Resolutions
by Jacqui Flint
The new year has begun and the holiday celebrations are over. Everyone tries to remember to change the year when they write down the date. People make their resolutions and it is all very cliche. "I will lose weight this year, I will take better care of myself, and I will learn something new." The resolutions seem to last for about a month and then people settle back into the old habits they tried desperately to change.
I stopped making resolutions a long time ago and just set small goals for myself when I feel like there is something really important I need to work on. I wish I had the same control with Danice's case. The post holiday blues hit most people in the beginning of January. It hits my family and me especially hard. I still remember that day, five years ago when I received an email from my cousin asking if I knew about Danice. It was already three days after she had been missing. I never thought I would be saying the term "five years ago," and my sister in the same sentence. Nor did I think I would still be updating a website up in her honor. I can't help wishing I weren't because that might mean she had been found.
There is not a holiday that goes by when my family does not think about her. Christmas 2001 was the last time we saw her and thought she was really happy. We did not know what she was hiding. The holidays are not always a time of celebration for everyone in my family, especially my mother. I am fairly sure her father does not feel much like celebrating either. The loss is always felt, even if not always talked about.
The change in my life since Danice disappeared is not evident every day (that is not to say, I don't think about her all the time). I did not see her every day. The change is more subtle in the little events or feelings I have now. I cry more easily and perhaps feel more empathy towards people. I try to understand people better and enjoy days that don't always seem to be going the right way. I try not to take everything so seriously because I know there are much bigger issues at hand. Although, ask my friends and they might say differently.
I can only hope that someday, my writing about Danice will change. Perhaps there will be talk of the case and how the detectives finally found the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Perhaps we will all feel justified. That would be a nice resolution for everyone.
Comments
Jacqui, I'm glad you've kept this site active -- I just wish there were no more need for this site. I check back periodically to see if there is any news. Believe it or not, I think of your sister every January. I never knew her, but I was so shocked when we were roommates in NYC and you told me she was missing. Your family's tragedy really stuck with me. Anyway, I just want to let you know that I still remember, I still care, and I hope you and your family get some resolution.
Posted by: Lisa Sciandra | January 12, 2007 08:41 PM
Thinking of your family again this time of year. I hope and pray there is a resolution for you all soon. I wonder to about her babies and how they are doing. Do you all have any updates, ie; is the sheriff's dept doing any work on the case?
God Bless your entire family and may the new year bring answers that you so deserve..
Posted by: Denise | January 12, 2007 11:34 PM
I became aware of your search for Danice when my wife and I were driving to Alamosa in Feb.2004 and saw the billboard about her. I have been praying for all of you since.May God Bless all of you.I will keep praying!
Posted by: ken wilson | March 11, 2007 08:35 PM
anyone that has ever lost a child is the hardest thing that can ever happen to a mom and dad if anything i can do to help please email i am a friend of someone that has a missing child and we have new details and please email i am a friend of steven kraft jr is missing to and it is hard
Posted by: crystal duncan | May 12, 2007 10:57 AM
I knew Danice from Jr. High, I haven't been to Laramie for sometime, but the news of her missing shocked me. I think about her all the time, she was kind to me during a time when I was having a really hard time. She taught me that everyone deserves kindness and a smile and it's something that I've tried to keep as a practice in my life everyday. She was more of a person at 14 then I could of ever of dreamed of being. I am so sorry to hear about this.
Posted by: Tashina Lemons | June 21, 2007 01:11 PM
I didn't know Danice personally, but my grandmother was very close to your family at one time. Betty Jo from La Jara, I met Danice a few times but never had the chance to get to know her. I look at this site all the time to find out updates to her case. I hope that this will be solved soon. If my grandmother were still alive she would pray everyday for Danice. God Bless you all and like my grandma would tell me "Keep believing and have Faith"
Posted by: Cyndie Richo | August 21, 2007 12:31 AM
I remember Danice from school in Laramie, she was such a great person and always had a smile on her face. We had homeroom together every year and are right beside each other in the yearbook. I actually met a young girl that looks almost exactly like her, so I am really reminded of her even though it has been years. I hope someday a page is turned and we know the truth.
Posted by: Teresa Davis | October 5, 2007 01:41 AM
I have known Danice since 4th grade. I remember having sleep overs and just hanging out. We were good friends back in the day. We use to go to church with her and her family and cousins and I just found out about this today by talking to a friend from Laramie. I am in shock about this. I will keep the entire family in my prayers.
Posted by: Crystal Winn-Lee | October 5, 2007 01:58 AM