Damien Nettles missing 19 years on November 2, 2015

Damien, you will have been missing 19 years on November 2, 2015.  I don’t feel like it’s been that long. 

I won’t say we are over it, that can’t ever be the case.  It is easier, or perhaps we have just got used to this life of ambiguous loss.  We still love and miss you every day.

So let me say to those who are no longer thinking about you that it’s okay.  

Please don’t creep around us like we have a dirty secret.  Don’t mention his name in hushed tones.  If its uncomfortable or inconvenient...move along. 

I understand some have “moved on”.  I am glad for them that they have that luxury. 

I am still left in the wake of it all.  I am standing in the same spot as I was the day I realized you were lost.  I have that fear and panic in the pit of my stomach but I have learned to contain it. 

You know I have never given up on you.  Support for us finding you is humbling Damien.  You would not believe all the things we have done, and are still doing, to find answers. You would not believe how much you are cared for by people who never knew you.  You are cared about and that is fitting since you were always caring about others.  Kind.

So I want you to know that we all love and miss you.  I know that I can’t “move on.”  That is okay.  Let others move forward, but I will never leave you behind.  You’re always with me, your mummy.  I love you forever and I miss you.