Monday, April 21, 2008

The search continues for Amanda Berry


(photo courtesy: WKYC)

Today marks a somber anniversary. Amanda Berry was last seen 5 years ago around W 105 and Lorain in Cleveland, Ohio.

As an assignment editor, this is the kind of story you hope has a quick, positive resolution. As time goes by, hope fades a little more with every passing day, but not totally.

Most stories you wind up doing once, and that's it. They are over. Not these kind. This story will never be over until Amanda is found and safely brought home.

Every time a body is found, you access your Rolodex of the mind paging through all the pending missing persons cases. You keep in contact on a regular basis with the authorities. You also keep tabs with the family.

Deep down inside you wish for a family reunion, regardless the circumstances.

The strong faith of family and friends, and even strangers, touches everyone familiar with this story. Family keep the dream alive and continue honoring Amanda by commemorating each birthday, anniversary, and all other special occasions with yellow ribbons, posted pictures, periodic vigils.

The FBI continue updating their photo on what Amanda would look like year after year after year with their photo enhancement process.

I can not even imagine what family and friends must endure each day. To have someone here and the next moment gone, but missing. At least when someone passes, there is closure through heartbreak.

As another year passes, I can only hope for the family's sake that 365 days from now we will not be gathered. We will not be commemorating another year gone by with no answers. I hope that within the next year, the family of Amanda Berry will get closure of some kind and their questions and prayers answered.

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