Abuse Doesn't Have to Break You

This Saturdays episode of The Locator provided me more personal growth than possibly any other one this season. The story is about two siblings who were violently abused as small children, taken away from their home and raised apart from one another. They were 4 and 2. It has been almost 18 years and Vyanna and Addison are now 21 and 22... the two youngest people we have reunited on the show to date!

When I hear abuse, I generally think of a child being struck hard or neglected. This case of abuse was so severe that at one point, little Addision was beat so violently, he ended up in a body cast! And Vyanna, the abuse inflicted on her was so disgusting, I'll not mention it here. Sufficient to say that these two kids were truly trapped in hell, enduring something most people cannot even begin to imagine.

So when I got the plea for help from Vyanna who has been searching for her brother Addison, this was one of those no-brainer moments for me. I wanted to take this case with every fiber of my being. But did not want to bring any additional pain to Vyannas life, so I treaded lightly.

I don't want to spoil the outcome, but I will say this -- what these two 'kids' have found themselves doing for their chosen careers and their lives is so extraordinary (considering their childhood experiences) it gives me warm chills just thinking about it as I write this blog. I am certain that you and your family will feel a strong bond with these two young people as they take this journey and open up the next chapter of their long, complicated lives. You will appreciate your own life more, you will feel your load lifted and you will be inspired enough to want to do even more with your time and talents. Such an experience. Please don't miss this week's episode!

And before I close, let me thank you personally for taking the extra time in your day to send out e-mails to friends and family, encouraging them to watch The Locator. As long as we continue to have the success in the ratings we have been experiencing, we will be able to continue granting wishes and solving Angel Cases, and credit for all of that goes to you for being an active part of my team. Truly, thank you.

And let me toss out a huge hello to all of you scrapbooking princesses who have been so active in helping promote the show and our work. Scrapbookers ROCK! I have a special surprise for you guys that I think you will like. It's coming soon so wait for it!

Last thing, I will be in NYC doing an episode of The View on October 22nd and am really hoping to meet a bunch of you Locator friends there. SO... if you are in the NY area, make plans to bring everyone you know to the taping of The View! I'll bring some Locator gear to hand out to those who I get to meet!

Gotta run, have a super weekend and tell the world to tune in Saturday night, 9pm EST! See you on Twitter in a few minutes!!! Twitter.com/thelocator.

Troy
"The Locator"