Epidemic of Tears: 198,686


In 2024, 198,686 girls under the age of 21 were declared missing:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/240387/number-of-missing-persons-files-in-the-us-by-age/

Yes, some children are runaways.  Some girls are in flight with a boyfriend or seeking to escape an abusive parent.

But some are just sweet and innocent girls.  No boyfriend.  Attending college and making the honor roll. Doing volunteer work with other women - making pillows for children residing within the oncology units of our area hospitals. Driving an old car. Wearing the same limited wardrobe.  But immensely happy. Sharing her future dreams with a mentor who treats her like a daughter. Thrilled to be living in America.  And then, when forced out of a vehicle she is never seen again.  The voice goes silent.  But a new digital space is created.

 https://vimeo.com/413443561

"You can see her online.  She is at college and busy with studies and work."   Ahhh, yes.  I can see my father online too, walking toward his garden box near his senior living apartment. He has been dead for three years now.

She was last seen on a Wednesday night.  Tomorrow is the year anniversary of her disappearance from my life.  This year of tears will be addressed in a blog post tonight.  I am part of the epidemic of tears.

She remains "Status Unknown".   And while understanding that she may only be "missing" from my life, there remains that part of me that has died... perhaps, along with her true status.

swoffordwrites@gmail.com


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