A Community in Mourning
When a member of the Tracy community came into my library a little over a week ago and asked if she could post fliers for a missing girl, I got out the scotch tape and helped hang the fliers where they could be viewed by patrons coming and going through our doors. At the time, I hoped there had been a simple mistake, and the beautiful 8-year old girl on the flier was with a friend or relative.
As the week progressed, fliers, banners, and t-shirts appeared as the community banned together in hope that Sandra Cantu would be returned home safe and sound. Vigils were held. Teams of volunteers searched the area and posted fliers. Her picture was in every store window and on many cars. The whole town waited for word with baited breath.
On Monday night, Tracy was dealt a heavy blow when Sandra's remains were found, and all hope for her safe return was dashed. Now Tracy is a city in mourning. I return to work each day as the Children's Librarian at Tracy Branch Library, and feel the depth of pain the community is suffering. Everyone is holding their child's hand a little bit tighter, and looking at strangers with suspicion.
I never met Sandra, but my heart goes out to her family in their time of mourning. I can only hope that law enforcement professionals are able to find the monster who took Sandra's life and bring him to justice.
As the week progressed, fliers, banners, and t-shirts appeared as the community banned together in hope that Sandra Cantu would be returned home safe and sound. Vigils were held. Teams of volunteers searched the area and posted fliers. Her picture was in every store window and on many cars. The whole town waited for word with baited breath.
On Monday night, Tracy was dealt a heavy blow when Sandra's remains were found, and all hope for her safe return was dashed. Now Tracy is a city in mourning. I return to work each day as the Children's Librarian at Tracy Branch Library, and feel the depth of pain the community is suffering. Everyone is holding their child's hand a little bit tighter, and looking at strangers with suspicion.
I never met Sandra, but my heart goes out to her family in their time of mourning. I can only hope that law enforcement professionals are able to find the monster who took Sandra's life and bring him to justice.