When Bones Become Precious

This week the news has been focused on discoveries of bones and DNA testing being done on bone fragments.  In Aruba, a jawbone has been discovered and is now being tested to determine if it belongs to Natalie Holloway who has been missing since May 2005, several years now.  In North Carolina, bones have been found and are being tested to see if they belong to Zahra Clare Baker, a 10 year old little girl who has been missing for just over a month.   Just a couple of weeks ago in my own hometown, the remains of an acquaintance of mine were discovered in a corn field after she had been missing for close to a month. 

To most people, I'm sure that discovering human bones would seem to be a grizzly nightmarish occurence.  However, when a person or child has been missing for quite some time, the discovery of those bones becomes a blessed event.  The person can finally be brought home for burial, the family can start to heal instead of wonder and worry about where their loved one is, and answers are found to the many questions surrounding the disappearance, the death, etc.,  

I read a book a few years ago that really tugged at my heart and soul.  I'm not sure if it was because I had already faced this issue about 20 years ago when a close friend of mine disappeared and her remains were not found for about six weeks.  It was torturous and absolutely no one should have to be subjected to such an ordeal for a family member or friend. 

I personally believe that all young people should be required in middle school to read "The Lovely Bones", I truly believe it might help to keep our young people a little bit safer in this day and age.  No one could read and study this book and not keep in mind the dangers we live with in our towns and neighborhoods.  Perhaps it would help keep our young ones a little more aware of their surroundings and the people around them. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Natalie Holloway and to Zahre Baker.  May God keep their souls wrapped in his arms and show them love forever!!

Just Me Granny D