National Missing Children's Day...Momentus this year

President Ronald Reagan declared May 25th National Missing Person’s Day in 1983 because of the mystery and intense search for missing child, Etan Patz. Etan Patz, a name many of you have heard in the news over the past couple weeks.

Etan disappeared on his way to school thirty-three years ago. The first time he was allowed to walk alone and the last time his parents saw him alive. His parents have lived in the same apartment with the same phone number holding out hope of his return. This hope ended this past week when a man was arrested for the kidnapping and murder of their precious son.

Some believe when your lost child is found the case in closed yet in truth, it is another beginning. A new journey and new emotions evolve to strengthen the family of the missing child, even if we are not strong at the time.

Each year on May 25th, I remember all our missing children yet this year, a special prayer for Etan Patz and his family is lifted. Thirty-three years ago, Etan Patz was kidnapped, murdered, and brought sorrow to his family and the nation and on the anniversary of this tragic event, his kidnapper is charged.

Etan Patz’s photograph was the first to appear on the milk carton and some say the most famous missing person’s case in New York City to this day. As his family starts the grieving process once again and travels into unfamiliar territory, will you join me in prayer to support and uplift them all during this most difficult time?

Today represents one day in the year set aside to remember our missing children. This year we have the added blessing to join the missing child responsible for the creation of this day as justice is served on his behalf.

My sister has been missing eighteen years. A case like Etan’s gives hope to those still searching. Only in God’s strength do I have fifteen years in me to continue to hope yet I know God does not give us more than we can stand (even if it feels like it sometime) and He never forgets.

I encourage you to share in a post below words to encourage Etan Patz’s family and the thousands of families still searching for their missing son, daughter, sister, brother, niece, nephew, grandchild, cousin, and friend.

Every missing child is someone’s family…do you have three minutes to share words of hope with families who wait decades?

My goal is for at least 33 comments to represent one for each year precious Etan was missing. My super goal would be for 51 comments so there would be one for each year Etan and my precious sister have been missing combined. Do you think there are 51 of you willing to take 3 minutes to comment to show support for the families of the missing?

I think there are…Thank you in advance.

After you post your comment, if you would like to read more about the latest developments in the Etan Patz case, click on card of Heidi below for a direct link to an article and video.