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A sigh of relief echoed across the nation this week as 9-year-old Charlotte Sena was safely returned home. Parents everywhere watched anxiously as their worst nightmare unfolded when the little girl disappeared while riding her bike during a family camping trip in New York, just a few miles from her home.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement officers, Charlotte was found after her abductor’s fingerprints were discovered on a ransom note he left in the family’s mailbox.
It is universally agreed that anyone who harms children is the lowest form of humanity and should never see the light of day again.
CHARLOTTE SENA RESCUED FROM CAMPER CABINET, KIDNAPPING SUSPECT BUSTED AFTER LEAVING RANSOM NOTE
At the time of her disappearance, Governor Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., stated, “Hopefully, there will be a reunion, hopefully, there will be a family that has been traumatized but reunited.”
Many of us were hoping for that reunion. While watching the events unfold, parents couldn’t help but wonder if they had seen this tragic story before, where the ending was not a happy one.
Fortunately, this time was different.
Today parents who “free range” get a bad rap, parents who “helicopter” get a bad wrap, and while we’re all busy pointing fingers at each other, most of us are silently praying we get just enough of this parenting thing right to not land our kids on a shrink’s couch in their adult years.
In a statement, Charlotte’s family expressed their gratitude to their supporters and acknowledged that not every family has a positive outcome like theirs.
And they’re right.
When we consider exceptional law enforcement, the grace of God, or even a happy coincidence (although I don’t believe in coincidences), one thing is certain — Charlotte’s safe return was nothing short of a miracle.
MAN CLAIMING TO BE SON OF CHARLOTTE SENA KIDNAPPING SUSPECT BREAKS SILENCE: ‘HOPE HE DIES IN PRISON’
Another case that captivated the nation and can only be explained as miraculous is the 2002 kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. After nine months of searching and praying, the country rejoiced in her discovery alive.
However, for every story like Charlotte Sena and Elizabeth Smart, there are countless stories like that of Natalee Holloway, who never returned home.
Natalee Holloway disappeared at the age of 18 while on a school trip in Aruba in 2005. Although declared legally dead in 2012, her family still awaits answers almost two decades later.
I vividly remember her mother’s relentless pursuit of justice and her heartbreaking pleas that went largely ignored in another country.
I watched it all unfold while on vacation on an island similar to Aruba. I assumed that this grieving mother would soon find closure. Now, 18 years later, despite having a suspect in her daughter’s disappearance, she remains in the dark.
I wasn’t a mother at the time, but that experience influenced my decision to never allow my future children to travel without me. I wanted to mitigate any threats and protect them even more.
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If only our present-day selves had all the answers, just like our pre-parent selves did.
Now don’t ask me whose kids have gone on school trips across the country and to Europe. I’d have to remove my foot from my mouth before answering.
If you ever want to know how much is really out of your hands — have kids. It’s a humbling way to reform a control freak — super fun.
Parents today are often criticized whether they are “free-range” or “helicopter” parents. As we point fingers at each other, we silently pray that we are doing enough right in our parenting to prevent our children from needing therapy as adults.
The truth is, as parents, there is so much that is beyond our control. Most of us make decisions based on our best judgment and, if we have faith, we entrust our children to a higher power each day, praying for their well-being.
But life offers no guarantees, and that can be terrifying when it comes to our children.
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If you ever want a reality check on how little control you have, become a parent. It’s a humbling experience that teaches a former control freak to let go — and it’s quite an adventure.
Times like these remind us of what truly matters — our children, our spouses, and our faith in something greater than ourselves. We may be surrounded by significant events happening in the world, but the story of Charlotte Sena brings everything into perspective.
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There’s a quote by Mother Teresa in my home that says, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
I am grateful that Charlotte’s parents have another day to love their little girl.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LAUREN DeBELLIS APPELL
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