Carlina

I really don't know who I'm the sorriest for. I think I'm equally sorry for everyone. On one hand you have a young couple who's life was turned upside down and basically torn apart by something that seemed so promising in the beginning. I think about what they must have gone through for all of those years, thinking, wondering and worrying about their baby and what type of hands and care she was in. However, I do understand Carlina's position a little more because she wasn't aware of any of this for most of her life and she's formed a bond with the Pettway family and Ann that she wasn't given the time and opportunity to created with the White family, particularly Joy and Carl so naturally her loyalty is going to be with the family that she has created a bond with and that's the Pettway family. I can not began to understand Carl and Joy's anger at Ann Pettway but they need to consider that they aren't the only victims in this scenario. I don't want to use the word "selfish" but I do think that they need to take the time to try to understand Carlina's position and respect that although, they are angry at Ann Pettway, Carlina still sees her as her mother or at least a mother figure and that's not going to automatically change over night. Also, there was a moment in the movie when Carlina was with Joy and Carl and her aunt was trying to reach her on the phone to talk about Anne being missing and Joy made a comment basically saying "Forget them because they're not your real family. You don't owe them anything". Believe me, the last thing I want to do is to come off as if I'm judging any of them because I don't know what I'd do in their situation and that could have just been something fictional that was just added to the movie by the writers but if that's how she really felt, I hope that they have taken the time to come to the realization that what they were asking and expecting of Carlina was totally unrealistic. They need to accept the fact that even though Ann committed a horrible crime and robbed them of 23 years with their first child, the other members of the Pettway family didn't do anything wrong so why should they all be punished and why should Carlina's feelings change for them all because of Ann's actions? Maybe they should try to look at that situation in a more positive light. At least they know that she grew up with what seems to be a healthy, supportive and loving extended family and she's always had that support system because most kidnapped and missing children don't get that. Also doesn't Anne have another child (a son I think)? Anyway, is Carlina suppose to abandon an innocent child that she sees as her little brother? Is she suppose to just turn her back, leave him to be raised by whoever and try to forget that he even exist? I'm not saying that they have to like the Pettway family or have any relationship with them but they do need to be able to accept that they are and most likely will always be Carlina's family.

It's been a couple of years now so I'm sure that they have had both individual and family counseling. I hope that they're getting the help that they need to move forward together and I truly wish this entire family all the best.

I woke up this way...

My sympathy is mainly with Joy White in this movie. It was touching to see her ritualising the 16th birthday of her missing daughter. Even though her other two children were telling her to let go.

I feel mostly bad for Carlina. Finding out that the lady who raised you,fed you,clothed you and loves you isn't your birth mother has to be the worst thing to face. Then hearing your birth family talking trash about the mom who raised you. That's just mean. I mean I understand the angry ya feel but don't go bashing them in front of her! That will only make her resent you! The other thing I didn't agree with was the money. They should never have been allowed to have Carlina's share. THAT WAS HER MONEY. If they needed money that bad to live, then get jobs!!!!!!!!