A Wish for Peace

The Holidays can be hard for those who are living without a loved one. Even more so when that loved one is missing and answers are nowhere to be found. The ache and longing can be particularly acute, and made even more painful when we imagine that others are celebrating this time of year more whole and surrounded by dear ones. Or even worse, imagining that our missing loved ones are somehow alone and suffering.

The truth is that there is nowhere that God isn't. Our loved ones were not alone when they went missing, and they are not alone now. The baby whose birth we are preparing to celebrate promised us He would never leave nor forsake us. "Lo, even unto the end of the Age..." He said, meaning not even at the end of the world, not even at the end of our lives, not even at the end of ourselves.

May you know the peace of His promises this Christmas.

Finding closure....

Today we talked at length about how the family members of a missing person struggle to find a way to give dignity back to the loved one who has most likely lost their life. We talked about feeling cheated out of the closure a memorial service and interrment provides. Sometimes for those who are aching for the return of their loved one's remains, closure seems impossible.

We decided that maybe it is possible these things can begin to come regardless of whether remains have been found. That maybe purchasing a grave marker or head stone and placing something of the missing person's there might offer families a place to go on those special days of remembrance.

Some of us admitted, we are not big on grave visits...but at least once a year or more, families deserve the right to lay flowers at a memorial site. Or let balloons go. Or do whatever honors their family member with love and dignity. Just a thought. Tell us what you think.

Vrooom....H.O.G Riders are the bomb!

The numbers are now in from our last fundraising shenanigans....our food booth served over 3,500 gyros to just some of the hungry bikers in town a couple of weeks ago for the Harley 105th in Milwaukee. None of us ever wants to look at a gyro AGAIN...but we did have a great time rockin' out to Sugarland and Kid Rock at Miller Park and thoroughly enjoyed meeting riders from all over the world. Whew! We're all still recovering but are thrilled with the results.

Many, many heartfelt thanks to our volunteers...Chuck, Dave and John -- our fearless and long-suffering menfolk who grilled their behinds off -- Ursula, Katie, Karen and Pat, Brina, Lori, Scotty, Ron, Ferman and Brett and their culinary skills, our boys Ben, Johnny, Nick and Joe...you all were wonderful and gave your best for a great cause. We love you guys!

P.S. And we promise...no more gyros.

Over the river and through the woods....

Today the team heads up north for a prison visit...always a grueling but rewarding gig! Karren is heading for Lincoln Hills Correctional Facility to do her thing, which is an hours-long presentation of her daughter's story. It is an amazing thing to see the guys respond to her story of a mother's journey and search for justice. There are usually tears (yes, hardened grown men DO cry), laughter, exchanges of stories and hugs. Keep her in your thoughts as she hits the road once again to bring her story to the inmates of Wisconsin.

Check out our new website people!

We here at BWN Central are very excited....we launched our brand-spankin' new website today! Please check us out at http://www.thebrokenwingsnetwork.com/.