How to begin. A year ago, Lauren left Smallwood, walked a short distance to a friend’s apartment and as we all tragically know, the rest is history. Lauren’s story could be any young adult’s story on any college campus. We hope Lauren’s ending is never repeated. Here we are, one year after Lauren’s disappearance, knowing in this very instant, there are people who know where Lauren is. The cruelty is almost unbearable. Think about it….think about someone who means the world to you….consider how you would feel if suddenly that person disappeared seemingly off the face of the earth. Think about how it would feel to wake up every single day knowing there is someone who could help you, give you answers and yet inexplicably refuses to do so. It is beyond comprehension. It is beyond “self preservation”, it is the conscious decision of someone, to destroy a family, every second of every minute of every hour of every day, over and over again for an indeterminate amount of time. It truly is, almost unbearable. I say almost, because we have an undying love for Lauren. Lauren is like a breath of fresh air, she is the bright spot in the day of those who know her. Lauren would never give up, she would fight for answers, she would be the loudest voice. We will never give up, we will fight for answers, and we will be her voice.

Sincerely,
Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer