Written by:
Delilah, of
Mothers are VanishingMarch 13, 2008 was the first day of Spring Break for Amber Simmons, but when she awoke that morning things were different.
Her mother,
Rachel Conger, wasn't home and as Amber went about her day, her mother never returned.
Family members gathered and went to the police that evening and reported her missing.
Rachel was estranged from her husband, Paul Conger, and by March 16 he would be found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound.
Sources say that the marriage between Rachel and Paul was stormy and they had planned on a divorce.
According to
investigators they think Rachel is the victim of a murder suicide at the hands of her husband, Paul.
According to family members Rachel married young, but always had a great sense of responsibility.
She was young when she became a mother, but took the role quite seriously and raised her daughter, Amber to have that same sense.
Rachel's first marriage broke up, but she was on great terms with her ex husband's family and they all mended their fences years ago.
Rachel stayed close to the family, as did Amber.
Even though this year did not bring the answers Amber is looking for, it's not because she hasn't been in the forefront leading the way for searches to be conducted in several areas of interest.
Amber coordinated car washes, bake sales, and concerts, any way she could she raised money to fund searches.
Last month, CUE Center for Missing Persons united with local law enforcement and search and recovery K9 teams from all over the country to conduct a massive search, trying to 
bring Rachel home before the one year anniversary of her vanishing. Although weather hampered their efforts, they will be back again to continue searching.
Amber Simmons has had a lot of love and support for her efforts this year, not only from her loving family, but from total strangers who were won over by her maturity and strength to carry on looking for her mother.
“My mom was the most amazing woman ever and the best friend I have ever had and that is what keeps me going everyday. I know that one day eventually she will be found because I will never give up looking for my mother, my best friend. I could tell her everything and she wouldn't judge me- only help me and be understanding.”
This beautiful poem is posted on the family site,
Bring Rachel Home:
Rachel Lynn Younger Conger
Oct. 11, 1977-March 13, 2008
The Broken ChainWe little knew that morning,
that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as GOD calls us one by one,
The Chain will link again.
~author unknown
Donations for further searches can be made at the family site or directly to
CUE Center For Missing Persons.
Prayers, support and encouragement for Amber and her family can be made at Peace4 the Missing.
