At a time when families traditionally come together for Christmas festivities and to celebrate the turn of a new year, the absence of a loved one tends to be especially felt.
This is particularly the case when questions remain over the disappearance of a person, or if a death is suspected but no body has been found to allow the proper grieving process to begin.
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Hundreds attended a vigil in west Belfast this week in support of the family of John George, also known as John Hardy, who went missing during a trip to Spain before Christmas.
Relatives last heard from him on December 14 when they received a “distressed” phone call.
They believe he has been murdered and have been combing an area near Alicante over the holiday period for evidence of his last movements.
Search teams from across Europe, including from Northern Ireland, have also travelled to Spain to assist in their efforts.
Mr George’s father, Billy, has revealed that he spoke to a man he believes may have fired shots the claimed the Belfast man’s life.
As Spanish police continue to investigate the case, he has made an emotional appeal for anyone with information about what happened to examine their conscience and allow them to bring their son home.
Meanwhile, the PSNI have renewed an appeal for information about the disappearance of Co Down man Martin Kelly, 19 years after he was last seen at a Belfast bar.
The 22-year-old went missing after leaving Pat’s Bar in the docks area shortly after 7pm on New Year’s Day 2005.
His father, Raymond, has made sure over the course of almost two decades that his case has not been forgotten and has spoken again this week of his determination to find answers.
Groups supporting families of the ‘Disappeared’ – those who were killed and secretly buried during our troubled past – have also been expressing hope that 2025 can finally be the year that those still to be found can be returned to their relatives to be afforded the dignity of a funeral.
The hope remains that even five decades on, a pang of conscience or renewed willingness to intervene could deliver the closure that several families so desperately deserve.
There can only be enormous sympathy for the relatives of Mr George, Mr Kelly and all those who at this time are still grappling with unanswered questions over the disappearance of a loved one in a variety of circumstances over many years.
Anyone with any information at all in such cases should do the right thing and come forward immediately to provide the assistance required that could bring their suffering to an end.
