Missing Sarah Pryor: A Mother's Testimony of Choosing Love over Grief and Emptiness

ON WHAT SEEMED like a beautiful Wednesday, just six weeks after relocating and starting to settle in to their new home in Wayland, Massachusetts, Barbara and Andy Pryor’s nine-year-old daughter Sarah went missing during a walk after school on October 9^th, 1985.

This is the Pryor family’s story of unspeakable tragedy and profound compassion and beauty. From the initial days that seemed like they would never end, through remarkable efforts and support by detectives, family, friends, and a grieving public, and through assistance and scandal by the press, Barbara remained hopeful that her youngest child would be found over the ensuing years of searches and reported sightings. Sarah would be missing for thirteen years, becoming one of the leading and most watched news stories in New England during the ensuing two decades.

In Missing Sarah Pryor, find out how Sarah’s story finally ends as this little girl teaches us all about the horror and the beauty in life, and share in Sarah’s gift to us all—her powerful legacy of love.

“A real labor of love told compellingly and honestly with emotional power.”

—Bella English, Boston Globe

“Barbara’s beautiful tribute to her dear daughter Sarah in this book was very moving for me. I felt like I was being allowed to enter into this family’s most poignant time. I am honored to be able to read this touching story of a beautiful, witty, shy, and caring girl who was loved by so many. I cried, I laughed and I was angry at what people do.

“One of my favorite parts was when Barbara was sitting down and a butterfly hovered around only to lite on her arm and she said, ‘Hi, Sarah.’ It was so special. Out of the ashes comes life and this was seen as Barbara tries to be there for other people going through similar times. I especially liked all the poems and I got tearful when I read about Sarah’s dog Katie and her sled created in bronze to be put in the park.

“I commend this mother for writing such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to her loving daughter. She may have only been with us a short time, but Sarah’s legacy will be here many years to come. We won’t forget Sarah Pryor.

“Thank you for this intimate gift.”

—Gail Reichert

“The book was heartbreaking at times, I felt like I could feel the pain coming through. I wanted to reach out and give the family a hug or send the mother and email letting her know the story touched me. It was inspiring to read how through her pain, she continued to reach out to others and see the good around her. As Barbara recounts her loss of her beautiful Sarah, I cannot help but be amazed by her strength. This book will make you cry, as well as make you cherish every moment with your family.”

—Angela B

“Ahhh, I don't want to put it down. So much raw emotion. So much love. Thank you soooo much for giving me a sneak peek!”

—Sarah Ohm

“I received Barbara's book on March 25th and was eager to read it. Little did I know how heart-wrenching that would be. I would read a number of pages and have to stop. I have just finished it this afternoon.

“Our family lived across the street from the Pryors in Wayland, MA. I remember vividly Barbara coming over the late afternoon of 10/9/85 to tell me that Sarah hadn't returned from a walk. I put my two small children in the car and went out looking for Sarah and went out later again that night with another neighbor. Little did we all know that event would forever change our community.

“Barbara has eloquently put into words an unspeakable event. I continually admire how she has turned her heartbreak into compassion and empathy for other victims. I am in awe that she has come to forgive the perpetrator and chosen to focus on her gratitude for all the people who have helped her in this journey. As Mr. Rogers said, ‘Look for the helpers.’ Barbara has indeed done that.

“God bless Sarah and her family.”

—Nancy Johansen