Snipped by me. I understand how you feel. What I try to do is impart an understanding of safety in my daughter and the girls she socializes with on Lauren's behalf. They have a need for independence that supersedes their understanding of safety, IMO. Doing so won't bring Lauren back, but I joined this board because she reminded me of my daughter in many ways.
While I'm not sure if walking alone contributed to her disappearance, I do know that trusting a young man she didn't know couldn't have helped matters. So I talk about both ... no walking alone, no trusting those who might not have your back. I think young women need to stick together. And of course I speak of alcohol and drugs. But they're out there, I know.
I hope Lauren's mother and father know that we still have her (and them) in our thoughts.
I went back and found your post because an event this week was so related to what you posted, it's almost uncanny!
A friend of my sons, a female, celebrated her 21st birthday this week and called my son in what could best be called a drunken stupor. She is obviously not a drinker but celebrated her 21st in not the best way, shall we say. She called my son at 11:00 p.m., shortly after he had gotten home from his after-school job. I was still awake and overheard the conversation. I was so proud of my son as he told her to pull over (yes, she was driving
I have talked to my son about Lauren and I would like to think that his actions that evening were a reflection of our talks. I was very proud of how protective he was of his friend. I only wish Lauren's friends had done the same.