"We just believe in miracles and thank God she's alive," Tom Smart said Wednesday.

In the strange conclusion to the Elizabeth Smart saga, not much more can be said. Her recovery is nothing less than a miracle, though her disappearance poses countless questions.

Many expressed criticism for the amount of publicity given to the case. Some said the Smarts' affluence was the only reason that Elizabeth's case received such attention. Their financial ability to rally support, organize searches and retain the media's attention seemed to give her family a better chance of recovering their daughter.

Yet, nine long months passed without much progress. Despite the Smarts' so-called advantage, the case went nowhere.

But the Smarts did have something. They had a community behind them - a community that was not rallied by money, but by emotion.

Elizabeth became Utah's child because Utah cared.

Logically, it was two alert citizens who found her. Really, it was an entire community that brought her home ... all 20 miles.

Though Elizabeth was near, concerned neighbors and complete strangers scoured the entire nation to cover all bases.

When Brett Michael Edmunds' picture was released, sightings poured in. When handyman Richard Ricci was first declared a suspect, citizens came forth with any information they had. From beginning to bizarre end, the community never gave up.

The Salt Lake Police Department is not worthy of such accolades. Despite Ed Smart's insistence that police investigate Brian David Mitchell, the department hesitated. Despite the claims by Mary Catherine, an eyewitness sister, that Ricci was not Elizabeth's abductor, the police would not back down. Despite the fact that the Smarts were intent on Mitchell's involvement since October, the police released no information to the media.

Luckily, the Smarts kept the community informed. They went public in February with information on Mitchell and a $10,000 reward to clear the name of Ricci. Again, Utah's citizens sprung into action. This time, however, they were met with miraculous results.

No matter the circumstances or motivation, the reunion of Elizabeth with her family is an answer to Utah's collective prayers. Despite doubts that Elizabeth had met a grim fate, she managed to remain in the public eye, its heart and apparently under its very nose.

While the peculiar story unfolds, the community will be watching. But citizens should not let their full attention be dedicated to Elizabeth. That time has passed. Now is the time to focus on Utah's other lost children. Now is the time to bring someone else home.

Copyright Brigham Young University 12 Mar 2003