October 22nd, 1989, was a dark day for mom Patty Wetterling — perhaps the darkest day of her life. Her 11-year-old son, Jacob, was abducted from in front of a convenience store. The Wetterling family hoped and prayed for the best and for Jacob's recovery, but even now questions remain: Who took the young boy? And where is he now?
Jacob was never found, and his family still hopes that somehow, they will get answers. A portrait of what Jacob would look like today has even emerged. But on his birthday, 26 years after his disappearance, Patty stops to remember her son. She chose to honor him with a touching letter for his birthday, which is on February 17. In it, she expresses the hope that all missing children will one day be found, with the help of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center and other organizations. She also hopes that more people will help end the abuse, kidnapping, and exploitation of children. Last but not least, she expresses her undying love for her son — wherever he may be.
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"Happy Birthday Jacob!
Birthdays are supposed to be about parties, hats and noisemakers, cake, ice cream, friends singing and making wishes but not yet. Not this year, again. How I wish to wrap my arms around you and hug you tight! I have watched the tape of your last birthday party over and over. We rented a suite at the Holiday Inn for your party. You and Aaron raced back and forth in the pool and took turns throwing each other in the deep end. It was so much fun!
I want you to know that since you were stolen away from us, people everywhere have been searching, praying and hoping for your safety and for answers. Last fall, 26 years later, news of possible answers had your story as the number two news coverage in the region. That’s pretty amazing 26 years later. People care. There are more good people than bad in the world and people still hope.
My birthday wish is for you to come home. We need to find you. I have another wish for every child who is home safe today, that they will never have to endure abduction or sexual exploitation of any type. We are working just as hard on prevention as we are on searching because this is so wrong… so unfair. I remember how much it bothered you when things were unfair. Me too, it bothers me too.
I am hoping and praying that people will remember you on February 17 and we ask that everyone hug their kids a little tighter, tell them that they love them and take time to play a game or read books. My wish is also that parents will support agencies that help to find our missing kids and help other victims. Today, we ask everyone to volunteer, attend events, send financial support and share safety information. The nonprofit work continues on a daily basis. Sometimes sexual exploitation and abduction are on the news, and sometimes not, yet we all rely on the support and expertise of these agencies when we need them. They are there for us. They need our support as well.
And once again today, February 17, we will light our candles, fix your favorite foods and cake, and thank God for the gift of you.
We love you Jacob and we’ll never stop searching for you!
I so wish for a happy birthday for you…
Mom
Patty Wetterling"
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