26/07/2026
As someone who has spent years walking beside parents who have lost their children, I have always carried deep compassion for their pain. But yesterday, as I listed my own son as missing and waited, hour after hour, for news, I came to understand that fear in a way I never thought possible. It is a pain I cannot truly put into words, and one I would never wish upon another parent.
Today, I simply want to say thank you.
To every single person who dropped everything to search the streets of Sydney’s CBD for my son, thank you. To my children, who walked for hours without giving up, leaving no street, no corner, no place unchecked, I am so incredibly proud of you. To your friends, who stood beside you with such loyalty, determination and love, you know who you are, and I will never forget what you did for our family.
To the officers from Day Street Police Station, thank you. Your compassion towards my family, the way you worked so closely with my children throughout the search, your professionalism, your urgency, and the way you kept us informed every step of the way brought comfort during the darkest hours of our lives. You treated my son as though he mattered, and for that, I will be forever grateful. You have given me a profound respect for the work our police do every single day.
Fifteen hours later, my son came home.
The moment I knew he was safe, it felt as though I could finally breathe again. A piece of my heart that had been frozen in fear finally began to beat normally once more.
No parent should ever have to experience the uncertainty of not knowing where their child is. Even for a few hours, it changes you forever.
To every parent who is still waiting for a phone call… to every family whose child never came home… and to those who live every day carrying that unimaginable grief, my heart is with you in a way it never has been before. You have my deepest love, respect and compassion.
Yesterday reminded me that even in our darkest moments, humanity shines brightly. The kindness, loyalty, courage and compassion shown to my family will stay with me for the rest of my life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
— Kelly Webster
