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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDamn! Missing North Carolina woman found 'alive and well' after 24 years
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/24/north-carolina-missing-woman-foundDaughter was heartbroken after Michelle Hundley Smith requested her location not be disclosed to family she had walked away from
One of the first things she described was relief that her father had been proven innocent of accusations that he somehow was involved in Michelles disappearance. She also wrote about her parents having marital issues though, without elaborating, she made it a point to say, My mom did not leave simply [because] of a bad marriage.
She continued: My father has been through so much and I want it made clear that while their marriage had issues (just as many marriages go through) my mom did not leave simply [because] of a bad marriage.
Then, after acknowledging her complex emotions about the closure of her mothers missing persons case, Amanda wrote that she can absolutely understand [someone] taking off and leaving after everything with which she has dealt in her own life.
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No words
Srkdqltr
(9,652 posts)malaise
(295,081 posts)Who am I to judge - I dont know what she was facing when she left.
Torchlight
(6,669 posts)The daughter appears to be handling a surprise of this nature a lot damn better than I think I ever would.
dalton99a
(93,470 posts)2naSalit
(101,868 posts)When I was nine, my mom left my dad, all by herself, walked away from six kids, some pretty young. I never blamed her, my dad was brutal, took it out on us afterward. They both had issues not related to their messy marriage as well but they were the only parents I had. I spent seven years finding my mother and made her take us away from my dad, most of us were still minors.
I know why she left and used it as my standard for when it's time to leave a bad relationship however I may decide to leave it. It also taught me to use multiple perspectives before making important decisions that could have lasting impacts. I get the feeling this lady understands why her mother left and why she never looked back.
You walked the walk.
Thanks for this
2naSalit
(101,868 posts)Me the person I am for good and/or ill.
Jacson6
(1,902 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(15,701 posts)I'll just leave it at that.
lostnfound
(17,473 posts)She exhibits maturity and kindness.
I am not saying she gets off scot-free without accountability or responsibility [because] she absolutely needs to do that, Amanda continued. What I am saying is please remember that each one of us have made mistakes in life, each one of us has hurt souls [whether] intentional or not.
Please remember that each one of us has done things that we are not proud of.
dalton99a
(93,470 posts)NC mom who ran away from family 24 years ago makes extraordinary claim as she resurfaces for first time
By Steven Vago and Jared Downing
Published Feb. 26, 2026
The missing North Carolina mom of three has been located by The Post 24 years after she ran away and ditched her family.
Michele Lyn Hundley Smith, now 62, claimed Thursday that her daughter is forgiving her after she was found by the local sheriff last week, and then hauled back to the county she fled on an old drunk-driving charge.
Shes now living alone in a trailer in a rural community in Robeson County, near the South Carolina line.
Her daughter Amanda, who was 14 when Smith left, confirmed that she has forgiven her mom but is communicating with her through a third party, according to a pal.
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malaise
(295,081 posts)Rec