Letter From Sean Henady

Our Words have consequences

It has taken me two days to write this letter regarding the recent events that have transpired in Snow Hill, Maryland. I’ll begin with explaining why I have been involved with this case and why it has given me a great deal of heartache as of lately. We were asked nearly 10 months ago if we could assist in searching for Christine Sheddy. I’ll fully admit from day 1, I honestly didn’t see how our foundation could be of any more benefit or success than the groups of officials and volunteers that had spend countless hours already trying to find the answer. Although along with so many others, we were at least willing to do our best, and simply try. To this point our only involvement with the direct search for Christine has been with a minor amount of studying aerial mapping and imagery from late 2007 and early 2008, along with deriving theories as to where the next search effort could be conducted.

Outside of this minimal involvement, our official capacity has been of no benefit or consequence to the agencies handling the proper investigations. However, for the last 10 months my partner Mandy Albritton and I have stood beside Lynn Dodenhoff, a mother that has put her life on hold because she has had no answers as to what happened to her daughter that November night back in 2007. In working with Lynn throughout the last several months, we have coached her through events as we have felt most appropriate and sometimes stumbling along the way. While we didn’t always agree with her actions and reactions, we continued to try and provide additional support across each road bump that would surface. We listened when she yelled; sympathized when she cried, and tried to understand the pain and frustration she was enduring through her nightmare. I make no proclamation that I could ever truly understand what this mother has endured. I can tell you however after meeting Lynn in person this last weekend, I have never met a mother so dedicated, so strong or so passionate about continuing the fight.

Last weekend, I also had the true honor of meeting Christine’s children. To look into their eyes and listen to their voices, I could not fathom the questions they would have regarding their mother or where she has been for the last two years, three months and 12 days. Every single day, these kids hope and pray that their mother is going to walk through the front door and their nightmare would end. I have 3 children of my own; a 19 year old step daughter, a 9 year old son, and a 5 year old daughter. It’s hard enough for me to explain to my youngest why I had to stay at the office all night and couldn’t be there to tuck her in bed. What I witnessed a few days ago, was a dedicated mother who would never stop fighting for the answers regarding her daughter. In addition I was inspired by how this grandmother was now protecting Christine’s children through all of the unknowns and chaos. Lynn has been so careful with these innocent kids and has tried in every way imaginable to protect and block them from the recent news and speculations around town. She is determined to hold true and not jump to conclusions until official word comes.

Every newspaper, every blog and every conversation around the community is consumed with the question. Is this Christine? Most of you feel it may be, while some of you actually state it as fact, even before there has been any medical declaration stating so. Let me give you very clear facts right now. I want you to understand and fully comprehend what I am about to write and take it to heart. Because of speculation, media sensationalism, blogger indiscrimination, leaks within the investigation and a rush to blast information, just over 48 hours ago, a ten year old girl read online that the skeletal remains of her mother had in fact been found and would never be walking through that front door again. I’ll state it again. Christine’s ten year old daughter has read online that her mother is in fact dead. Over 2 years ago three children were robbed of the chance to spend another night with their mother. Two days ago, Lynn was robbed of the chance to explain to her grand daughter on her own terms that this may be Christine. Through the advice of law enforcement and to protect her grandchildren, Lynn was trying so hard to keep the children from the news. She has been waiting in seclusion for official word since the news broke as to the identification of the body. She wanted 100% confirmation before she would have to explain anything to the kids. Unfortunately with Lynn only dropping guard for a few minutes, Christine’s daughter just over 48 hours ago, did get onto a computer and read information that was stated as fact, even though the true results have not yet been determined.

I have listened to some of you preach about your personal journalistic integrity or rights to deliver the news, and I have watched as others hide behind anonymous posts or made up names and locations. I have witnessed people patting themselves on the back for solving this or crediting others that have done little more than spread gossip. While it is apparent to everyone that the blogs and media outlets covering Christine’s case each display their own views regarding the events, circumstances and the investigation as well as opinions regarding the other blog owners. The simple fact remains that only one person has pushed hard enough for long enough and has never waivered in her quest for answers. Rest assured if you are stating something as fact prior to official confirmation or if you are hindering this investigation by reporting information detrimental to the case, your words will have consequences. If you are in official capacity and leaking information to the media pertinent to this investigation, then there can be a completely separate level of action and judgment. Even fake names or anonymous posts can be tracked by an ISP address through official subpoena.

I am pleading with you in the news, and with each of you blog owners along with those posting comments within these blogs on Face book, MySpace or any other social media. Please consider what you are writing before you submit. Yes, it is your first amendment right as a journalist to report on the news. And yes, It is each citizen’s right to have an independent voice stating personal beliefs. But the moral rights of this family and the children of Christine Sheddy should be given proper consideration before you ever comment on this case. Your words do have consequences and the results can cut deep into the heart of a child.

Respectfully

Sean Henady

Founder

Executive Director

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