Just chiming in to say Hi to everyone and join in the anticipation. I've been trying to temper my IMBOD (Internet Message Board Obsession Disorder) a little, so I haven't been here everyday.
"Hi, my name is Beth-Ann and I'm a Message Board Addict"
(**applause**)
Anna's story is the only one with which I will happily give in to my obsession. It seems pretty obvious that relentless sleuthing and meticulous attention to detail by a few talented Websleuthers has resulted in the possibility that this mystery may soon be solved. The good wishes, prayers, positive thinking and encouragement proffered by everyone else on this board must certainly play a role as well. I feel so blessed to be even a tiny part of this saga. In this story, the power of prayer, hope and redemption sits alongside and mitigates the despair of extreme personal loss.
It's been difficult waiting out the results, but one thing is true--this question will play itself out, one way or the other. I've been reflecting on a few things while I wait. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from the story of Anna and Annasmom is that the power of love and devotion is immeasurable and can conquer the worst that life throws at us. Annasmom, her family and friends, C and RobinH, have shown me that how we love our families and how we handle our friendships is a great part of who we are. Even more importantly, you've all taught me that personal tragedy need not define us.
I don't look at C as either being Anna or not being Anna. I look at her as the woman who Anna may have become. Even if the DNA matches, there is and always will be a deep void created by the missing years. That fact will never change and dealing with that harsh reality may be difficult. But if that's true, so is the fact that C/Anna is here, is alive and has survived the trauma of her early life and gone on to became a lovely and loving person. If the DNA doesn't match, then Anna, whoever she became, is still be out there. I reluctantly admit it's possible that Anna didn't survive the disappearance, but in my heart, she is out there somewhere. If Anna became someone other than C, I can only believe that she has a home, a family who loves her, friends that care about her and a longing to know and understand her past as much as C seems to have.
Blessings and prayers to all the missing and their families. May they all benefit from the hope of resolution, if not resolution itself.
