2012 brings Morgan Johnson's mom hope

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The New Year brought high hopes to loved ones of a missing Terre Haute man and an IU student.

Ann Smith, mother of Morgan Johnson waits for her son to return home.

It's been almost eight months since Terre Haute native Morgan Johnson disappeared.

Everyday is a constant reminder to Mrs. Smith that her only son is gone.

"I really don't like to count the months because it makes me remember how long he's been missing," said Smith.

For Smith New Year's Eve was even more of a struggle since Johnson’s 28th birthday landed on the first of January.

"Well it was definitely a hard day. It was the first time I hadn't spent a birthday with Morgan so I just prayed and thought about him and moved on,” said Smith.

Johnson was last seen caught on surveillance video leaving his Plainfield, Indiana home.

Smith says her family is hopeful with the New Year that Morgan will return. She says the only closure she will accept is seeing her son return home alive and well.

"My closure is Morgan coming home. So when people say closure to me that means they find him dead. I’m not there so I don't go that route."

Another hopeful family that waits for their child’s safe return is that of missing Indiana University student Lauren Spierer.

The Spierer family recently posted a Facebook message to the public, stating with the New Year they pray for Lauren's safe return.

The family also released a personal note to Lauren telling her, they will never give-up searching for her.

Smith says not a day goes by that she doesn’t feel or think of the Spierer’s pain as well.

"We pray for Lauren Spierer’s family everyday. My husband and I pray for her return and comfort for her family because it’s an ordeal to wait it out,” said Smith.

Police received tips on possible sightings of Johnson but Smith says the calls come in too late.

By the time police check out possible tips, Smith says the person who may have been Morgan is gone.
As a mother searching for what she still considers her baby, she asks that people call immediately.