A Christmas symphony from Nina, Emily Rea’s mom
Dear reader,
I take full responsibility for the lack of communications regarding the search for Emily. There’s so much to say and yet it’s difficult to find the words. I can relate to those of you who find it hard to talk with me. Rest assured, I’ve found there are times when there simply aren’t words period; much less the right ones. That’s when hugs, a kind gesture, shared tears and knowing-silence come into play. Everyone grieves differently. If you’re willing, my preference is to stumble through awkwardness together rather than avoidance.
Humor me for a moment and visualize this scene with me: It’s the beginning of a gorgeous Montana day; delightful fragrant breeze blowing, wildflowers in full bloom, the sun shining warm and brightly in the clearest of blue skies. Barely visible over the mountains in the distance, a bank of gray clouds. The day promises to be full of outdoor projects and fun which we set about doing with fervor. Time flies by as we’re immersed until we notice it’s chillier and the sky is mostly cloudy rather sunny. In fact, it’s evident that projects need to be packed up jiffy quick as spitting rain turns quickly into a deluge. Done, whew! The phone rings. Its Georgia calling. “I sure hope you’re have the same kind of gorgeous day we are having here”, the voice says. NOT!
I ask you, did the sun stop shining in MT? Nope. It was simply shrouded temporarily. If you were in a plane above the clouds and storm below, would you be able to see the majestic mountain peaks and fascinating farm circles from above, feel the wind and rain or watch it clear? From the ground, is the sun visible? The sun is still shining! I see our Emily journey in much the same way. Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean “it” isn’t happening. Take another moment and think. Knowing (or hearing about) the close, precious, relationship Emily and I have, can you imagine for a nanosecond that absolutely, positively everything humanly possible isn’t being done to find her? This search has so obviously got God’s hand on it. My heart truly aches for those for whom so many resources and connections aren’t made available.
As a recap: Flathead County Sheriff’s office and resources – ground, canine, dive and sonar teams, SAR volunteers (near and far), Two Bear Air helicopter flights, drones, additional Ralston deep water ROV sonar and mountain trained SAR searchers, volunteers providing food, transportation, housing, communications systems and countless hours of difficult foot searches. There are the communications/technology and Go Fund Me teams in MA and MT. Then there are those who have generously assisted with and given of their time and resources to advise and script public communications, print and distribute posters and address the many legal and technological aspects.
Hugo, goofy Hugo, took a team to rehome to a wonderful new family, replete with willing playmate. There were those who kept him, fed him played with him, trained him and went out of their way to comfort him until he was placed. Forgive me for any omissions.
As with the sun analogy above, there are resources we’ve been offered and taken advantage of by counsel of which you may be unaware. There are more, waiting for the appropriate time, in the wings. I’ve learned volumes about drones and satellite technology (one of Em’s childhood friends and colleagues work in prominent positions at SpaceX) and several friends have connections in Star Link, with whom we’ve spoken. There are family and business connections with high level security clearances in military, civilian and agency arenas and others in leadership positions with trafficking agencies. Numerous metaphysical individuals and groups have offered their insights, numbers of whose directives have been followed up on. At this point in time, the desired result of finding Emily has yet to be produced from any effort. But they certainly have not stopped. Sometimes we need to step out in faith and believe in what is not seen as in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Comfort comes in knowing that truly every possible path has been and will continue to be explored.
For now, one last activity with me please: Close your eyes and listen to your favorite symphony (maybe Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite), with its many and varied instruments from woodwinds and brass to the various types of stringed instruments, tympani and percussion; enhanced at just the right moment by a special guest appearance of celeste, harp, jungle pipe or a single bell. Each instrument playing its part, reading the score designed just for them. Me thinks you’d agree that the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy wouldn’t be the same if played by heavy rhythmic percussion alone or the Mouse King battle was waged to the wafting melody of a soulful oboe. We, you and I together, are the Emily Symphony and we’re playing from the core of our beings until there is resolution. Sometimes as the dominant tune, at others, barely heard in the background but terribly missed if not playing. Please continue playing your part and NEVER stop praying. It is my belief, there is ALWAYS Hope. You may be familiar with Horatio Spafford’s hymn It is Well with My Soul. As with him, yet with a far lesser current loss, I can say, it is well with my soul, if not with the circumstance or earthly unknown. I’d also be callous and naïve to think the world revolves around Emily’s search. Thank you to those who have shared your lives with me, allowing me to take an active part in your own challenges and heart breaks. I too pray and would welcome your closer friendships. An “I” circle is pretty small. As it is Christmas, and where my faith is based, I invite you to join me and wish you each a truly blessed Christmas, filled to overflowing with the gifts that The Christ in CHRISTmas gives: Love, Joy, Peace and Hope. Miracles still happen! Please never stop praying for one with me.
From a Mama’s heart with the greatest of appreciation and love, Nina
Emily Rea, 33, Whitefish resident, went missing in the Hungry Horse Reservoir on July 16.