7:13 PM Fri, Jan 11, 2008 | Permalink
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Shawn Hornbeck's parents, Craig and Pam Akers, told me that Shawn is becoming a normal teenager. At the Voss Market in Beaufort, the town where Ben Ownby lives, and the store clerks who see Ben and his family regularly say that he looks and acts like any normal teenager. Life is normal for Shawn and Ben except for the fact that it was a year ago they were rescued, after being kidnapped and held captive in Michael Devlin's Kirkwood apartment.
On January 12th, 2006 we all celebrated the good news that two boys who had gone missing, were found alive. Ben was kidnapped 4 days earlier, but Shawn had been missing for 4 1/2 years. You've seen the news coverage and read the stories. Despite the awful abuse they experienced, both boys are doing well. The Akers told me how Shawn loves to play video games, ride his dirt bike and wants to be a forensic scientist like the people on CSI. Ben is an expert on military aircraft, an excellent student and a Boy Scout. Being normal will always be different for Shawn and Ben because of their experience, but their success at overcoming those experiences is a tribute to the safe and loving homes provided by their families. And to the prayers of a community that's still celebrating the "Missouri Miracle."
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