Apology

I wrote several entries when Natalee Holloway dissappeared last year.

In reviewing my work over the last year, I realize I owe Natalie's parents an apology. Obviously, the dissappearance of a family member under mysterious circumstances is a tragedy that brings with it incomparable grief. The additional spectre of foul-play only adds to that grief, I am certain.

My seeming insensitivety to this, I realize NOW, was largely a function of my own battle with the very disabling onset of Multiple Sclerosis, which changed me from a fairly athletic young man into a barely-ambulatory hospital-patient.

Let the reader understand. I was writing from the point-of-view that Natalee's disappearance was perhaps not an UTTER tragedy (death) but a recoverable setback (an emotional response to ongoing family friction--RUNNING AWAY).

I took this admittedly optomistic position because of my own personal experience in encouraging teenage runaways to figure out what the real issues were and to address them in a rational and apropriate manner (and to seek out professional help in the most extreme circumstances).

As of this date, I still maintain hope that Natalee is alive and well, perhaps extremely embarassed, but will be able to continue with her life in relative peace...despite this bizarre episode. If that were to happen, it would no doubt bring great joy to many people around the globe ... myself included.

I know your Mom and Dad would be happy, and maybe a little more understanding about your point-of-view. I don't know you, Natalee, but I love you as you are. Matt