In mourning with Autumn Pasquale’s family

Like too many missing-child cases, the disappearance of 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale has ended in tragedy.

A body identified as that of the missing South Jersey preteen was discovered in a recycling container not far from her home.

At times like this, when emotions are raw and sorrow is unbearable, it’s incumbent upon the authorities to find the perpetrator. They have vowed to do so, and reportedly have two suspects in custody, but justice is only part of the equation.

Healing must take place also. That’s why it’s the duty of everyone who cares about children to come together when something like this happens.

Help them heal

As the father of an 11-year-old girl, I can’t imagine any words that would assuage the family’s grief. But just as I know it takes a special kind of evil to hurt a child, I know it takes a special kind of love to heal such wounds.

Love conquers evil. My faith tells me that, and my faith tells me one thing more: Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.

I am mourning with Autumn Pasquale’s family right now, and with all the families who’ve lost children in this way. It’s my prayer that those families will find comfort in the midst of tragedy, and that none of us will have to mourn like this again.