A balloon release was held at Northeast Park in Lumberton Saturday afternoon, for 22-year-old Abby Patterson.
Abby was last seen on September 5, 2017. “Abby is loved by so many and she’s touched so many lives,” said mother Samantha Lovette.
Family members and friend couldn’t hold back tears, as they celebrated her 22nd birthday.
“Releasing those balloons released some of my grief, some of my anger, and sorrow. I just felt like as the balloons float away, it was a relief,” said Lovette.
Dozens of people brought their own balloons, and wrote down messages for Abby.
“She would want her memory to go on. She would want me to continue carrying on helping people, and teenagers that have struggled through school,” said Lovette.
Lovette has been fighting since the day Abby went missing. “People ask me everyday how do you get up from bed, and I say because I see Abby’s face in the mornings. I could hear her saying, you got this mom,” said Lovette.
Family members said they aren’t giving up anytime soon.
“The Lord has a plan and he’s got this and in his time we’ll find out all we need to know,” said aunt Jennifer Andrews.
If you have any information, you are urged to call the Lumberton Police department.
