My husband and I drove north and exited Highway 11 to join the searchers that were organized at a park on Ridge Road and Line 8. As we proceeded along Ridge Road, we noticed the Oro-Medonte walking trail cross the road several times. We also notice five or six groups of volunteers along the roadside, poking through the patches of long dried grass for signs of Brandon.
We overshot the sideroad and turned around. Just north of Ridge Road on Line 8, we found Burl's Creek Family Event Park, where volunteers gathered to find my nephew, Brandon Crisp.
Tents were set up, and several school buses were parked alongside over a hundred cars and vans. We searched and found Anna and Steve almost immediately. Steve was talking to a news photographer, so we approached Anna and each gave her a big hug. Their daughter Natasha stood nearby, her face pinched with old and new tears. I wrapped my arms around her.
The volunteers were incredible. Yellow school buses sent loads of searchers to designated groups along the regional roads and trails, dropping them off with an experienced searcher. Many members of the search groups worked for Metroland, the media group that employs Brandon's mom and myself. They were so positive and supportive.
A man with a grey beard and a Tilley-type hat stood near one of the buses. He was introduced to Angelika and I as Terry Grant, the host of a show called Man Tracker. He is based in western Canada with a show that features tracking human competitors through rough terrain.
He had flown here to offer his support, and was very kind. Wow.
As he talked to us, a camera appeared and a fluffy boom mike hovered above our heads. I hope I didn't say anything to embarrass my kids.
Later, we went to Brandon's parents' house to regroup. A local restaurant delivered a lovely spread - wings, salad, cheese and crackers. We all stood around the kitchen island, discussing the various possibilities in the ongoing investigation.
I thank everyone for their incredible support and good wishes. I hope we wake up from this nightmare soon.
35 comments:
I had hoped there would be a happy outcome by now. I can only begin to imagine the pain and stress of such a situation, and the complete lack of any sort of clues or answers must be maddening.
It's scary how our lives can be turned upside down in an instant, for no good reason whatsoever. There are organizations that can offer emotional support and ideas during this difficult time. Some of these groups were founded by families who have already been down this road. If Steve and Anna haven't already reached out, please urge them to do so. At a time like this, they especially need to hear from someone who has been in this situation and came out the other side. It sounds like Natasha could use a little of that, too. When we're young, everything feels like forever and she doesn't yet have the life experience to know that no matter how bad things get, good times always follow, eventually.
Bless you for all the help you're giving them.
It is difficult being a by-stander. I do not know your pain. I send you all the energy that I can.
Keep in mind that many think of all of you and pray for you. Many, like myself, feel a giant intake of breath as we watch the news on you family's situation.
The assistance of strangers gives me hope that the world is a good place.
Thank you for posting in this difficult time. There are many who can only watch, wait and pray.
A giant hug for you... It is all I can do.
Thanks for the update, Sandy; although I had hoped there would be some positive news.
You and your family are going through a difficult time. It's heartening to see so many strangers who have come to help in the search for Brandon.
My prayers are with you, Brandon and his family that the outcome will be favourable. Take care of yourself, Sandy.
Chumplet my love. Hearts are beating for you.
Chumplet,
Even though I've been posting on the thread over at AW- I also wanted to come over here and give you a big hug.
Still praying.
Oh chumplet, my heart goes out to you and your family. I agree with Bunny girl that, when you all are ready, you should find a group to connect with.
((hugs)) Sending as many positive hopes as I can.
I read everything I could of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' work. It helped understanding the Five Stage of Grief. I grieved my marriage, old life, colleagues, community, etc., when I moved here to Muskoka.
It would be wise to talk to someone now! I did not, when I had some stressful, emotional issues, and ended up in a depressive state on a Rx. Those who have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, for example, can rise above an event with support.
The stages are not a continuum, they are not exclusive and you can be experiencing any, some or none during stressful situations. This kind of an event can either rip apart or bring a family closer together.
The stages are:
1. Denial:
* Example - "I feel fine."; "This can't be happening."'Not to me!"
2. Anger:
* Example - "Why me? It's not fair!" "NO! NO! How can you accept this!"
3. Bargaining:
* Example - "Just let me live to see my children graduate."; "I'll do anything, can't you stretch it out? A few more years."
4. Depression:
* Example - "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm going to die . . . What's the point?"
5. Acceptance:
* Example - "It's going to be OK."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it."
Praying for good news.
Praying for Brandon's safe return to his family.
hoping brandon comes home safe and soon...
Hi Chumplet,
I just heard about this through JJDebenedictis' blog. I'm not close enough to help you search, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
oh, i'm still sending all my hopes and positive thoughts. i am so worried and it must be so hard and heartbreaking for your family. *hugs*
You are all a great example of what wonderful hearts beat in the writing community. Even though we all can't be out there beating the bushes or chasing suspects through cyberspace, I feel you are all with us.
I passed on your expressions of hope to the Crisp family.
Thank you again. A hundred times, thank you.
Keeping you in my heart and prayers. Never give up hope. Love ya, girl!
Words fail me. I'm just so sad that this hasn't resolved happily yet, and I add my best thoughts and wishes to the others here.
prayers and positive energies continue til he is found....
Thought of you all weekend. Was hoping to find that he'd gone off with some cyber friends and had been playing Call To Duty all week.
I'm still hoping he's doing just that.
Oh dear God I had no idea this was happening in your life.
I hope and pray this will have a happy ending. This is every parent's worst nightmare. My two sons frequently threaten to run away, and my heart lurches, because they can if they wanted.
I will say prayers for your family. I'm so sorry, all around.
So sorry for you and your family. This is just beyond awful. I so wish I could do more than send wishes for a happy ending your way.
Oh wow, I so hope everything turns out well. I'll be sending prayers and good thoughts for sure.
I just heard, via Chris. I feel so awful for you and your family and am hoping he is found soon, safe and well.
As I was telling Chris, we're in a holding pattern right now. Ground searches are winding down, and the cyber investigation is revving up.
Microsoft has doubled its reward to bolster the ones set up by Metroland and Rogers.
Anna and Steve and the girls are so brave it boggles my mind. I try to offer support without getting in the way.
Thank you again for your support and positive thoughts.
Hugs, hugs and more hugs. Suddenly my little problems don't seem so big any more. Keep us posted, Sandy.
Oh my, I was hoping the saga wouldn't be continued! Best wishes for you and your family, and, of course, for Brandon.
My hopes and prayers go out to you and your family! I hope Brandon is found safe and sound and returns home very soon.
Thoughts, prayers, heartfelt wishes for a great outcome - all coming your way!
just wondered if you had any updates. I live fairly local and have not heard any media reports....
praying for you all
I also think that video games are highly addictive. I see this in my boys, and we always always fight over how much time they're allowed to play.
I am almost wondering if somebody should think like an addicted person. How far would they go... Did he pack a backpack, money, etc. I imagine all these questions are being asked..
He didn't take much -- some deodorant and a toothbrush, very little money (he doesn't have access to a bank account) and a small fleece blanket usually reserved for his budgie, Cujo. He didn't take any I.D.
rats... still no sign after all this time? :(
Wow. Just heard this from Precie.
I'm sending you and Brandon and his family all the positive thoughts and hopes I can. May he be home soon.
Heard the news from McKoala. I too am not in the Ontario area nor have any knowledge of the gaming community, so I can only send my thoughts.
Hi again, the news of Microsoft doubling the reward just hit the front page of Yahoo. Hopefully, something will come from all the publicity.
Sandra, My prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry that you all are going through this and I am praying hard that he is found safe and sound very soon.
God be with you all.
Ellen
I stopped through here, hoping to find good news.
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