Thinking of Lauren
I have thought about emailing you, Lauren's parents, quite a few times over the past year, and for some reason I have decided on a whim that today is the day. I never knew Lauren personally, and therefore I cannot share with you any personal stories or memories I have of her. What I can tell you is that although I didn't personally know your daughter, and neither did my friends, she is someone who is remembered by my group of friends at birthday dinners, backyard BBQ's, graduation parties, through IM conversations, and all of the like. We all know someone who somehow is linked to Lauren, and we all keep her alive through sharing updates we find on the web, news stories, links or videos, etc. I really cannot tell you the countless times we have all sat back and reflected on Lauren and your family. I can say for myself that I wish I had been her friend that night, because I know I would have been there for her. Lauren's story has inspired me to be a better person and to live my life more cautiously. I think twice before I go out at night, I think twice before having another drink, and I think twice before I trust someone to be my friend. I pray for you and your family that you will get answers today. And not a day later.
When I first heard about Lauren Spierer and her disappearance, I was just beginning a summer internship at Fox Cable Networks. As the weeks of my internship moved along, I started a routine each morning. Each morning I got to work I would sit at my desk and read every update I could on your daughter, gain as much information as possible, and keep her in my memory throughout the day. I followed the account on twitter, liked the page on facebook, and tried to bring a piece of her with me, even in the smallest gesture, throughout my daily life. When following Lauren's case, I am reminded that she is a person, a human being. She isn't a news story or an article, and I try and remember that when following her case. My internship ended at the end of last August, and I went back to the University of Maryland to complete my senior year. Lauren helped me get through my senior year by taking more safety precautions than I would have if I hadn't learned about her story. I would sleep at friends houses just a block away to avoid walking home alone, or I would walk with 9-1-1 dialed into my phone at a moments notice. Now, I have graduated college and I have landed my first job, where I sit at my desk exactly a year later, writing you this email, researching Lauren's case.
I have the more sincere and warmest well wishes to you and your family. No family should ever have to go through this horrible nightmare, and I want you to know that I will continue to keep Lauren alive by carrying her with my everyday. My greatest hopes are that she is returned home safely to you. Until then, Lauren is truly blessed to have such an amazing family who will never give up. I admire Rob, Charlene, and Rebecca. I know my email offers very little consolation, but I wanted to share with you that we are still thinking of Lauren. We still carry her with us. And we too, have not forgotten.
With your family in my thoughts and prayers,
Melissa Gaber