A mother’s pain

NATIONAL Missing Persons Week hits home with Jo-Ann Adams, whose teenage son disappeared from their Cranbourne residence almost six years ago.
The last time she saw her only child was Friday 2 December, 2003. Ms Adams said Gary, 17, put up a Christmas tree and was looking forward to decorating the entire house, but that never happened.
He left that day to spend the weekend at a friend’s house in Karingal. His step-father was the last to see Gary when he returned Monday afternoon, before he left on his bicycle and never returned.
Gary left with his wallet and his mobile phone, but left all other personal items, money and identification at home.
Ms Adams has since had to seek help from a psychologist, has lost her business, and has been evicted from her home. She said she was optimistic about the future, hoping to get her business running again, move back into the house she occupied with Gary, and get answers about his disappearance. “I keep putting up posters and am actively looking for him, that will never stop,” she said. “I still want to know. I want any information I can get.”
Ms Adams said she hoped National Missing Persons Week struck a chord with young people throughout Australia.
“Teenagers might think because they know where they are or where they are going that they are safe,” she said. “But we don’t always know where they are. They aren’t invincible.”
Ms Adams asks anyone with information regarding her son’s disappearance to call 1300 787 058 or email coffeemissingpersons@bigpond.com.
– Lia Bichel