My mind went back 30 years, to when I watched Tim’s two younger brothers succumb to hyaline membrane disease. The vicious pain of that loss returned to me. I knew exactly the helplessness my son and daughter-in-law were feeling. Was I strong enough to help them through this?

The black forest wall stood before me like a prop from a fairy tale. I recalled the image that had come to me as we drove through the rain to get here, of Eric and Joel walking hand in hand on a path. I wanted to hold on to that image, that hope. God, send angels to watch over them and keep them safe, I asked now.

Sheriff Knupp came from the rescue centre before dawn to update us. “We’re sorry we couldn’t search more in the night, but within the hour we’ll be sending out Humvees, horses, volunteers and dogs.””What do you think our chances are?” asked Roland. “Well, we know the older boy had wrapped candy and the little fella was in diapers. We feel certain the dogs will be able to locate those items soon.”

“The boys don’t have any jackets on,” said Michele.” It’s been a warm night,” the sheriff offered. “Hopefully, we’ll come across those candy wrappers or the diaper. Your sons can’t just disappear into thin air.” When dawn finally came that Sunday, the search team assembled. Military crews arrived, as well as hundreds of volunteers. At one point, a three-mile line of cars and trucks inched bumper-to-bumper along the dirt road. — Beliefnet.com