Nothing can describe the feeling you experience when you receive a phone call and a voice on the other end of the line says We cant find (insert your own missing persons name). In our case the name was Arlin, our nephew.
It was between 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. when we got such a call and we were sure that by the time we got to Debbies house Arlin would be home safe and sound.
Instead, as we turned off Highway C onto the road that led to the trailer park where Debbie lived, we passed cars parked all along both sides of the road and saw people with worried looks on their faces and tears in their eyes standing in groups talking. They were wanting to help but what could they do? It was a surreal scene, like being in a dream, and I remember thinking This cant be happening to our family but it was, and it was just the beginning.
The rest of that night was spent trying to comfort Debbie but what can you say to comfort a mom whose child is missing? Debbie kept asking Wheres my baby, Wheres Arlin and Why? Why? then weeping to the point of hysteria. We finally took her to the emergency room at the Troy hospital where they finally sedated her and sent her back home with some medication to keep her calm. For the next several weeks she lived in a fog as we tried to protect her emotions by keeping her as sedated as the medications would keep her. For the next few weeks family was always with her trying to bring comfort and hope.
Lincoln County police officers formed search parties using the volunteers that would come and offer to search. We held hands and formed a line that stretched across a field and began to walk through the underbrush in the woods searching for just one clue that might lead us to Arlin. Neighbors and friends drove their four-wheelers down trails and through the woods, searching. We walked country roads, looking in ditches. We went into caves along the Missouri River searching, searching, searching. And we always went back to square one, Arlins house with nothing, nothing, nothing.
The night Arlin disappeared Debbie was fixing supper when Arlin stopped by to say he was going to a friends house. As he rode off on his bike his last words to his mother were Save me some Polish Sausage. The bike disappeared when Arlin did but was discovered about 3 months later just off the road in a bean field just a few miles from his home. It was not there when we walked that road searching. Someone put it there later. WHO? PLEASE WHOEVER YOU ARE, come forward and tell the authorities what you know about the bike. It might help to bring Arlin home.
Arlin is a real person and still lives in our hearts and our thoughts. It doesnt matter that it has been almost 20 years since he disappeared. He is still our little Arlin. We know he is no longer a little eleven year old boy, that he is now a grown up man but until we find him he will always be our little Arlin.
If you know anything, saw anything, heard anyone talking about his disappearance please come forward with what you know. It could be the little spark that lights a big fire of information that helps bring closure for our family. Thank you so much for your interest in finding Arlin, your help if you can give some, and your prayers always.
Your entire family, Debbie, your Aunt Janice & Charles, Grandma, Brenda Clark, Rev. James & Eva. Shannon & Justin, Kelley, Allen, Tammy, Tori, Angel & Shawn, Chrissy, Nick, Lydia Brandon & Buddy & Jess, Lisa & Scott, Janell & John, Steve and Gale, Shawn Clark, David & Lis, Tiffany & Dan, Mike.
Arlin
A Fragile soul caught in the hands of evil, the unconditional trusting nature of a child, shattered.
A voice rings, but no one hears; a tear falls, but evil has no remorse.
A heart breaks, and the face of grace appears.
There is peace, instead of fear; there is love, instead of hate.
Swept away to forever play, this is where I stay.
And one day soon when grace says its time, you will hear this story of mine.when evil appeared, and brought my mom to tears.
When people feared, but volunteered. when the search remained, but was in vain.
The truth has been spoken, and the door has been opened.
A messenger will Appear, so lend an ear.
Though alone, with God's atone, a stranger shall bring me home
