Saturday's Post-Dispatch - Front Page:
Unbelievable. Breaking news in St. Louis. Ben Ownby disappeared this past Monday when getting off the bus. Tonight they found him in an apartment in Kirkwood with another boy, Shawn Hornbeck, who disappeared over 4 years ago! It's so emotional!
Shawns parents created a foundation for finding missing children. At a JDRF event (local walk) a little over a year ago the Hornbecks had a booth there. They were taking pictures of kids and providing free id cards. I had both my boys done, my best friend had her kids done. Shawn's parents were the ones taking the pictures, filling out the forms. We almost didn't do it - it was too difficult for both of us. We barely talked - we both had lumps in our throat. They were helping us protect our children, we couldn't do anything to help find their son. Now, tonight he has been located! I pray he is emotionally alright.
Amazing that this happened today. My 13 year old son decided to get his hair cut - from long and stringy to short and stylish. When I first saw him I almost cried. My old son was back. Although taller, my son, prior to diabetes, was back. His old look, his old mannerisms. His long(er) hair hid his features. He had lost weight from a diabetes episode last year. I hadn't noticed over the past few months that he was gaining some of his weight back - in his face. But, as soon as I saw him with his hair short I realized he was. A wave of emotion came over me. Standing in the grocery store I kept hugging and kissing him, telling him how handsome he was. He asked if I was going to cry. He didn't resist my attention (which is rare these days). My old Alex was back - life was good. Then I come home and Bec calls to tell me that not only did they find Ben Ownby but Shawn Hornbeck as well. I can't imagine the wave of emotion the Hornbecks especially are going through right now. Here I am reacting crazy over a silly hair cut. Imagine how they are feeling. They get to hug and hold their son after 4 years. Unbelievable. Unbelievable.
My thoughts and prayers are with those boys and their families. It's going to be a long road ahead but at least it's the beginning of a road back together. I'm so glad they were found!
I'm so glad you posted about this. It is absolutely a miracle and I, too am overwhelmed. I can't imagine the emotions they are all going thru. What a miracle. Hug those boys tight, whether they like it or not :)
This was truly a miracle. We rejoice and celebrate with both of these families today.