I can now say some things more freely.
Jennifer's parents searched nearly every day for their daughter. I've seen the map they used. They highlighted all the roads they've driven on, nearly every single day, weather permitting.
I saw them last this past Saturday when they showed up to get new flyers and search. I gave them a list of roads certain experienced people zoned in on, and sent them on their way, while taking my own map and doing more on foot with the people I was with. They too searched on foot in the past - even approaching abandoned houses with crumbling foundations. Yes, they were desperate, as anyone of us would be if we knew our child was out there somewhere.
Her mom, Carol is lovely. Jennifer looks a lot like her. Her dad, Tom is a proud man. And determined. The love they have for Jennifer was more than obvious. I am proud to have met them.
I've never heard heartbreak like that in a woman's voice or seen it on parents' faces like I saw that day. And I'll never forget it.
Personally, I think it stinks that our community grew so silent. So many people believed she just took off, and it sickens me to think of that now, knowing what we know. There should have been loud and very public outrage at the acceptance of the notion that she just vanished.
<modsnipped> For anyone who questions public searches, this case is certainly food for thought at the very least, IMO. I see both sides, but seeing this particular side up close and personal, it's both saddening and maddening to know that she could have been found sooner.