MOUNTAIN BROOK, Al Prays for Natalee’s Safe Return

As the search on Aruba continues for Natalee Holloway, the town of Mountain Brook comes together and prayer for her safe return.

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. – They have waited and prayed for good news for a week, refusing to give up hope that 18-year-old Natalee Holloway will be found alive and come back home.

The belief has kept residents of this upscale suburb and Holloway’s anxious family tightly bound since the teen went missing last Monday during a senior class trip to Aruba.

“You don’t want that to happen to anybody’s family,” said Nikki Quick, manager of a gift shop in the mostly residential, tree-lined community of 22,000 that is home to many of the Birmingham area’s most well-to-do families.

Yellow ribbons, positive thought and prayers in support of Natalee and her family have been the order of the day in Mountain Brook. The roller coaster of emotion with the not knowing of information about Natalee is something that most of us could never comprehend and most of us do not want to.

An aunt of Holloway, Marcia Twitty, said the girl’s mother – though on “an emotional roller coaster” – is staying upbeat: “I know Natalee is alive and I’m going to find her,” she quoted her saying.

The hope is shared from one town to the other; yellow ribbons are attached to everything from mail boxes to automatic bank machines.

“We’re just showing that we’re supporting her family and everyone down there wanting to bring her home,” Quick said.

Quick spent Monday morning redecorating the show window in front of her business with only yellow items – her own small way of showing support. A handmade sign on the sidewalk outside said “Pray for Natalee.”

Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden said he’s not at all surprised residents have banded together. “Most people have lived here all their lives and we care for each other,” he said.

The people of Mountain Brook have come together in support.

Twitty, speaking to reporters Monday in the parking lot of Mountain Brook Community Church, which has been holding daily prayer services, showed a large picture of Holloway and her mother.

“These people belong together. This is a mom and daughter team that go together,” Twitty said. “She’s missing and we’ve got to find her.”

Asked how the family was reacting to the possibility Holloway might not be found alive, Twitty remarked: “I can’t mentally go there, because we’ve got to find her.”

At Norton’s Florist, manager Deana Cross said she had made 400 yellow ribbon displays in the past four days and was having trouble keeping up with orders.

Keep the faith, God Bless and a safe return.