Exactly one year ago, I awoke to news of a child missing in my own community. That was always something that happened "somewhere else" - never here.
I'm so sorry that we, as your friends, neighbors, and parents of your school mates, were unaware of what your life was like prior to that day.
There is no need to wait for a child to go missing for us to show the concern, compassion, and generosity that we've all exhibited regarding this child none of us had ever even seen or heard of a year ago.
I hope that today we will all take a moment to care about the children we do see. Don't let the past year - or Haleigh's short life - be in vain. Use it to make a difference in the lives of the children you do see and know.
And, Haleigh, I really am so very sorry we failed you.