A day or two ago, someone I have never met, sent me a digital art image of our family, taken from a photo of us at a wedding many years ago. They simply sent their best wishes as we approach Andrew’s 31st birthday.
It made me think of how our family has changed since Andrew went missing all those years ago in 2007. It made me recall a time that my wife, Glenys, and I were looking at booking a family holiday with a travel agent; the travel agent was keen to mention hotels that included a kids club. After a bit, Glenys said not to worry about that because “it’s OK, we like our children”. That is why Andrew’s disappearance created such a huge hole in our family. We ate together, talked together, played and rested together like any family, so his not being here with us now is an absence that we continue to feel every day.
I then thought of some new “family” and friends we have made over these past years only because Andrew went missing. These people will know who they are: L.H, M.S, M.S & H.P, L.M. and R.J, just to refer to a few. Many of them have helped us through the years with help searching, support and friendship of many kinds and it is enriching to know them all.
I then thought of some new “family” and friends we have made over these past years only because Andrew went missing. These people will know who they are: L.H, M.S, M.S & H.P, L.M. and R.J, just to refer to a few. Many of them have helped us through the years with help searching, support and friendship of many kinds and it is enriching to know them all.
But the biggest “new” family is Missing People. The charity that never forgets Andrew’s birthday or the day he went missing, who know Christmas can be hard without him and who give so much support through phone calls and emails. They are always there for us on the end of a phone. When we meet, for example at a Christmas Together to Remember event, it is like meeting with family; there are hugs and smiles because we haven’t seen one another in a while and so much care and support for one another. They are the best family in our difficult and seemingly never-ending situation.
So, if you are able to support them in any way: perhaps via a donation or simply sharing their appeals on social media, please know that you are helping more than you perhaps realise. They support so many families in so many ways; you may never know it, but you would be helping a family to remain a family. To me, that is worth more than anything because you give the gift of a hopeful future to so many people.
Support Missing People - Missing People
If you wish to donate click graphic below
So, if you are able to support them in any way: perhaps via a donation or simply sharing their appeals on social media, please know that you are helping more than you perhaps realise. They support so many families in so many ways; you may never know it, but you would be helping a family to remain a family. To me, that is worth more than anything because you give the gift of a hopeful future to so many people.
Support Missing People - Missing People
If you wish to donate click graphic below
