Caught off guard...

Another busy day. After school I attended a conference in Syracuse to learn new and creative ways to increase student comprehension and connection to the text. With new found knowledge we left the Driver's Village Conference Center and Amy introduced me to a new store, "5 Below" -- love it!! With brownie sundaes from McDonalds (BOGO coupon) we were on our way home. We talked writing, future speaking engagements, and of course, education. (Since that is the reason we were out)

Once home I thanked God for His protection and bringing us each home safely. As I caught up with my husband and daughter of their day's events. While I was out my daughter finished her French project (which includes a page and photos of our beloved French daughter/her sister, Coline - big hugs to her). In addition to our surviving family, she also included my beloved sister, her aunt Heidi.

In her search for a photograph she came across the age-progression photo below. It took my breath away. Would Heidi really look like this? I don't recognize her. This isn't my sister -- or is it? I was overcome with emotions. Maybe it is the sinus/cold headache keeping my defenses down or maybe, just maybe - I never imagined what Heidi would look like today. I'm thankful our daughter found the photo yet wasn't prepared for its impact on me.

I've been the family contact/manager for Heidi's NamUs account for over a year and in the past six months have been included as the family contact for her NCMEC file. When Heidi and I dreamed of what we would be doing when we were older and married I never said, "I'll be you case manager if you ever go missing." I'm thankful we planned playdates for our kids and to continue our Thursday afternoon mall dates - one thing I truly miss. A Thursday afternoon with my best friend and sis!

My beautiful sister's age progression photo:
https://www.findthemissing.org/cases/show/5491