Where To Go From Here

Yesterday, I wrote a heart wrenching story about an alleged kidnapping of a mother and her child. The story began only a few short miles from my front door. I vowed at that time to get the word out via my blog, hoping that maybe someone out there saw something that could bring this mother and daughter home.

Imagine my surprise when I found out the entire story was a hoax. There was no kidnapping. In fact, the woman and her daughter were witnessed on surveillance tape boarding a plane in route to Orlando, FL.

I could sit and pass judgement about this what this woman did, but really, what's the point? Only she knows the truth, and unless I've walked in her shoes, I don't feel it's my place.

If indeed she reveals the reasons for her actions one day, I have but a few words:

Mrs. Bonnie Sweeten, I do not pretend to understand the problems that made you run the other day. I can only hope you never feel the real pain of a stranger taking your child unwillingly from your grasp. Nine years ago you were given the gift of a beautiful baby girl. Somewhere along the line you became lost. May there again be a time in your life when your daughter can look into your eyes and see not only love, but a loving example.

Only Prayers,

Mary

Local Abduction Gains National Attention

Only four miles from my home, a horrendous crime has taken place. A mother and her child were kidnapped after they were involved in a traffic accident. The mother's name is Bonnie Sweeten. She is 38 years old. Her daughter, Julia Rakoczy is only 9 years old.

Please, if you have only two minutes today, use one to read the following story: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6833129

Use the other minute to hug your children. Like most of us, this mother was just running her daily errands. She had no idea how future events would effect her or her child.

As I sit and write this blog, another Amber Alert appears across my television screen. While I have only been blogging for about six months now, I have seen rallies take place. From the mother's who have just been given the news that their child has cancer, to the mother's who are fighting cancer themselves. We are a powerful group. We believe in miracles. We make miracles happen. Let's get this mom and her child back where they belong....home!

The Today show also ran the story this morning. You can read the full account and view pictures at this site: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30958029/

When you have finished reading this blog, please pass it on to a friend. We are stronger in numbers!