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A Missing Girl in New York State Unites Mothers Around the World
The search for Charlotte reminds us of what’s important
My phone buzzed on Saturday morning in between making slices of toast for my older son and answering random questions from my younger one. I stopped what I was doing to glance at it.
AMBER ALERT — 9-year-old girl, white, green eyes, 5'1", 90 lbs. Her name is Charlotte Sena. Last seen on Loop A in the Moreau Lake State Park in the Town of Moreau, Saratoga County at approximately 6:15 pm on Saturday, September 30. Charlotte was last seen wearing an orange tie-die Pokemon shirt, dark blue pants, black Crocs, and a grey bike helmet.
My heart immediately sunk into my chest.
I’ve been a mom for 10 years now. I have been a big sister for 30 years. The maternal gene that resides within me has been strong and vibrant for as long as I can remember. As a mother, I knew this was every parent’s worst nightmare.
The fact that it has almost become a cliché for women between the ages of 25 and 45 to enjoy watching shows and listening to podcasts relating to true crime really does hold up. I am an avid participant in this cliché.