Today last year was utterly a surreal day of which I will never forget. The morning was non-descript with Cathie going to work out at the club. Jasmine and I staying at home. At around 10:30 or so, I received 'The Call'. At first, it was Alicia's friend calling if Alicia had come home from the night before. I stated no but she was supposed to work at Planet Granite this morning anyway. A few minutes later, Alicia's friend called back stating s/he was in Montana and not be be alarmed, but Alicia was missing. She had spent the night out at Tennessee Valley with friends and was not there although her car was still in the lot. Planet Granite confirmed that she was not there.
My mind went racing. I could feel my heart rate racing. Jasmine and I ran out the door to meet the kids near T-vally. We left Cathie messages to come to T-valley. I followed them to the lot. Alicia's best friend was already there with the rest of the camp-out kids. Marin Search and Rescue had just been called. A spoke to a Park Ranger about what they knew at that time. Cathie then arrived and spoke to all the kids.
The rest of the day was all about the 'Search'. I guess the term is 'hasty' search. MSAR began asseemblying quickly. There were folks on horses, dogs & handlers, walkers, ATVs, planes, helicopters, boats, and sea-doos. The search started around 3pm and went until dark. We were asked to stay in the stables area to allow the search teams to do their thing. Some of Alicia's friends fanned out to hand out flyers to the day hikers in the area.
Before nightfall, Cathie and I were taken to the spot they last think Alicia was so that we could see the terrain and talk about next steps. They continued the search until well after dark. I stayed and spoke to the searchers after their de-brief. I also personally thanked everyone who helped with the search.
I returned home around 10pm or so. That night was the longest of my lifetime. Every minute that passed was a minute that I wanted and needed to be out there seaarching for her. Cathie and I woke early and headed out to TValley again. Cathie joined a dog tracking crew. I stayed behind at the stables. Later around 1pm, I walked down to the bunker with a couple of friends. At 2pm or so, they came to pick us up and took us back to the stables. Jim and I were seated at the picnic table in the back when they came. Jasmine was out front walking around. That is when the MSAR leader relayed they believe they found Alicia in the water at Muir Beach. Jasmine came around the corner. I got up and told her the news. We cried together. Cathie came within minutes. We all cried together.
Our world had changed. Forever.
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