Shawn Hornbeck

Shawn Hornbeck

Shawn Hornbeck was returned to his family, four and a half years after being kidnapped. His parents believe this latest case proves families of missing kids should never give up hope. "It really gives you a big boost because it vindicates everything that we've been saying," said Craig Akers, Hornbeck's stepfather. "That you shouldn't give up hope, that it's possible those kids are out there."

Like Jaycee Dugard, Shawn Hornbeck was also 11-years-old when he was kidnapped. His parents searched, and hoped and prayed for his safe return. Then four and a half years later, he and another boy were found in the home of Michael Devlin. Hornbeck's parents said the child's return is not the end of the ordeal. It's the beginning of the healing process. "The first year Shawn was home was almost as hard as the four and a half years of him being gone," said Hornbeck's mother, Pam Akers.

"When we were put in that situation our thought was, we're not going to ask a lot of questions," Craig said. "When the time comes we'll get our answers." But the Akers said they are living proof that families can be successfully reunited. They say Shawn is doing well, studying hard, and planning for college. "Shawn is a picture of a normal 18-year-old at this point. He still does a lot better than I do at times," Pam said. "It's just...they can become a family, they can become whole once again."

Girl Found After 18 Years

Girl Found After 18 Years

As Jaycee Lee Dugard is found after 18 years, here are other 'captives who came back from the dead' The miracle return of Jaycee Lee Dugard is not the first time a child has reappeared long after they were abducted. Despite the fact almost everyone concerned, even their closest family members, finally accept that a child has died, a rare few are rediscovered years later. Up to 24 years after they were first reported missing, these high-profile disappearances returned to society.

ELIZABETH SMART was found by police in Utah in 2003 a few miles away from the Salt Lake City home from which she had been kidnapped nine months earlier. In June 2002, Elizabeth, then 14, was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom by a man prosecutors claimed was Brian Mitchell, a drifter and self-styled 'polygamist prophet' who had done oddjobs at her parents' home.

They said Mitchell had forced the girl to live as his wife during her time in captivity. He and his wife, Wanda Barzee, are still in custody but have never been tried because they were ruled mentally incompetent. 'Statistically, everyone said she was dead,' said Elizabeth's father, Ed. 'The not knowing was so horrible.' Elizabeth is now a 21-year-old university student studying music.

Big Brother 11 HOH Winner

Big Brother 11 HOH Winner

Week 8 in the Big Brother house, this week’s HOH winner is….drumroll please….KEVIN! Kevin, the mild mannered, colorful token gay of the house (whom I LOVE by the way) is the new HOH of the Big Brother house. Kevin’s HOH status will most likely flip the house being as he and Natalie have formed a Final 2 pact, and have vowed to evict Jeff (the former HOH) if they got power. Looks like they got their wish. Now will they break their promise to Jeff and put him up this week?

Really, this would be the best move on their part, to evict Jeff, because he is absolutely their strongest competition. By far. Jordan and Michelle are both weak players compared to him. As scary as it is, I am starting to think that Natalie just might win this! Funny thing is, as much as I can’t stand Natalie, I am in a Big Brother “pool” and was drawn her name. So if she wins – I win! I am still surprised Gnat has made it as far as she has in the game. They should have evicted her long ago. She is very good at stirring things up and not getting her hands dirty!

And how about Lydia going into the Jury House with Jessie? Wasn’t that a joke? After she was evicted he talked mad shiz about how she was going to lay into him as soon as she saw him, but that is hardly what happened. She put a little show on for the camera but she was obvious THRILLED to have a week alone with her manboy. Hell, she is probably on her back as we speak!