"Every Single Child Matters"

This last couple of weeks have been a rough one, to say the least. A friend I have known for 35-plus years lost a granddaughter.

London Valdez last talked to her sister, Paris, on Saturday morning. That was the last time any of her family heard from her.

Missing person flyers went out. It seemed like there were thousands of people - some strangers - praying for her safe return home.

Last week, the family learned London will not be coming home. As officials are still investigating what happened to this beautiful 16-year-old young girl, I hope everyone will learn this from what happened: EVERY SINGLE CHILD deserves to come home. EVERY SINGLE CHILD matters.

I will not soon forget the utter and complete despair and pain I have heard from her family in their voices, and just by looking in to their faces. NO familiy should ever have to deal with this kind of loss.

We are supposed to outlive our children - not the other way around. When something like this happens, it is so difficult to know exactly what to say or what to do for the family that is left with so many questions and so much undescribable pain.

I wish I could take all of their pain away. I wish I could bring London back. But, that is not possible for any one person to do.

I hope another thing to be learned from this is that a mom and grandparent know... They can feel when something is not right. While some said London was a runaway, both her mom, her grandma and other family members said "NO". They knew deep down in their souls that London wanted to come home.

And Lord only knows that should have been what the outcome was.

I really believe the power of prayer aided in finding her, although it wasn't in the way everyone would have wanted. Now, I hope all those who prayed will continue to pray for her family who are left here to mourn her loss. Pray for their comfort. Pray answers are found as to what happened to their precious London. Pray justice is served.

Another lesson for us all? Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Don't ever take for granted that you will have another hour or day when you can tell them how much they mean to you.

None of us know when our time on this earth is over. And sometimes it will come when we least expect it and before it really should.

Use your time with loved ones wisely. Don't take anything for granted.

Rest in peace London Valdez - forever 16 in the hearts and minds of those who loved  you dearly.