Today makes two years since little 5 year old Haleigh Cummings disappeared from her home in Putnam County, Florida while her brother and then baby sitter slept. She was reported missing at 3:27 am on February 10, 2009.  I must say this case has really turned the lives of several people upside down, including family members, lawyers, journalists and anyone else that got involved in the case. I have to wonder just why that is though.

Haleigh’s Father, Ronald Cummings and his ex-wife, the then babysitter, Misty Croslin and her brother Tommy and two others have been arrested on drug charges and are now serving time for it. Some they feel that one way or another, although none of them have been charged with Haleigh’s disappearance, that at least the one responsible is behind bars at least but I don’t feel that way. Until someone is formally charged for Haleigh’s murder or kidnapping and she is found, this case is not solved.

I know the majority of the people disagree with me but I still feel as though the ones responsible for taking this child are sitting back right now feeling pretty proud of themselves for pulling off the perfect crime. The question is, Have they really? Someday the truth will come out.

The question still remains though, WHERE IS HALEIGH?

Tonight at 6 pm a prayer vigil will be held at the home of Haleigh’s great-grandmother’s home, Annette Sykes which is located at 216 Fourth Avenue in Welaka, Florida. Sykes says the family continues to hope Haleigh is still alive. “She’s out there somewhere and we’re still looking for her,” she said.

Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy has labeled the case as a homicide after his investigators came to the conclusion that it is more than likely that little Haleigh is no longer alive. Despite what Sheriff Hardy thinks, Sykes has been quoted as saying, “We are looking for a live little girl. We don’t believe that she’s dead. We don’t care what the sheriff says.” It is good to know I am not the only one that feels this way.  Until they have positive proof that she is no longer alive, I will never give up hopes of finding her alive and well.

Captain Johnny Greenwood says, “Investigators will continue to pursue this case to the end. By no means is this case considered cold.” I pray he is right and I pray it never goes cold.

My heart and prayers are with Haleigh today and every day. She needs to be found and brought home. Even if I am wrong with what I think, Haleigh still needs to be found so she can be laid to rest properly. I still think about little Adji Desir as well. These babies need to be found one way or another.

I think since I can’t be at the vigil tonight I will be lighting a candle in honor of Haleigh. Annette Sykes and Teresa Neves in case you happen to be reading this, please know my heart will be there with you both holding your hands as you pray for the return of Haleigh. God bless all of you. I can only imagine how hard this is on all of you as well.

In closing let me say, God bless all the lost and abused children, there are way too many to name them all. I pray that God will help us find an end to all the violence against our children. It would be so nice to be able to once again relax with our children.

Jan Barrett