Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 88

Twenty Years Later...It's Application Time

Excerpt: Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey Lisa M Buske

"The warm spring breeze refreshes Ed and I as we walk the mile plus to attend the vigil. We held hands with moments of silence and intermittent conversation.

“Ed, I never thought we would still be looking and praying for Heidi to be found a month later. I kept praying this was all a mistake, knowing it isn’t but hoping…dreaming.” tears trickle down my cheeks.

“I know. This has been the longest month of my life.” He releases his hand and wraps his arm around me.

“Do you think anyone will be at the vigil? It’s been so long, will the community still remember Heidi?” Lord, let there be people there. Please don’t let them forget Heidi.

“Lisa, I hear the music. We need to walk faster.”

“Okay.”

My Mom opens the vigil, “Thank you for coming. We never thought…” How does she do it? Mom is so strong. I am happy to blend in with the crowd tonight yet she remains a constant example of strength and hope...

...skip ahead in the chapter...

“I’m out of here! This is my last vigil! First He takes Heidi and now He won’t even have someone pray for me. I hate Him.” My face red with anger and my voice getting louder, I start to walk home.

I left the vigil bitter and hurt. Excluded and separated from my parents and sister once again. I spewed the entire way home. Thank goodness no one came with me as a projectile emotional vomit to God left my mouth and heart the entire mile back home. I don’t want anything to do with God. I not only walked away from my family and the community that day, I turned my back and walked away from God..."

Today is different. Do you know what this difference is, well one of them anyway? 

It's not losing my sister to abduction, she's still missing. 

Instead of lonely and surrounded by a multitude of caring people, 
I'm alone and comforted by seven times seventy. 

In 1994, I ran as far, as fast, and privately as possibly...away from God.

Today, my choice of isolation isn't due to avoidance.  In order to keep my eyes, mind, and heart focused on the One who never left me when I ran in the opposite direction twenty years ago, I'm taking the necessary time to process and work through all that is happening. 

It took a couple decades but one valuable lesson I've learned, no one expects my parents, or me to have it "together". This was my greatest misconception. On the flip side, you don't need to witness the full impact either. So to keep this blog and journey as honest and real, as the blog has been since 2010. With much prayer and strength, my goal is to continue to post daily. You all hurt and wait, just like we, the family are. In God's strength and love...

I will not run away.
I will not live in fear.
I will not give up.
I'm a survivor...

Heidi remains missing and recent developments may or may not change this.

One thing remains true and constant and unchanging...God. This I know and trust.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8

No one knows what information or scenarios will play out in the days, weeks, and months to come BUT every step of the way...I'm resting in the shadow of His wings while we wait.

Waiting is something I know, Another lesson I've learned, there is no sense worrying about the unknown.

The delivery to our family, Heidi's friends, and the community was abrupt, blindsiding us all. A reporter on the steps for a "courtesy" visit ten minutes before going live on the Internet wasn't enough time. But, as I've thought about it, to wait longer probably would have created more anxiety as we waited for the "what" of his story. 

We are sorry you had to, and are, enduring the pain, grief, and loss felt when we first lost Heidi alongside us. Yet, your encouragement and outpouring is a reminder of why we love our community so much, Heidi will always be remembered. She isn't just a case number, she is a beloved member of my family, your family, your circle of friends, your neighbor, and God's precious daughter.

We couldn't control the way we received this news on Thursday, BUT WE CAN control our response. So rather than panic and get upset, it's one more thing to wait for. One thing I know, we all are stronger than we give ourselves credit for, we've waited twenty plus years - so to wait a few days to see what the public defender files is possible.

Thank you for understanding my silence, I'm not hiding like I did the first time - I'm simply trying to run TO God first and avoid getting involved in conversations that could unintentionally cause hurt feelings or prevent others from discussing the hottest topic of conversation in our neck of the woods for the time being. 
#wsite-video-container-951546355655452976{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.c... } #video-iframe-951546355655452976{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-951546355655452976, #video-iframe-951546355655452976{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-951546355655452976{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } video might need a minute to buffer... Thank you all...we are blessed to have you praying, encouraging, and supporting Heidi, her family, friends, and community. 

From us to you - we're praying for you too. We know we're not alone, may this make us all stronger and BRING HEIDI HOME!

There is a "Time for Everything"...today we process

We are grateful for, and appreciate, the outpouring of support once again...Thank you! “There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity 
    under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time 
    to refrain from  embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
#wsite-video-container-314391162781419653{ background: url(//www.weebly.comhttp://www.lisambuske.c... } #video-iframe-314391162781419653{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... } #wsite-video-container-314391162781419653, #video-iframe-314391162781419653{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-314391162781419653{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/video... background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } We join you in prayer and pray for you too ~ many feel the hurt, shock, and mix of emotions recent articles and information release.
May we all look up, seek God's face, and our prayers be answered.

Same today as 1994...prayers to bring Heidi home!

Overwhelmed...Thank you for Remembering Heidi

It's About Heidi...a missing girl. A letter to Heidi... We will never give up...
Thank you all for your support, prayers, & concern! A writer without words is the sister processing the news reports...
Prayers for Heidi....
From the entire family - Thank you!!
There are links on each photo too...

TOP's Tuesday: Tributes, Remembrances, & Signs of Hope

A bridge and sign dedicated to my sister, Heidi M Allen. Located on the back of our parents property in the town of New Haven, NY. Last week's TOP's Tuesday blog came from keep within my heart and shared aspects of Heidi's kidnapping I tend to keep more private, yet it was a message I believe needed to be shared. Your response overwhelmed us, thank you so much. There were one-hundred-thirteen Facebook "likes" as of yesterday. 

Many commented here on the blog, to Facebook, and on Twitter too. One person mentioned the idea to plant a tree or something to remember and honor Heidi. This is a great idea, so great, we started this in 1994, the very first year she disappeared. 

My parents say their yard is a living tribute to the people they love. There are transplants from my grandparent's home. Trees planted at my parents as a birthday gift to Mags or I. Mom has different flower gardens on the property, each with its own name and memory behind its creation. We even have "friendship trees", we planted both with our foreign exchange daughter before she returned to France - one at my parents and one at our house.

I've shared some of these tributes in blogs over the years. But to highlight a few of the exhibits of love, hope, and remembrance for my sister, Heidi M Allen, read on.  Each year we each save our Easter lilies to plant in the garden each Spring. A reminder there is hope and miracles waiting to blossom with each new day.

Some are in my parent's garden, some in mine, and others up in the Heidi Remembrance Garden located at the intersection of State Route 104 and 104b, the last place Heidi was known to be alive. 

Something positive and beautiful in a location that could be dark and depressing.
My parents, Ed, and I planted this red maple in 1994 as a young tree. In 1994 we lost Heidi. In keeping with family tradition, a tree was planted for her. Maples are strong with deep and enduring roots, similar attributes we need to survive while we wait.

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:6-8
This magnolia tree was planted in 1995, a year after Heidi's kidnapping. another illustration of strength and beauty. While it may appear a green bush this time of year, in the Spring...it's color and beauty will take your breath away. When this tree is at its peak for flowering, is the very time we are at our peak for evidence of hope.

"The desert and the parched land will be glad;the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. 

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Isaiah 35:1-4

What type of tree, flower, or ? have you planted in memory of a loved one? Why did you choose this particular plant?

"Forever Friends" ~ Stronger Because of Our Mutual Loss

During the summer I often look through the various blogs in my "draft" folder. On average, there are usually twenty-five blogs here. What is in these drafts varies. Some are a photo or video, while others contain a Bible verse and reflection to build on. 

Some are completed blogs for future use, like I have next year's 4th of July blog written and ready to post for 2015. Why? The inspiration for some blogs come during a celebration or event so when I return home I write it down for future use, so I don't forget the message God gave me to share with all of you. 

I saw the title "Forever Friends" and couldn't decide what this might be, figured it was a picture of my daughter and one of her dogs. It was on the last page of the drafts so it's been saved for awhile.BUT, I was overwhelmed with a smile and feeling of love when I saw the photographs included in this draft. I'm to the right in the photo and the beautiful young woman standing next to me is Suzie. If you have read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey , you will recognize the name. Suzie was a dear high school friend of my sisters. After Heidi's abduction from the D & W Convenience Store, Suzie dedicated countless hours, days, weeks, and months to help in the search efforts to locate Heidi.

Suzie isn't the only friend who dedicated time to helping out yet she is one who was there nearly is much as I was, and we formed a special bond during this time. The photographs in today's blog were taken in 2012, the summer before Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released. Suzie and one of her daughters stopped for a visit and she blessed me with this "Forever Friends" Willow Tree for my collection. She and Heidi are forever friends, and one blessing from the tragic loss of my beautiful sister is the forever friendship I now have with Suzie and many of Heidi's other friends I now call friend too.

Beauty from Ashes, friendship born from tragedy. Thankful for the way God works in our lives

"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, 
a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness,
they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."

Isaiah 61:3

Who is your forever friend? Why are you thankful for him/her?

"Shrek: The Musical" - Oswego Children's Theater

My daughter has enjoyed participating in the Oswego Children's Theater productions since she was probably eight or nine years old. This summer she had a difficult decision to make because as she matures and prepares for college and being on her own, she started to work. When the summer musical was announced, "Shrek: The Musical", she planned to audition but didn't want to request the amount of days off necessary to practice and then perform two weekends in July. We are so proud of her, it wasn't an easy decision to make yet one she has peace with.

Last night we had the opportunity to watch the show. It is FABULOUS! Our daughter had a little sadness as she watched from the audience, instead of performing on the stage. Once the show was over, she scooted to the front to visit with her theater friends and catch up. It was as if she hadn't missed the show. Their smiles and laughter made me smile, her too.

This winter they performed "Alky/Juvie" for the Teen Production and went to competition for it. This summer, they have been invited to a theater camp and competition because of their stellar performance earlier in the year. She once again faced a difficult decision, did she agree to join her buds and see this performance through to completion or decline because of work commitments. She chose to see this one through to the end. We are once again, very proud of her. Before she let the director know, she checked with her employer first, she is becoming a responsible and fine young woman, we couldn't be prouder.

If you are looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, head to New Haven, New York for the Oswego Children's Theater's summer musical, "Shrek". You will not be disappointed. This is a see more than once play in order to catch all that is going on. The costumes, make-up, costume and make-up changes, and energy on stage were amazing. We have great talent in Oswego County, check it out. TODAY AT 2 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. What is one positive of a community theater group?
Why do you think it's important to support these organizations?

On Eagle's Wings...A Truth, not just a song

Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:27-28

To be honest with you, when I hear this verse of Scripture, I always think of the song. A song played and/or sung at funerals, memorial services, and as a tribute to a lost loved one. It wasn't until a friend lost her brother to a snowmobile accident that the song, "On Eagle's Wings" by Eric Clapton held a different meaning in my heart. Each time I heard it, I thought of her, and the loss her family endured that day and the years to follow. 

But there is so much more to this than a beautiful song. This song is a product of the truths written in the bible, in the book of Isaiah. I'm only sharing the last five verses yet I think these are enough to leave you thinking, and thankful. Do you complain? Jacob complained too, and he's Jacob, so rather than beat ourselves (yes, I included myself in this) for complaining, read the words written. They ignite a reflective thought, don't you agree? 

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?" Ouch, we know the truth, yet we grumble and complain, rather than accepting and looking up.

He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
Isaiah 40:29-31a

Do you need strength? I now I do, and I need it daily. Maybe I'm a bigger mess than you but if it wasn't for the strength of the Lord, I don't think I could survive the difficult days or celebrate the wonderful ones with the same energy and excitement. Do you get tired? Ever felt weary? Do you ever stumble, fall, or make a mistake (or two)? If so, pay attention to the next part of this piece of truth written in the Bible...

If you hope in the Lord, your strength is renewed! Don't shuffle, drag your feet, or walk in your own strength. Instead, lift your eyes, heart, and arms to God. Then, we will soar like we've never experienced. Life will still happen, but our ability to get through and endure are now easier to see. Keep moving forward.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31b

When you are tired and weary, 
how do you relax and renew your strength? 

I looked at the Biblical aspect but now it's time to apply it to life, Finish this statement...
"When I'm tired, I..."

A Little More Batter Might Start a Fire

Awhile back I baked a cake for our nephews birthday. I mixed the cake batters and poured them into the extra large pan. I had a little left that I thought, "I really shouldn't put this in, but it's not enough for even a small cake? I don't want to throw it out. This little bit won't make a big difference, right?"

Well, have you predicted the outcome yet?

Of course, as the cake baked and the house filled with the aroma of delicious chocolate and vanilla...another smell started to seep into the air. At first, it was mild and then it intensified. Yes, the batter started to bake over the edges and to the bottom of the oven. As it baked and baked on the base, it started to overcook, burn, and I'm ashamed to admit...start to flame. Yes, baby flames in the over! Oh boy. It wasn't a 911 call, just enough to require turning off the oven, removing the cake, and closing the door. Once oxygen was removed from the equation, nothing but smoke remained. Phew... As I thought about the mess I had to clean once the oven cooled down, a life lesson infiltrated my brain. How many times in my life had I put just a little more of something in my life, thinking, a little bit won't hurt me. Only to end up getting burned in the end. Can you relate?

Granted, my oven looked nothing like the one in today's blog but sometimes our life feels and looks like the mess illustrated here. A little more cake batter, made a huge difference. Then it created an even bigger mess to clean up and a modification to my evening plans - since I still had a cake to bake, cool, and decorate for the following day's party. Was it worth including the extra batter? No it wasn't. What are some areas in your life that you've done, just a little bit more, or possibly said just one more thing, that created a bigger mess and bit of trouble than you ever planned or expected? I don't think there is anyone who can claim they are free from making a mistake, poor judgement call, or misjudging a proper amount of ? in a situation. The first step is to recognize we aren't perfect.

But guess what, we were designed to be perfect - we are designed to be the best "?" we can be. God formed me and created me to be the best Lisa Allen Buske I could be in His name, strength, and love. You are the only one to do, learn, and be you. No one else can take your place or do it better. We are not gifted like the person next to us because we weren't born to be them. What does this have to do with burnt cake batter? A lot, because we are imperfect, we will make mistakes, and sometimes these make a mess.

A mess that Jesus saved us from.


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 
the new creation 
The old has gone, 
the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Our pastor encourages us to not just believe in Jesus or God but to live Jesus in all we say, think, and do. When we do this, life takes a different venue and direction when the batter overflows, or when the cake finishes baking and turns out beautifully. In God's eyes, we are all beautiful.


I make mistakes.
I am not perfect.
I will mess up again.
I apologize.
I extend forgiveness and receive it.


I am human...but a new one ~ trying the best I can! Has your cake batter every spilled over and started a fire?
What about your own actions or words?
Was there a lesson learned? Will you share in a comment below?

"Heidi's Helping Hands" ~ Sharing Love in a Hug...Heidi Style

A $20 donation between July 1st - July 28th 
might provide the hope, encouragement, 
and inspiration a sick child and his/her 
family needs at the very moment 
their gift of love arrives. Do you remember this past December when I made my first solo trip as an inspirational speaker? In spite of ice, snow, and wind, I boarded the plane in time to share with families of the missing from the San Antonio, Texas area. In addition to Crystal, the new director, and Heidi Seeman's family, I've stayed in contact with some of the families I met thanks to social media. Yesterday as my news feed updated, I saw the picture of this adorable teddy bear on the center's page. Once I read what they are doing with this bear, I messaged Crystal and asked if I could share with all of you. 

As summer vacation Bible School (VBS) and other outreaches occur across the country, I thought this might be a mission your church or organization would like to support. You might not have children or be involved with an organization looking to make a donation, you could always donate as a family or individual too. The Heidi Search Center received their shipment of teddy bears, now they need to raise the money to start gifting them to sick.

A $20 donation will deliver one bear to a child in need of some love to snuggle as they fight, heal, and move forward due to cancer, blood disorder, or sadly...in their last days. Your $20 donation might make create the smile that is the last memory a mom or dad has of their child, or better yet, might be catalyst to ignite the energy to keep fighting and win, "Your gift will help children with cancer/blood disorders and 
kids on hospice care with the “Escape to Fun” program.  
It’s not just an animal; it’s about the love that’s behind it. 
It means more than you’ll ever know to have someone 
give a child on hospice a thoughtful gift."
The bears are a part of Heidi's Helping Hand a program to give back to our community for everything they have pour into our center and as a way to keep Heidi's memory alive. Avon learned of this initiative and came along side The Heidi Search Center so more children will receive bears.

"This year we have chosen Jaxon Frog Ironically.  after we chose this worthwhile organization to support, I learned that Heidi (Seeman) was a lover of Frogs and stuffed animals, so the two just seemed fitting."
Crystal Calloway, Center Director  To Donate
Contact Crystal Calloway
The Heidi Search Center
San Antonio, Texas 4115 
Naco Perrin Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78217 
or call 210-650-0428

Mission Statement:
Heidi Search Center, Inc. serves as a resource for families and communities by providing educational programs, referral, advocacy, and assisting law enforcement in search efforts for missing children and adults in San Antonio, Texas and beyond.

Can you help a child in need? They aren't "lost" per say, yet they need hope and a reason to keep fighting...your bear might be it!
Thank you in advance...

TOP's Tuesday: What is the goal Twenty years later?

Earlier in the year we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of my sister's kidnapping. Rather than hiding in our homes or leaving town, our family spent the afternoon and evening together surrounded by friends and our community. It was a powerful time of hope, encouragement, inspiration, and love. Heidi is NEVER forgotten, this was a common statement. We are so thankful for all of you and how you remember Heidi. One family placed an orange ribbon on their tree in April 1994. Each Easter/April third and September/Heidi's birthday, they take down the weather-tattered symbol of Hope for Heidi and freshen it up with a new one.

A reminder to all traveling Route 1, Heidi is always in our hearts and this community will NEVER give up.

Hope displayed...
(click on photo to read more about ribbon) An aspect of the 20th Anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping I didn't share about was the amount of information shared with me, my family, and law enforcement in the weeks leading up to April 3, 2014. There were even those that attended the anniversary celebration who came to offer their memories and tips directly to the family. 

A fact that still gives me creeps, there may have even been someone involved with her disappearance and death in attendance at the gathering too. I try not to dwell on this yet it is a fact, most criminals revisit the crime scene or immerse themselves in the heart of the grief after the crime. Sadly, this is a proven statistic, one that required much prayer in April. The best thing I did, was plan this gathering of hope for Heidi yet it also opened myself up to many comments, private messages, notes, and moments of doubt and fear. 

The only thing to get me through this time, God. He is the only One who could see and know all. My prayer, if someone attended the gathering and was involved in her disappearance and murder ~ I prayed they would be so moved by the love and hope, they would reveal a truth they had to bring Heidi home.  We, the family, are thankful for those who come forward to share any and all information they have from April 3, 1994. Twenty years later, people still remember important times, details, and truths.

More importantly, there are individuals who know where Heidi is and have the control to bring Heidi home ~ returning her to the family, friends, and community still grieving her loss twenty years later.

Are you one holding the missing piece?
There are others who have information they might not share because the don't think it's important yet in truth, your piece of information might be the missing puzzle piece law enforcement needs to break the case and find Heidi. Not everything is public knowledge for a reason, Heidi is still missing, so this case is open and active, not cold and closed.

There are some who don't trust the Oswego County Sheriff's Department. I will continue to advocate and support them and we, my parents, Ed, Mary, and I and the rest of our family are grateful for their dedication to Heidi's case and keeping her cold case from growing cold, buried, and forgotten. 

As much as we trust them, we also know there are many who do not and there isn't anything I can say to change your mind BUT if you know something, and don't trust them, contact the FBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children . Did you now the FBI was involved from day one? Our local law enforcement welcomed help from others to maintain integrity in the case and to find Heidi as quick as possible while building a case to convict the guilty and restore safety and comfort to our community. 

Be sure to list Heidi's NCMEC case number, 1157260, when contacting the FBI, NCMEC, the State Police, or whoever you choose to give your important and life changing tip. In addition to contacting law enforcement, you can also contact the family directly. I've received private messages via Facebook and even emails, lbuskewriter@aol.com. 

Each tip and tidbit of information given to me is passed along and followed up on by law enforcement. 

We never disvalue any information given to us, because you might be the one God uses to bring Heidi home and start the next part of our journey, life after discovery.

Do you have information about Heidi M Allen's disappearance? Share it. Some give their information to the media if this is the only way you feel confident your tip will be heard. My caution to you, be careful what and who you trust your information with. 

Not all journalists, investigative reporters, and media are driven by the hope of returning a missing girl to her family...some are simply striving for the front page and leave the family and law enforcement out of the investigation. As the sister to one of America's missing, this breaks my heart, what if this information, added to the facts within case files breaks the case but because it's not shared...the case remains open and Heidi remains missing?

The family's goal will never change, we want to find Heidi. In order to do this, we need a team mentality. There is no "I" in team. To the individual upsetting friends and family in hopes of breaking the case by himself, I hope you do. We would reap the greatest reward, to know where my sweet sister, Heidi M Allen, is. You might receive a prize for writing 

Sheriff Todd vows to find Heidi and do everything in his power to return her for a proper burial before he retires, he can't do this without your help. You can trust him, call him directly if this makes you more comfortable, he will listen and investigate. It's personal, not a case.

For those providing tips, information, and statements to law enforcement, thank you for helping to bring Heidi home...she is more than a missing person poster, Heidi M Allen, was a brilliant, energetic, and devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, friend, and would have been and even better aunt. 
What do you remember about April 3, 1994 or possibly the days to follow? 
Did you see something? 
Hear something?
Have you confided in a friend? 
Did they encourage you to tell law enforcement? 
What's holding you back?

What if...

What if Heidi was your sister? 
Would you want someone to keep the missing piece or add it to the puzzle? "The goal was, is, and ALWAYS will be...TO FIND HEIDI"
and you can quote the family on this one...