Woodland NC

When we were mapping out the rally stops the other night I remember thinking about the location of this one. It was being held at Phyllis Memorial Garden in Woodland, NC (10/3/13 3:30pm). Is this a cemetery?  The stop was being held for Missing Phyllis Powell, hosted by her brother, Buddy Powell.  Maybe they picked it because it has her name.  Maybe they picked it because they're family plot is there or they put something there for her. As we round the corner onto the block it becomes apparent that we are going to a home. It's Buddy's home. Ok, I was wrong, I remember briefly thinking before getting out of the van.
Phyllis Powell went missing on Jan 11, 1963. That deserves repeating, Phyllis Powell went missing in 1963. I was not even born in 1963. She was 5 years old when she disappeared from in front of a friends house where she was last seen jumping and skipping up and down the stairs leading to the house of a neighbor. Phyllis' family does not even have one photograph of her. She was one of what would be 11 siblings. We set up on a picnic table in the yard and met with her extended family. Buddy had a table set up upon which was a scrapbook of newspaper articles and letters. It was a large book, larger than even a coffee table book I think, made out of cardboard and the front was wrapped in duck tape. It said " What happen to Phyllis Lorrain Powell Missing around 12:00 noon January 11 1963 It is time we find out 1999 The Powell Vinson Family God is good all the time". Another page that tore at my heart said "Ma Ma If God allow me to live long enough I promise I will find out what happened to your child Phyllis. William Buddy Powell ". This family amazed me, they recalled every detail of the day she disappeared 50 years ago. We discussed theories and how back then things were different and investigations were different.
In 2012 CUE arranged for forensic artist Diana Trepkov to work with the family in creating a portrait. Finally they had a picture to match their memories. An age progression was also created and as I looked at the photos I could see the resemblance to all the family members around me.
At one point an elderly wheelchair bound aunt quietly said " Wouldn't it be a good day if Phyllis came walking up to the house". We were on the same block that she went missing from so long ago, just 2 houses down actually. As we sat discussing what may have actually occurred that day so long ago the pain that this family feels went right through me. You never get over having someone you love vanish. Phyllis' older sister told us about the toll it took on her and other family members. Buddy explained his promise to his mother that he would continue to search. One generation passes off the torch to the next. The need for resolution continues. This stop has hit me a lot more than I thought it would.
As the press were taking pictures I noticed them looking at something in the front yard. Walking up to the flagpole with planted flowers in front I came across the plaque that solved my earlier mystery. "In memory of Phyllis Powell missing Jan. 11, 1963 Age 5" so we are at Phyllis Memorial Garden.
Elisa