s site  for lifesaving advice, inspiration and clear directions , including her vital and impacting, currently available resource, “Moving out, Moving on.”


The Susan Murphy Milano Show airs each Wednesday afternoon at 4pm EST, a must hear source for all those affected by the painful cruelty of a life abused.



--
Contact:
Sara Huizenga
Peki Jones
ImaginePublicity
imaginepublicity@gmail.com

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Regan Somalis, Former Victim, Future Lifeline for Many

Regan's face graced the Front Page of the Chicago Tribune this week and her story of Spousal Rape and Abuse has touched the hearts of many. The story was well written, it contained both compassion as well as truth. And as a result, many eyes have been opened to the obvious outrageous manner in which our Country is, or rather, is not protecting the Mothers and Children targeted with Domestic Violence.

The story was a first step towards long overdue Justice for both Regan and her children as well as many others persecuted with this plight. But one step won't get Regan and her children to the finish line of Protection, one step can't change the devastating outcome of so many others in this race towards Freedom from their Abusers.

In order to propel this cause, perhaps a good start would be by filling in some of the (pot)holes the Chicago Tribune left out...

1. Regan is not a victim, she was a target of monstrous acts from a Monster capable of many more.

2. Regan's story is not over, it does not have to have an unhappy ending! There is hope and we all can empower ourselves as well by contributing towards better outcomes for Regan and the many others forced to walk in her shoes.

3. Help is available now! God was watching over Regan, she did not have to run this race alone, she had a lifeline, many lifelines who cheered her on and perhaps at times pulled her towards the spot she is at today.

An incredible Mother, (http://my.opera.com/cherry6905/links/) Cherry Simpson, who herself is joining her daughter towards improving the tomorrows of so many others as well.

And a "God-sent" warrior, who strategically calculated out every step necessary for Regan and her children's escape, walked it with them and continues to guide them along today. Susan Murphy-Milano (http://movingoutmovingon.com - http://justiceinterrupted.blogspot.com/) rescues Domestic Violence Victims, her name and resources NEED TO BE mentioned because she is truly able to SAVE so many more as well.

Help Regan tell her WHOLE story, so many others as well are counting on your assistance, it's a matter of life and death...

(The following is a quote from the Mother of Regan, Cherry Simpson...)
Regan actually wants a piece of piece of legislature which would stop sex offenders from plea bargaining out of sex offender status. It could easily be drafted. There are important principles in this case as there are many major sexual offenders in Illinois that are getting away with their crimes by plea-bargaining. It should not be an option for prosecutors to allow sex offenders to plea out to a lesser crime and there by avoid being put on the sexual offender registry.

Anything you could do to encourage them to help her and impress upon them the seriousness of the crime of aggravated domestic battery would be greatly appreciated.

Senator Debbie Halvorson
241 Joe Orr
Chgo Hts IL 60411

http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Representative Elizabeth Coulson coulson@earthlink.net

Senator Dan Cronin SenatorCronin@aol.com
Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Monday4 the Missing ~Bloggers~

~LostFaces~ of the Missing: Monday4 the Missing ~Bloggers~

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

I Love (these) Guys in High Heels, Here's Why...

I am so thankful to have stumbled across this organization, it's so wonderful to hear about "the good guys" or more acurately, the BEST. Thanks Guys! What a wonderful lead to follow...and on that note = 10 Things Men Can Do To Prevent Gender Violence



Put Yourself in Her Shoes™

Each year, an ever-increasing number of men, women and their families are joining Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®: The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is a fun opportunity for men to educate the community about a very serious subject and to rally the community to take action to prevent sexualized violence.


First You Walk the Walk

There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes. It's not easy walking in these shoes, but it's fun and it gets the community to talk about something that's really difficult to talk about: gender relations and sexual violence.


Then You Talk the Talk

It's critical to open up communication about sexual violence. While hidden away, it's immune too cure. Unfortunately, it's difficult to get people talking. People unfamiliar with it often don't even want to know it exists. It's ugly. People that have experienced it themselves want to forget about it. How do you get them talking now, so they can prevent it from happening? And after it's happened, how do you get them to talk about it so they can recover?

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® provides several opportunities to get people talking. For preventive education, it helps men better understand and appreciate women’s experiences, thus changing perspectives, helping improve gender relationships and decreasing the potential for violence. For healing, it informs the community that services are available for recovery. It demonstrates that men are willing and able to be courageous partners with women in making the world a safer place

Sexualized Violence is Not Just a Women's Issue

Sexualized violence does not just affect women. It affects the men who care about them, their families, their friends, their coworkers, and their communities. Sexualized violence is epidemic. Some of the statistics: Every two minute someone in America is raped. One in six American women are victims of sexual assault.That means someone you know, someone you care about, has been or may become the victim of sexual violence. It may be your mother, your sister, your friend, your girlfriend, your wife, your coworker, or your daughter.


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Justice Interrupted ~ Susan Murphy-Milano DV Escape Strategist




Susan Murphy-Milano literally is in the business of SAVING LIVES! Please post your comment at the link below, let the Chicago Tribune know what a vital asset Susan is, and how very much her story needs to be shared!
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TUBO224D9CGTR43PH/p2#lastPost

Susan Murphy Milano
http://www.movingoutmovingon.com/

Justice Interrupted
http://www.justiceinterrupted.blogspot.com/

One Woman's Fight For Justice
http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/

Please read comments found at the link below and leave your comment as well about Susan Murphy-Milano, this story has a VITAL Missing Piece, the part that saved Regan, the reason why she is not "just another statistic" ~ By doing so you will play a huge part in being able to offer the hope so many DV targets crave. Please urge the Chicago Tribune to share the story of Susan Murphy-Milano.
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TUBO224D9CGTR43PH/p2#lastPost

Also, please DO send out an email to the reporter of this story, it only takes a moment! Please encourage her to do a follow-up story regarding what Susan Murphy Milano did for Regan, not to mention so many others!

MTwohey@tribune.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Justice Interrupted Radio, Regan Martin Somalis and Susan Murphy-Milano, LIVE!



Tuesday November 11, 2008 8:00 PM PST/ 10:00PM CST/ 11:00PM EST
Listen live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/justiceinterrupted

Direct from Today's Chicago Tribune Headline, Justice Interrupted will be joined by the mother of domestic violence success survivor Regan Samolis. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-regan_tuenov11,0,389866.story?page=5

Message below was posted on http://peace4missing.ning.com/ by Cherry, the Mother of Regan Martin.

Today is my birthday. My greatest gift are my children and grandchildren. I can not look at their faces without also seeing one other face "Susan Murphy-Milano" she has tirelessly helped me and my daughter for almost a year. The Chicago Tribune, the video, are all here because of Susan. More than that, the whole 13 charges, the GPS monitor, the Harvard Law students now trying to help, these are all because of Susan. While I am thankful for the article I am upset they did not put Susan in the article.

Others need to know what to do and where to go for help. Please if you can comment on the article or even let the editor know of how Susan has helped so many. Do it! The whole reason Regan did the article was so God could bring good from this evil. Susan is an important part of God's miracle.


Please leave those comments here!
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TUBO224D9CGTR43PH#lastPost

Susan Murphy Milano
http://www.movingoutmovingon.com/
Justice Interrupted
http://www.justiceinterrupted.blogspot.com/

Defending Our Lives: Protecting Yourself from Domestic Violence and Stalking
by Susan Murphy Milano

Moving Out, Moving on: When a Relationshop Goes Wrong Workbook
by Susan Murphy-Milano

Defending Our Lives: Getting Away from Domestic Violence and Staying Safe
by Susan Murphy-Milano

http://books.google.com/books?as_auth=Susan+Murphy+Milano&source=an&sa=X&oi=book_group&resnum=7&ct=title&cad=author-navigational


Amy Mullin's family members gasped in relief in a packed courtroom after the jury announced its guilty verdict on a single count of first-degree murder after a day of deliberation. Sentencing is scheduled for December 12th, 2008. Kailyce Mullins (Amy's Daughter) will be on the show.

This week on Justice Interrupted crime and the media. We will be joined by California Lt. Darrell Lowe.

Discussing the epidemic rate at which African American children are abducted, Gaetane Borders, head of Peas in their Pods and the fact that they simply do not receive adequate media coverage. Without this media attention the likelihood that these children will be found is slim to none.

And from the headlines, breaking news and case verdicts Peace4 The Missing's Maggie's Rose will join the conversation.

Cloey and Owize1
http://www.jurorthirteen.com/


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

Edmonton Missing Person, Dylan Koshman!


We dedicate this Monday4, Missing Person Awareness efforts to help find the brother of one of our Peace4 the Missing Members, Tara Koshman.

Dylan Koshman, 21 years-old and originally of Moose Jaw, had been living in Edmonton, Alta., for approximately seven months when he disappeared Oct. 11.

Koshman left the home of his cousins, where he was living, after an argument broke out.

He left the house in a dark T-shirt and jeans at approximately 2 a.m. and hasn’t been seen since. His cellphone and bank account haven’t been used.

Koshman has brown hair and hazel eyes. He is in good physical condition at approximately 5’9” tall and weighing 190 lbs. A scar from a childhood accident resembles a deep dimple on his left cheek.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=186681&sc=15

Several web pages including details of Koshman’s disappearance have also been established on Internet sites, including Facebook, where a Help Find Dylan Koshman Cause has been established by family member's of Dylan. Dylan's sister, Tara Koshman, posted the following on Nov. 7th...

My thoughts and feelings on Dylan Koshman

Tonight Dylan will be missing for one month. Unfortunately we are no closer to finding him. We have no new information. This is what we do know:
He was last seen on Saturday October 11th at 2:30 am. His last cell phone ping was on the same tower at 3:30 am…. Then there is nothing. The only thing we know for sure is that Dylan is missing.

The police say it’s not illegal to be missing, but I think it should be. For everyone who knows Dylan knows that he is tight with his family. Dylan’s best friend is his brother Derek. They are two peas in a pod. He loves all his family, no matter if we fought with him or not. His cousins have nothing to do with his disappearance. In fact there is a witness to this. It was just a family fight, and there was alcohol involved. These are the circumstances, not the reason why he vanished.

I have many theories to why Dylan is gone, but none of them fit. I know that the easy answer is that he’s been hurt, or taken away. I will not believe this until there is proof. He is my brother; I love my brothers more than anything. You must think that sure there is a good chance that he is gone, but there is still a chance that he is alive. I am going to cling to that chance. No matter what the outcome we need to find him.

We will search the ends of the world to find him, but we cannot search every stretch of land, every bush. We cannot just shrug our shoulders and say we’ve done all we can do. We will get his face out there… Someone out there knows something, this is fact. We will wait for some information to come forward, and then we will search again. We need direction, until then we will have hope. Life will have to go on, but we will still be here.

Dylan is a younger brother to two; he is an older brother to two. He is a son, a grand-son, a nephew, a lover, and a friend. Dylan Koshman will not be forgotten!

If anyone has any information or thinks you may have seen him, call crime stoppers. It’s completely anonymous, and any lead or tip can help. If you are not sure, call anyways. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The number is 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).




Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Is the Internet the "Crack Cocaine" of Pornography?

David Peightal watches the pages of a magazine burn, a metaphor that bears witness to his freedom from more than 30 years of addiction to pornography, when he studied the pages of Playboy as often as the pages of his Bible. Now he wants to start a ministry for men who want to break free from the lure and trap of pornography.

Peightal acknowledges that battling pornography’s lure is vastly different from when he first fell into its trap. The omnipresence of a permissive American pop culture and a “wired” community virtually place a war front at every step taken during a given day.

“We are living in a pornographic culture,” Peightal said. “It comes from everywhere from every side. It used to be that a man had to have guts enough to bring a magazine up to the counter and pay for it. You used to have to go looking for pornography, now it comes looking for you and it’s piped into our homes.“

The men in this program call the Internet the ‘crack cocaine’ of pornography.’”

For those interested in learning more about his victorious struggle and about the Pure Desire program, Peightal invites telephone calls at (651) 278-2755 or (218) 628-2899. He can also be reached at davidpeightal@yahoo.com by e-mail. All conversations will be kept in the strictest confidence.

“Call me, because I want to get some men together and deal with this,” Peightal said. “I just want to tell men everywhere that they can be free from that. The freedom is amazing. It really affects so many aspects of my life and makes me a so much more positive person. I have so much more joy.”

http://dwaskey.blogspot.com/2006/03/purged-of-pornography-by-rick.html

Logan Edwards, Missing From NC

Waxhaw Police Search For Missing Woman



Thursday, November 6, 2008 – updated: 8:50 pm EST November 6, 2008
WAXHAW, N.C. -- Waxhaw police are looking for a woman who disappeared on Halloween night.

Logan Edwards was last seen on Oct. 31 when she left her home in Waxhaw.

Police said she had an argument with her husband.

Edwards was last seen driving a 2008 white Mazda Tribute with North Carolina license tag number XSY-1990.

If you've seen her or know where she is, call Waxhaw police at 704-843-0353.



Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

Abusive Cops who Beat and Kill their own families! Listen LIVE Saturday 2pm Pacific Time

Abusive Cops who Beat and Kill their own families!
Listen LIVE Saturday 2pm Pacific Timehttp://www.murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/
Susan Murphy Milano
November 8th on TRUE CRIMES --

Listen live 2pm Pacific, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern

It's the deep, dark secret within the rank and file of Law Enforcement Agencies across America: Some of the same officers who are supposed to be breaking up domestic disputes in this country are abusing their own wives and girlfriends. Many police departments continuing to look the other way.

Susan Murphy Milano said, "I am the daughter of a Chicago Violent Crimes Detective whose father murdered her mother before taking his own life. I will not rest until those who abuse and kill are held accountable.

Susan's quest for justice has been trumpeted across the pages of newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She is active in Women In Crime, Ink. visit their site!)

She has also been on all the big shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Radio, ABC's 20/20, CBS 48 Hours, Nightline, CNN, Sunday Today Show Profile, Women's Day, Family Circle Magazine, U.S. News and World Report to name only a few.

Susan is also on the Justice Interrupted Teamwhich also does a Radio Show.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Thought[s] Of The Day ...The Land That Never Has Been Yet ...

I found this today on Cool Justice Report. Thanks Andy!





Let America be America Again

LANGSTON HUGHES
Originally published in Esquire
and in the International Worker Order pamphlet
A New Song (1938)



Let America be America aga
in. Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed-- Let it be that great strong land of love Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.)

O, let my land be a land where Liberty Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath, But opportunity is real, and life is free, Equality is in the air we breathe.

(There's never been equality for me, Nor freedom in this "homeland of the free.")

Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark? And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?

I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart, I am the Negro bearing slavery's scars. I am the red man driven from the land, I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek-- And finding only the same old stupid plan Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.

I am the young man, full of strength and hope, Tangled in that ancient endless chain Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land! Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need! Of work the men! Of take the pay! Of owning everything for one's own greed!

I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil. I am the worker sold to the machine. I am the Negro, servant to you all. I am the people, humble, hungry, mean-- Hungry yet today despite the dream. Beaten yet today--O, Pioneers! I am the man who never got ahead, The poorest worker bartered through the years.

Yet I'm the one who dreamt our basic dream In the Old World while still a serf of kings, Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true, That even yet its mighty daring sings In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned That's made America the land it has become. O, I'm the man who sailed those early seas In search of what I meant to be my home-- For I'm the one who left dark Ireland's shore, And Poland's plain, and England's grassy lea, And torn from Black Africa's strand I came To build a "homeland of the free."

The free?

Who said the free? Not me? Surely not me? The millions on relief today? The millions shot down when we strike? The millions who have nothing for our pay? For all the dreams we've dreamed And all the songs we've sung And all the hopes we've held And all the flags we've hung, The millions who have nothing for our pay-- Except the dream that's almost dead today.

O, let America be America again-- The land that never has been yet-- And yet must be--the land where every man is free. The land that's mine--the poor man's, Indian's, Negro's, ME-- Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain, Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain, Must bring back our mighty dream again.

Sure, call me any ugly name you choose-- The steel of freedom does not stain. From those who live like leeches on the people's lives, We must take back our land again, America!

O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath-- America will be!

Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death, The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies, We, the people, must redeem The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers. The mountains and the endless plain-- All, all the stretch of these great green states-- And make America again!



Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Every Little Thing is Going to be Alright


To be honest with you, I wasn't even 100% sure who I was actually going to vote for yet this morning!

This from someone whose resume includes occupations on various political campaigns, thus...just so you know, I'm not at all "la-tee-da" about the importance of my Vote.

Anyway, I regress, or something...it's late...

Either way, Today (or now yesterday, I guess) is GREAT because it truly is a day that is Historical! I was SUPER GIDDY to just look at this ballot that included an option of both a WOMAN as well as an AFRICAN AMERICAN, yay, yay, yay, about stinking time!

The significance of this most struck me right at the polls, I had taken my 1st grader with me, and her excitement over the entire process was intoxicating to myself as well.

They recently had a "mock election" at her school, which really got my Anna into things, plus she has her Mother's genes...which means, well...a bit about my past, I was (viciously and unfairly ;) ) reported by (numerous) complaining neighbors when at age 7 I had spammed our entire block (as well as more than a dozen other streets nearby, I had snuck into the "too far away zone" without prior parental permission) with "Reagan likes Kids and is Famous" signs and less appealing fliers about his opponet, Mondale...not that I was a little Republican, I just thought he was cute and looked a bit like my Grandpa....

Sooo...my point!

My little girls exuberance over the process (she fed the vote into the feeder thing too, big deal) soon turned into a very nervous fear.

After a bit of prodding, she shared her concerns with me, which in essence was that the world might end (think, the Rapture) if the "wrong" (as in "bad") President won...and then it struck me, oh my, we really need to try to get along more! Right?!

In a futile attempt to calm her fears I initially tried to explain, that it would all be good yet, that the Prez isn't the only word, that there's also the House and Senate and...her eyes were glazing over, so I summed it up with the only thing her little heart really needed to hear...

"No baby, the world won't end if the wrong Prez gets elected, God's still the boss and I'm still your Mom and we will both always be taking good care of you."

And with that, I honor our first African American President of the United States of America, please lead us on with integrity and wisdom, President Obama...we so desperately need you to be a Beacon of God's Light for this Land.

To John McCain and Sarah Palin, you have made our Country proud, what beautiful testaments of virtue you both have blessed us with...read these beautiful words of McCain's recession speech and be proud and grateful for his incredible love for our Land. http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-11-05-0003.html


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Mothers are Vanishing: The Choice, Divorce or Murder?

Mothers are Vanishing: The Choice, Divorce or Murder?

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
http://peace4missing.ning.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

Parental Kidnapping! Ferrell Boys Abducted 10 Years Ago Today!

Please Pray for Our Mammabear...10 years ago Today her Boys were Abducted, she posted the link below today on her blog about her boys...
http://lostfacesofthemissing.blogspot.com/



Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network

There's a hole in the world because Stacy Grater is Missing

987 Days Ago Stacy Grater seemingly disappeared off the face of this earth.

However, Stacy Grater did not just vanish and nothing but her could ever soothe the aching void her disappearance has left behind.

There's been a hole in the world since Stacy Grater went Missing. A daily stark crater in the lives of the many who miss her, a gaping abyss in the life of Stacy Grater's child longing for her Mom, the cries of a niece begging for her to answer, the many friends who've been aimlessly lost since she's been gone.

It sadly appears that Stacy Grater's Missing Persons Case has been somewhat neglected by Law Enforcement. Rather than fully pursuing her case, the hole left since she's been gone has been simply walked around while information leading to potential answers of her current presence appear to have been somewhat stifled.

Today, along with all those who love her, Monday4 the Missing says - NO MORE! No More ignoring the hole in the world left without Stacy in it, No More pretending she never mattered, No More walking around the bottomless pit her loss created!

The Pain of Life without Stacy...cannot be ignored.

A Family Member of Stacy Grater is a member of Peace4 the Missing and upon her Peace4 Page she has a song which has become the inspiration behind this post...

Lyrics to Hole In The World :
There's a hole in the world tonight
There's a cloud of fear and sorrow
There's a hole in the world tonight
Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow

The Eagles - There's A Hole In The World Tonight





It's time to Find Stacy Grater, it's time to fill the hole she left behind.

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network
Utilize your Blog to Help Find the Missing each Monday at Monday4 the Missing


http://mymilkcarton.org/home.php/2008/11/02/missing-stacey-lynn-grater

Stacey was last seen on February 18, 2006 at her residence in Pemberton Township, NJ. She may be in the area of Pemberton, Burlington City, or Camden, NJ.

Any further information, please contact Pemberton Township Police Department at #609-894-3308 or NJSP Missing Persons Unit at #800-709-7090.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Mosaic Pieces of Me

Perfectly Imperfect Mosaic Me

Once Upon A Time…there was a Little Me…So innocent, so fragile…so pure…

Perfectly created, perfectly shiny…perfectly new…

Perfect neat or naughty…perfect messy, perfect happily just being me…

Such a free litle girl who danced through her life, giggling without reason, loving

without hesitation, trusting without any reason not to…perfectly loved in an unconditional

way…perfectly safe, perfectly protected from what someday would come my way.

Free to imagine how great I’d become, to daydream almost always, to be scared of the night and terrified of forever…free to be silly, free to spill my milk, to sometimes be flighty, usually messy and often late…a fragile piece of blown clear glass with nothing to hide, nor to hide from…free to be perfectly imperfect me.

One day older plus many days more…my perfect, some older. fragile glass self was gentley taken off my safe shelf.

And my happy go lucky, ignorant youth, happily skipped into a far from perfect, fallen world.

So I got chipped a little, scratched a lot, but polished up quickly without too much harm due…until…there was you.

Did you notice my beauty then, the first time we met? How truly transparent I was? I had nothing to hide then nor anything yet built up on me to hide it with…do you remember how pristine the glass was before the first time you touched me?

And…I can’t help but wonder…did a part of you ever pause before you put that first smudge on me? Did you not know then how ugly you’d find the dirty, cracked glass of your creation? Or had you always planned to break your promise to be ever so gentle with easily breakable, delicate me?

And the last time you left me, when right before you left…well, why didn’t you just leave? Why did you first have to find me…to hurt me again.

You grabbed me from that dusty shelf that I was hiding on, why did you hate me? You eagerly, almost with pleasure shook me and then you…you smashed me on the floor.

I used to wonder…what made you so mad at me? Whatever was it that made you not even want me enough to keep kicking me around? Of course then I remember, the word that I said, to bring on even greater rage from you…you really don’t like it all, do you?…When someone says ‘STOP’ to you…

So you threw me and I violently crashed…I exploded, I shattered…you decided to put an end to my story that day. The delicate work of clear blown glass, the little me I once was…now just a million different pieces of sharp and jagged glass, each one bleeding their own unique shade…right there, where you left me, upon the dirty floor.

Did you ever consider pausing before you quickly walked away? Did you ever think about cleaning up that mess that you had made?

But you don’t write my whole life’s story and it wasn’t your decision to say The End.

So the millions of pieces of shattered glass upon the floor each now displaying the millions of forever stained shades from the colors they bled before…they got up, they moved on, they live now, so damn much better than before.

Did you think that I’d just be swept up, quickly thrown away? Did you think that was the last of the once prized trophy you tried to destroy that day?

And now…if you could see me, how stunned you’d truly be, so taken aback by my intriquite beauty, by the better me, now me.

It’s really quite a miracle, it even surprises myself…to live my cherished presence, to love who I am today…because, well…there’s just so much more to me now, in part because you smashed me to the floor that day. Who would have thought, not you, I’m sure…the result of your destruction…would end up blooming into something greater than we could have ever imagined?

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy and it took more than just me…to create this breathtaking showpiece that you still most likely just haven’t the sight to see. I’ve finally come into myself, moreso of who God always intended me to be…only His Design could turn a million shattered pieces into a whole, complete…perfectly perfect me.

And now…when the light shines through me, the colors that I once bled…they reflect a million different shades of light…an irredescent mix of me, the reflection of how I choose to display the entirity of me.

Sometimes, this gift, this light…it shines outside of me, magically finding and seeking the darkened paths of those most in need. And I am so blessed to have this light, to be able to share it…the joy, the gift to do so…well, to you…I can’t explain, but…it gives back so much more, makes such an even brighter me!

So that’s me…perfectly imperfect. The clear, transparent glass you once destroyed now lives out loud with so much to give, reflecting God, shining forth His Grace in a myriad of amazing, most colorful ways…

It’s just..beautiful…and…It’s Me!

Perfectly Imperfect Mosaic Me



by Sara Huizenga Lubbers
Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Missing Persons Awareness and Support Network