TX TX - Deanna Merryfield, 13, Killeen, 22 July 1990 - #1

[Aphra]

Missie, how's everything going? I hope you're doing well.

I don't remember how it came up, but I was discussing this case with my boyfriend tonight and we were brainstorming possible scenarios regarding Deanna. One thing that he mentioned was that normally (and I didn't even think about this; he reads way too many detective novels!) when a person searches the obituaries for a new identity, the optimal way to do it is to find someone your age from your town who died in infancy--therefore you'd need to go back to your town's newspaper during the year of your birth and do it that way. That's another--and probably better--angle to research. I know that doesn't help you vis-a-vis having to pay to research, but frankly, I'd be very willing to kick in a few dollars to a Paypal fund to help you out with that. I'm sure that this could get very expensive!

You could probably narrow it down (and thereby lessen the cost) by just searching the months around Deanna's birthday. I also think that any newspaper worth its salt would let you look in their archives for free, considering the cause.

Another thing that my bf brought up, which I thought was an excellent idea: did Deanna have footprints taken when she was born? Could those be run against a database of some sort, like DNA is?

Just some more thoughts!

 

[MissieMt]

Hi everyone. Thank you for all of your great ideas. I'm sorry I haven't been posting much-but I have been very busy handling things in my home so unfortunately, there hasn't been much time for research.
As far as the last name-our Mother's maiden name was Merryfield and even when she married she did not take our stepdad's last name. I believe our Grandmothers last name is Varner-but I will have to check to make sure. I'm off tomorrow and I will try to work on a few things then.

 

[Aphra]

Oh, man. Looking on zabasearch, I found a Michelle Varner (using Deanna's middle name and your grandmother's maybe-last-name) in Michigan who was born in Mar. 1977--but Deanna's birthday is February. Oh well. Close.

 

[LionRun]

I understand it is a long shot to search for possible names that Deanna may have chosen for a remotely possible new identity. I imagine she would want to get the birth time close, but I also think she would not be too picky about the month. I think most would take the best they can get. Better to have the general age close than the the birth month.

Lion

 

[MissieMt]

I emailed Sgt. Davis at the beginning of the month for an update. He was just now able to get back to me. He has interviewed a few more of our relatives and is going out of town to interview 2 more people (he did not say who). He got a picture from our Grandma and was kind enough to think of sharing it with us. This brought tears to my eyes-to see us all together with our Grandma and our cousin Randy. Unfortunately, I don't remember when it is from.
I feel awful because I have not had much time to spend on Deanna's case but I'm okay with it now because I know Sgt. Davis is still working hard on it. I'm not sure about the Michelle Varner Aphra found. Thank you for working so hard on that Aphra!! I was given the impression that she has not left the state of Texas.
http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/missiemt/?action=view&current=Merryfield0001.jpg

 

[LionRun]

Missie, I am glad for you that Sgt. Davis was kind and shared that precious picture with you. I understand why you haven't spent lots of time on finding Deanna lately. You have lots on your plate, and we understand that.

Thanks for the update concerning Sgt. Davis' search for and interviews of your relatives. Let's hope that some leads come from this.

Lion

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Missie~
Just a note to let you know that I am thinking of you during the Holidays and that I hope you find some peace to fill your heart this Christmas. I know it has been a horribly difficult year for you in so many ways and let's pray next year will find you in a much better framework of life.

Hang in there, Sistah! You are one strong and wonderful person.

I will keep you and Deanna in my thoughts and prayers. I will also light a candle for her. (I am going to burn my house down if I keep lighting candles for everyone! LOL Naw...I will have a very warm, loving, and brilliant display for them to find their ways home instead.)

 

[LionRun]

Hi Missie:blowkiss:. May you and your lovely children have a wonderful Christmas. You are in my heart and in my prayers, and I hope all is well with you.

Lion

 

[MissieMt]

SS and Lion-thank you so much for your kind words!! We are all doing pretty well this Christmas-despite everything.
I came here today because for the first time in months I had a dream last night that was vivid enough to remember. I'm not one to look at dreams as a sign or anything, but it just made me think of Deanna. In my dream I got a phone call but I couldn't get to the phone in time. When I called the number back it was Deanna. I don't remember what we talked about-but we eventually met up somewhere. She was older looking than any of my sisters-but not in a ragged way. I remember thinking that she must look that way because life had made her much wiser than the rest of us. The meeting was pretty void of emotion-which was weird now that I think about it.
Like I said, I'm not one to think of dreams as a sign-but I'm glad I had that dream last night, just so I would have her at the forefront of my heart and mind today.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas-and I thank God for each and every one of you.

 

[Aphra]

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Deanna. You know, I was wondering why Deanna's case touched such a chord with me--but I have two sisters myself, and...well...I know I'd do anything for either of them. I know that we're all praying for a happy ending to this one.

But for now, just focus on Christmas and your little ones.

Wish you all the best.

 

[thefox60]

Hi Missie
I always follow what's going on & really wish you every success with finding Deanna. You are a truly wonderful person & I wish I was closer so I could be of some help to you.
Hope you have had a lovely peaceful Christmas

 

[LionRun]

SS and Lion-thank you so much for your kind words!! We are all doing pretty well this Christmas-despite everything.
I came here today because for the first time in months I had a dream last night that was vivid enough to remember. I'm not one to look at dreams as a sign or anything, but it just made me think of Deanna. In my dream I got a phone call but I couldn't get to the phone in time. When I called the number back it was Deanna. I don't remember what we talked about-but we eventually met up somewhere. She was older looking than any of my sisters-but not in a ragged way. I remember thinking that she must look that way because life had made her much wiser than the rest of us. The meeting was pretty void of emotion-which was weird now that I think about it.
Like I said, I'm not one to think of dreams as a sign-but I'm glad I had that dream last night, just so I would have her at the forefront of my heart and mind today.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas-and I thank God for each and every one of you.

Missie, I am glad that you and the children had a nice Christmas despite the challenges that unforeseen circumstances have presented. Merry, merry Christmas, friend(a bit late--sorry), and your new year bring you and the little ones true joy!

Thoughts of Deanna may be heavy on your mind, though lately you haven't been able to search for her as often as you might like. Plus, you have to hurry up and wait for new info as it comes. I hope and pray for the best outcome concerning Deanna, what ever that might be.

Lion

 

[ChevyTX]

Happy Holidays to all Ive read all the post so far and my heart goes out to u Missie and ur family. I currently live in killeen, TX and if theres anything I can do 2 help just let me know. Any recent updates ?

 

[LionRun]

Welcome, ChevyTX, and a happy holidays to you too!

Lion

 

[Salem]

Here's hoping your holiday season was wonderful and relaxing and that this new year brings you the answers you are seeking.

Now that the holidays are over, maybe Sgt. Davis will get the age progressed picture completed for posting......

A Wonderful New Year to you Missie and Lion Run and all!

Salem

 

[SeriouslySearching]

SS and Lion-thank you so much for your kind words!! We are all doing pretty well this Christmas-despite everything.
I came here today because for the first time in months I had a dream last night that was vivid enough to remember. I'm not one to look at dreams as a sign or anything, but it just made me think of Deanna. In my dream I got a phone call but I couldn't get to the phone in time. When I called the number back it was Deanna. I don't remember what we talked about-but we eventually met up somewhere. She was older looking than any of my sisters-but not in a ragged way. I remember thinking that she must look that way because life had made her much wiser than the rest of us. The meeting was pretty void of emotion-which was weird now that I think about it.
Like I said, I'm not one to think of dreams as a sign-but I'm glad I had that dream last night, just so I would have her at the forefront of my heart and mind today.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas-and I thank God for each and every one of you.

You know, I believe in listening to dreams. Always. They have served me well. Don't be adverse to taking them for what they are sometimes. I can tell you many true stories of people who have such dreams and the reality of those. I will only ask you one thing about it...did you feel a great sense of peace when you woke up?

 

[MissieMt]

Hi Everyone-I'm so sorry for the temporary absence! Yes, I did finally get that fulltime days position-I started last week and I'm super happy and exhausted at the same time,lol.
There have been no new updates from Sgt.Davis-but I haven't had much time to email him either, so I will do that tonight. I hope everyone is well!! I REALLY missed you guys,lol.

 

[Littledeer]

MISSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!!

Just now saw that you posted here. Have been busy over at the Maria (Marine) thread. Please keep us posted!!! We haven't forgotten you or your beloved sister!!!!

 

[sillyhead]

Sending good thoughts to you and your family, Missie. Very curious about the tats. I'd think it would be difficult to have a pseudonym with a different last name with those tats. Anyway, it sounds like your lives growing up were a lot like mine, and she reminds me a lot of me when I was her age. It's a miracle I'm alive, so I'm hoping for the same miracle for her (and you!).

 

[Jaded]

Hi Missie - sending you hugs and am glad that you are well.