Lighting Their Way Home

Peyton Anderson COMES

HOME!

Peyton Anderson went missing on February 18, 2008 from Shelley, Idaho. Peyton was born on April 18, 2005 and was 2 years old at the time of his disappearance. He was abducted by his non-custodial mother, Michelle (Joan) Anderson.  It is not commonly known that close to 96% of all abductions are at the hands of a family member, more often than not, the non-custodial parent.  From our experience, we have seen how the public acts with a little less urgency when they learn the child has been kidnapped by their own parent.  The general belief is – if that parent loves them enough to kidnap them, then they will not harm the child.  This could not be more incorrect.  These kidnappers are the NON-CUSTODIAL parents – i.e. they have lost the right to have custody of their child in a court of law.  The reasons for this vary greatly, but the bottom line remains that these parents were decided to be the parent least able to care for the child.  All too often the custodial parent is lost in the chaos.  It is forgotten that, in this case the father, Rick Anderson, has had their child torn from their lives.  Rick spent close to 1 year wondering where is son was, if he was OK, if he would ever see him again.  As a mother, I could not imagine the pain he endured.  Even as Rick was struggling with his grief, he found the strength to stand tall and fight every step of the way to get his son back.  He never gave up once, and he went through the correct avenues to get his son back home, the courts and law enforcement.  His perseverance was rewarded in the end, and on November 2, 2008 – Peyton Anderson was brought home.  This Christmas, Rick realized a reality which was unsure only a few short months before, he was able to watch his son open his presents under the Christmas tree.  We are happy to say that Peyton is adjusting well, and a normal, happy 3 year old little boy.  The investigation in regards to the kidnapping of Peyton Anderson is still ongoing, and Rick is still standing strong.  We will continue to post updates on the investigation as we are able to do so.

RICK – All of us here at Lighting Their Way Home could not be happier, nor prouder than we already are.  You are a true inspiration to many.  There are other parents out there in your position, that can now look at you and your story and know that anything is possible, and to NEVER give up.  You have given them the gift of renewed hope and determination.  Not only did you never give up on your son, you did it with class, dignity and respect, not always an easy thing to manage in that position.  We know that Peyton will grow to be an amazing young man, because with a role model such as yourself, it is the only outcome possible.

THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of your journey.  THANK YOU for allowing us into your and Peyton’s life.  THANK YOU for reminding all of us, that miracles do still happen, and these children DO come home.  We greatly look forward to watching Peyton grow, and we will always be here for anything you or Peyton may ever need.

We love you both very much and are honored to consider you both part of the family here at Lighting Their Way Home!