My Daughter Was A Missing Woman

It was a phone call that would dramatically change the rest of my life. A call that would remain embedded in my memory. On December 16, 1998 I received a call from our daughter Angela's social worker in Vancouver. It wasn't unusual to hear from Eileen, as we would often speak to each other concerning Angela. This day was one neither of us will ever forget.

November, 1998 I had sent Angela one of many photographs and letters. We live a considerable distance from Vancouver and Angela loved to receive things from home. I always sent Angela's mail to the office of her social worker. Angela stopped there often and one of the workers there would relay messages to Angela to call home.

On the afternoon of November 10, 1998 Angela called home. This was the second phone call I received from Angela in early November. She was very exuberant, as Eileen had taken her out for lunch followed by having her haircut at a local hair salon school.

Angela was very bubbly and excited. When I close my eyes I can actually hear her laughter and talking a mile a minute. Prior to Angela's call Eileen had taken a few pictures of Angela with a Polaroid camera. This was a lovely gesture on Eileen's part to take photo's to send home for us. Angela was absolutely thrilled with the idea. She was excitable as a small child. Having her haircut and pictures taken was indeed a very special day for her.

As usual when I spoke to Angela at the office she would pass the phone around so I could say hello to the staff.