Tragedy, closure
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ANR
A two-month search for an elderly Aurora couple that drew state and national attention ended Saturday, though not with the final result the community had been praying for. Tragically, Bob and Loveda Proctors’ lives ended on a rural road northeast of Kearney, two long months ago in mid-January.
So much has happened since that fateful day. Family members, friends and volunteers from all over reached out in support, searching by land, air and water. It’s impossible to count the hours devoted to the search, but with all efforts combined the total had to reach into the thousands.
The extended Proctor family shared that they appreciated that support more than words can portray. That support matters in times of trouble, and it’s what Nebraskans do so well. We reach out, volunteer, offer meals and manpower, which in this case meant searching anywhere and everywhere Bob and Loveda might have gone.
Topping that list, according to son Victor, was the Aurora Police Department, which didn’t hesitate to throw all available resources toward the search the very moment the Proctors were reported missing. That sends a strong message to the entire community as well, that Aurora’s men and women in blue will be there when you need them.
There is a lesson here for families with elderly parents in terms of emergency preparedness. Cells phones are invaluable, even if only programmed for 911 use. The Proctors can attest that the “if only …” scenarios can be painful, advising that they have plans to help the community with possible searches in the future by funding and installing cameras at Aurora’s major intersections. That is a noble gesture, hoping to help others avoid what they have endured.
Emotions were raw for the Proctor family this weekend as they balanced a sense of tremendous loss with the real yet painful relief that there is, finally, a sense of closure. Many had been hoping and praying for a miracle, though the odds of that happy ending had dwindled with each passing day.
There is comfort for all in knowing that Bob and Loveda Proctor are finally home.
Kurt Johnson
