The Search for Avonte

Decided to put my legs to good use today and help with the search for missing autistic teen Avonte Oquendo. At one point I was walking along the train tracks where I'm sure I wasn't supposed to be but the gate was open and I figured since Avonte is known to have an affinity for trains, it made sense to search every nook and cranny.   However, after 5 hours of searching...No luck.  While I did put up a lot of posters it was difficult not to feel painfully disappointed knowing I had not been successful in finding this lost child.  Don't know how this family (or others who have been through this nightmare) cope... I am proud to see the amount of love and support pouring in to the family from so many new yorkers and people all over the world.  

Its so weird when things like this happen...  The volunteer tent was near the new luxury high rises in LIC and as I returned after the search, feet hurting and honestly just wanting to cry a bit...It was hard watching the rest of the world pass by looking as if they didn't have a care in the world.  But then again... I guess that is what we want.  Everyone to live happily, untouched by nightmares like this.  All in all, I pray and hope this sweet child is foundI took some flyers home and will post them in manhattan tomorrow.  The more people who see this poster, see his face and know the story...I'm sure we will be able to get him home safe where he belongs.  <3

unharmed.