On February 11th, Jim, Michael and I went to Lincoln to testify before the Judiciary Committee for Jason's Law, LB111. (Type in 111 in the search box for updates and to read the text of the bill.) We have higher hopes for the law to get further along in the process this time. People are beginning to understand the need for the state to help these families, and that it isn't just a once in a while occurrence. The same day we were testifying, a new missing person's case drew media attention in Omaha. That night, we started to try to contact that family. We are now assisting them through Project Jason.

A news article about this day can be found here.

On February 18th, we introduced Project Jason's newest awareness program, Come Home. Several articles were published. You may read about this groundbreaking national program  by going to the following links: WOWT and KETV 

February 26:

Yesterday, I was informed that LB111, Jason's Law was passed out of committee to be debated on the senate floor. We do not know when this will occur. When appropriate, we will launch a letter writing campaign statewide to gain support for this important bill. We'll provide more information when that time comes. Thank you for your support!

March 26:

Jason's Law was debated on the Senate floor for the first time on Wednesday. Prior to that, we had launched a letter writing campaign to the senators to let them know how important this bill is to Nebraska families. Jason's Law passed through this first stage of debate 37-0. We are all so very thrilled about this. There will be two more stages before the bill goes to the governor's desk to sign into law. We do not know a timeframe to the next level, called Select File. We'll let you know. You can also watch the Agenda on the homepage of the legislature to see when it gets scheduled. A story about the LB111 can be read here. And so to Jason, wherever you are, we love you, we miss you, and we know you would want this.

May 28:

Jason's Law has now passed through rounds two and three of debate with no votes against it. It will now go to the Governor to sign or veto. We feel confident that he will sign it. We do not know the timeframe for this to take place. Once it is signed, it takes effect in three months. I met the woman who heads the clearinghouse division of the Nebraska State Patrol on one of my trips. I hope they will allow me to have input on the process when the time comes. I also told her that I would like to see at least a brief history of the bill on the site, as it seems highly appropriate to honor Jason.

Going forward, I also want to see all of the older, open cases on the site. There are so many more than what we see on either the NCMEC site (www.missingkids.com) or the CMA site. (www.theyaremissed.org) 

We are closing in on the 4 year anniversary of Jason's disappearance. It seems hard to believe. I was pleased to recently read about the case of a young girl who had been missing for 8 years, who was found alive and well in another state. She left because of some pressures in her life, and said that the more time passed, the harder it was to call home. I hope that this is Jason's story, too, and that he is still with us. This story gave me hope, hope to carry on.

Jason, if you are reading this, please call us and let us know that you are ok. We will respect that you have chosen to live apart from us. We will always love you no matter what. Please, please, let your family know you are alive.

We almost lost your car because someone complained about it being in the driveway for such a long time, which seemed cruel. It doesn't start and won't go into neutral, so we couldn't move it. We almost had to have it towed away, but at the last minute, we found a way to get it into the garage before the city took it. Your car is a symbol of hope to us, a sign that we won't give up the fight to find you. It is still there, just like the love in our hearts for you.

If you are not with us anymore, then I know that you know everything that is happening here. I know that you approve and want to see us continue to do our work in your name. I will look for you and also fight for the missing until the last breath leaves my body, that you can count on, son

June 13, 2005:

It is hard to believe this day has come. We are four years into this nightmare, and we wonder when it will end and when we will find our Jason. We wish that the person or persons who knows something about what happened, would come forward and reveal this. It's not just for us, but for the whole family, who are suffering through this loss. A person in this circumstance cannot even grieve, because you do not know for what it is you are grieving. You also cannot move through the stages of grief. You are stuck in the middle, stuck in the not-knowing. It's very wearing on a person, mentally and physically, but we are boosted by the love of family and friends, and all of the blessings bestowed upon us, which are many. Jason, please find your way back to us somehow, as our lives are not complete without you.

A story I wrote recently about one of my trips is here. I dedicated it to Jason.

We're also pleased to say that Jason's Law passed and was signed by the Governor on May 31st. It will go into effect on September 3rd. No matter what our outcome, Jason's life has had a positive and lasting effect upon the lives of others. One person can have an impact, and even more miraculously, one person who is not even here with us. Now that's a miracle and a blessing in my book.     .       Continue Reading…..