Sunday, March 02, 2008

Jono

Today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK. We don't have "Mother's Day" in May. And it started in the best way, with a cup of coffee from my son, together with the info that he had unpacked the dishwasher and restacked it. Perfect present for this mother.

I went to church this morning, and it was a beautiful service, celebrating mothers and each lady in the church was given a small posy of flowers, as is the tradition here. Daffodils. It was lovely. Life was good. When I came home, David told me that both my other children had phoned, and then the phone rang again.

I expected it to be a far off child. It wasn't. It was a friend to tell me that one of our friend's sons was missing.

Every mother's nightmare.

He is not small. He is 18 and in his first year at uni, and a delight. He is one of David's friends, and I have known him since he was a little lad.

He went home for the weekend to celebrate Mothering Sunday, his Mum's birthday, and his girlfriend's birthday. He and his friends were out on Friday night, and walked home from a party at 3am, alongside a river. There was a howling gale at the time. One minute he was there and the next he was gone.

And so the search goes on. It is now nearly 40 hours later. Our Mother's Day. His shoe has been found on the river bank. It is all over the news. Tomorrow, the police have asked for volunteers to go to help search the miles and miles of riverbanks. It is fenland where he lives, and the river is a tidal river. I have spent the evening on the phone rounding up volunteers, after a request from the family, and it is astonishing just how many are prepared to take the day off work.

Astonishing? Not really. If it was my son, I would hope people would be there. Good people live here. Downham Market is nearly 2 hours drive away, but people are going. Old people. Young people. And each and every one is praying for a miracle. The search has been called off for the night. And it will be the longest night for his mother and for his father, and for his brother.

He is not my son, but it feels like he belongs to all of us. And I feel so helpless.

15 comments:

Needled Mom said...

Oh Linds....that is just an awful story. Although I cannot help in the search from this distance, please know that my prayers will be lifted up for him. Please keep us updated.

On a happier note, I was glad to hear that you had a wonderful Mothering Day.

Anonymous said...

You're breaking my heart! Certainly, my husband and I and all of our family will be in prayer for this family. Oh, the pain! Thanks for telling us so that we can ask on his behalf! Vicky

meggie said...

There is not a mother alive who does not feel pain on hearing news like this. I hope they find him, none the worse. Thoughts will be with you all.

Donnetta said...

What horribly tragic news! I am so sorry! Praying...

someone else said...

Oh, this is heartbreaking! I'm so sorry for them, but how wonderful that so many people are willing to pull together and help. I hope and pray for the best.

Kelli said...

Oh Linds, I can't begin to imagine. I'm linking to you for prayers...

Laurie in Ca. said...

I will be praying for the search from here in California. God knows where this young boy is and I am asking Him to lead in finding him. You are right, all children are ours, in our hearts.

Praying, Laurie in Ca.

Midlife Mom said...

Oh this is every mother's worst nightmare! I do hope and pray that there will be a good outcome even though right now things look pretty dire. What a wonderful community that so many people are pitching in to help. My prayers are with you, the young man and his family.

Dawn said...

How incredibly sad! My nephew died on Father's Day in a car accident, and it has never been the same for my BIL. Please keep us posted!

Susan said...

Oh MY!!!!!!

Jesus, I lift up this family and all those volunteers to you. Guide their every step and lead and direct them in their every move. Give them all your peace, which passeth understanding in the midst. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

And I will continue to pray
Susan

Janine said...

What an awful thing to happen. I'll keep him and his family in my prayers. You are right - every mother's nightmare.

Kelli said...

Linds,

Checking in to see if there are any updates.

Linda said...

Linds,
I cannot imagine anything more heartbreaking. It's just a nightmare.
I will certainly be praying.

Julie said...

This is heartbreaking. I will be in prayer for a miracle and a safe return.

God Bless,
Julie

Laurie in Ca. said...

Continuing to pray for this boy to be found. Are there any updates on this situation yet? Still praying for a miracle here.

Laurie in Ca.