A dad wrote a desperate birthday letter to his abducted daughter who was missing for six years but has been found after a Netflix documentary featured her case.
Kayla Unbehaun was just nine years old when she was allegedly abducted by her mum Heather Unbehaun, 40, in Wheaton, South Elgin, Illinois, US, on July 5 2017. The heartbroken dad missed key moments in Kayla's life and was never able to give his daughter a birthday present after the mum, who only had visitation rights at the time, took off with their daughter, reports the Mirror.
Ryan penned heart-wrenching letters to his daughter, letting her know how much she was missed. He said his heart had 'shattered into a million pieces' since her disappearance.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
He posted the letter on National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children's website along with digital pictures of how his daughter would look now as he tried to raise awareness of her disappearance. In one letter, he wrote: "Hello and happy birthday! I can't physically give you a gift for your birthday so I hope this letter finds you. I hope you are safe and that you have seen many happy times since you've been away.
"I hope you enjoyed your birthday and I want you to know that I love you so much and so does the rest of your family. We all miss you so much and think about you every day. I want you to know that your absence has by far been the most difficult trial of my life.
"When I found out you were gone my heart was shattered into a million pieces. Luckily I have the love and support of God and our family so I have managed to make it.
"But there is nothing I want more than to have you back in my life. We all want you back in our lives. I think about you all day, every day. I pray for you and your mother every day hoping that you are safe and that you will return into my life soon. There are also so many other people praying for you.
"I am not mad at you at all and there is nothing to be afraid of about coming back. I want to hold you in my arms, kiss your cheeks and see those beautiful eyes of yours again. At your home here you will always have a warm bed to sleep in, a place set for you at the dinner table and a spot next to me on the couch to hang out.
"I realise you are growing and changing and you probably look different like in the age progression photograph, which is hard for my mind to accept. You are probably too old to play the games we used to play but I promise we will find new and fun things to do together. I miss you sweetie and I will never give up on you.
"Happy birthday. Forever and always with love, Dada."
Kayla was found safe and well last weekend after she was spotted by a store owner in Asheville, North Carolina, by a shopkeeper. He said he recognised the girl, who is now aged 15, from an episode of Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries.
The shopkeeper called the police and Heather was arrested and charged with child abduction by the Kane County State's Attorney. She is currently being held on a $250,000 bond and is awaiting extradition. Kayla is currently in protective custody.
Dad Ryan said he was "overjoyed" that his daughter had been safe and well, he said : 'I'm overjoyed that Kayla is home safe. I want to thank @ElginPDFD, the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children and all of the law enforcement agencies who assisted with her case.
"We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning."
READ NEXT:
Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in new trailer for explosive Netflix sequel Extraction 2
Suranne Jones says new ITV drama featuring 'manifested' Grease star was inspired by her dreams
BBC's The Traitors to be 'different' for series two after Claudia Winkleman celebrates Bafta success
Netflix fans 'can't wait' as pop star announces acting debut in new film
Rolf Harris: Hiding In Plain Sight - how to watch it, release date and what it's about
