How do the parents of Madeleine McCann really feel? 
Only other parents who have unfortunately found themselves in the same position can truly empathise.
This is how Danel’s father Bruce (pictured with his family) described the nightmare they have endured since their son Daniel was abducted in Australia three-and-a-half years ago, aged 13, in an email to me, after I highlighted Daniel’s poignant case earlier in the week:
“We are aware of Madeleine’s abduction here. The community effort is strong and has rallied to her parent’s support. I’m sure the media and police are doing all they can to bring this to a happy and speedy result. The profile of supporters and huge cash offers in a reward fund all show that the basic human spirit is that of “goodwill to others”. But unfortunately from where we sit, I suggest that it is a tough road ahead for them. It’s three and a half year since our Daniel was abducted and still we have nothing. No arrests, No suspects, No body, No answers.
We are not angry or disappointed in the lengths people have tried to find the answers. But in life’s journey, having your defenceless child abducted is the cruellest blow of all. Illness and death of family members is difficult enough for humans to cope with. But it is the pain of not knowing that is worse. What did these people do with him? What shear terror did he fell as it was unfolding? These negative thoughts are balanced with some optimism as well. Every day you continually think that today will bring an answer. This day bleeds into the next and the next. You are obsessed to find your child and to say “good-bye” in a manner fitting of your love for them.
Miracles have happened in similar cases around the world and you cling to that hope.
We established the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in our son’s honour in an effort to educate other children about abduction and personal safety. It has been something positive in our lives over this time. My advise to Madeleine’s parents and extended family members is to be strong and never give in. It is easier to consider many destructive options but in the cold light of day that only makes it worse. You must take small steps and begin to create new memories. Happy memories.
They will be feeling absolutely gutted and helpless at the moment. But find something, a target of some sort to push towards.
Unfortunately, the offer of a massive reward is very unlikely to bring a result. It will only generate a flood of psychics and dreamers who muddy the waters with information that is just unhelpful.
Our Foundation has raised around $400,000 in the 2 years to date. Our work is ongoing and the encouragement by everyone is a strength that definitely helps us to do our best to stop this happening again.
We wish for a happy family reunion to the McCann family.”
I hope with all my heart that there is still hope and that this lovely boy will one day be reunited with his family, and, of course, Madeleine too.
In memory of those who are still missing.
This is a parent’s worst nightmare and Daniel’s father is so right in that the not knowing is so much worse than knowing. Because they will never give up hope, no matter how slim it might be. For the 13 year old it is probably beyond hope, but for the four year old, perhaps.
Sadly
jmb
It’s getting world wide coverage. The police seem to be doing their best. I was stopped by a police patrol in Spain near the Portuguese border a couple of days ago, they looked in the car to note the passengers, it was obvious what they were looking for.
Yes, only someone like Daniel’s father can understand what the McCanns are going through. The pain of not knowing myst be terrible because you would keep imagining the worst. What a wonderful man he is that he can reach beyond his own distress and feel and hope for others in a similar situation.
I fear he is probably right about the rewards but people like to feel they are doing something.
It’s reassuring to know from Jim that the police are being vigilant.
The Morecombes have shown such incredible strength throughout their ordeal. They are amazing people. I don’t know how anyone copes with something like this. Holding onto one’s sanity must be the hardest thing to do.
I hope for the sakes of both families that their child is returned safely to them. One must never give up hope, no matter how difficult it is to hold on to it.
This is tragic news! In the U.S. we have John Walsh leading the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and they have a great newtwork to get faces and names of children out to the public. Thoughts and prayers for a successful outcome.
Jim, yes, good to hear from you in Spain about the police checks.
Michael, I will check out the American site you mentioned.
Hi ellee ,i would like to know about daniel morcombe.I have heard that daniel’s parent were property investors and had bought a lot of properties including the cottage in buderim,qld.was this property settled on the day daniel dissappeared, if so how did they go ahead with the settlement.were they financially ok
at the time or before.did they borrowed a lot of money.did they struggle with their repayments with those few investment properties and the one they live in.
tony
hi, i have sent you some questions about daniel morcombe a few minutes ago but forgot to give you my email address tony8067@hotmail.com
Tony, In response to your question, I have no idea. It is personal information and I would not disclose it even if I knew. What is the relevance of your question?