In the face of tragedy, the challenge is always the ability to maintain hope. And in cases of kidnapping, where statistics suggest there’s little use for your faith, hope often seems impossible. But nonetheless, professionals and law enforcement encourage a positive attitude.
On June 10, 1991, Jaycee Dugard, then 11 years old, vanished in South Lake Tahoe on her way to a bus stop. Witnesses saw her get picked up, but the investigation never successfully found any evidence — or Jaycee. But now, 18 years later, she has resurfaced. On Wednesday, Jaycee Dugard walked into a police station in Northern California and identified herself as the kidnapped girl.
Now, 29 years old, Jaycee will be reunited with her parents. An FBI agent on the case asked them to fly up to meet her. Her stepfather says its like winning the lotto.
According to CNN, Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children calls the reappearance, “absolutely huge.” “One of the things that we preach to searching families all the time … is that even in these long-term cases there’s hope,” he said. “Even in these long-term cases … it’s important that we not let the world forget.” Jaycee, thanks for the reminder that hope is alive and well.