Dear Randall, Please Come Home: A Message From Kelly

Dear Randall, you don't know me. I'm just some lady that grew up in your neighbor city of Princeton; that works at the radio station. Every time I see your face in the news, my heart is breaking for you and the people that love you.  My heart is breaking as a parent; AND remembering what it was like when I was your age wanting to get away.  So many of us understand what it's like to have those feelings; and from one human being to another; I SO hope that you are on your way home as we speak.

I ran away from home once. At this point, I can't even remember what I was so upset about; it was SO long ago. Regardless...I was YOUR age, I was very, very angry! I don't know if it was a family member, a stranger, rejection of some kind that hurt my feelings. All I know is ... I didn't know what to do with my emotions..so I just got on my bike and took off.

I just kept riding and riding....and had too much pride to turn around, because I didn't know how to face my family after I ran away. I'm telling you...the ONLY thing they care about is YOU. They want you safe... you  CAN come home...you don't have to say anything. You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be happy...and it's the BEST place for you to be right now, even if you don't feel it.

My parents came looking for me and luckily... found me riding my bike on a back road...and told me to get in the car.  I was still mad...I didn't have a plan...but I was glad they demanded that I get in the car and we went home. It could have been a complete stranger that saw me riding my bike before they did, and then who knows what could have happened.

Randall, I don't know what happened the day you left...but today is a new day. I just want you to know that whatever it is you're feeling...no one is judging you. We've all been there. You've had time to to think. Maybe you don't yet know what you want  to do; or what to say. That's okay. Today is a new day...a new beginning.

Adults don't expect you to always know what to do with your emotions...but home is waiting for you. It's the comfort of a warm bed. The comfort of people who care. It's the comfort of people who you CAN talk to; if and when you're ready to talk about it.

People all over are putting up posters with your face...with a message: We want you home safe and sound...and home is THE BEST PLACE TO BE.

All of central Minnesota is looking for you; and after so many stories out there of lost children, it's not the legacy you want to leave. Whether it was someone that broke your heart; or a fight with a family member; or a bully!  Unfortunately, those people are the worst. I just want you to know that YOU are worthy of happiness. No one in this world is better than ANYONE else. You are important. Your opinions matter. Your thoughts matter.

Maybe you just don't know what you want in life....all of your feelings are understandable. I have three sons...and they are all around your age. The best place to figure it out...is home. Being a teen is difficult. It gets better. It DOES!!!!

Please come home Randall.  :-)

I'm sending hugs and comfort to you, Randall. Come join me on my radio show and share your story; or lets sit down for a cup of coffee...so we can help other people who feel the same way you do. I'm thinking of you.

Kelly