DELPHI, Ind. -- Nine months ago Liberty German and Abigail Williams were being normal teenage girls – eating pancakes, helping around the house and making memories.
No one could have imagined that a trip to the Delphi Historic Trails to take photographs on a warm February day would be their last. There's been no arrest in their murders.
DELPHI DAUGHTERS | The Untold Stories Abby & Libby
Libby’s grandmother, Becky Patty, penned a heartfelt message on Facebook Monday to mark nine months since the girls went missing.
“Nine months ago you had just eaten pancakes and was out there helping me in the office. I am so sorry I ever said yes to let you go to the trails that day. I let you down. That is something I will carry forever. I am so sorry Kelsi is going through this, it kills me seeing her in pain.”
On February 13, Libby and Abby went missing after being dropped off to go hiking near the Monon High Bridge. Their bodies were found the next morning on a private piece of land less than a mile from where they were last seen alive.
READ | Libby's family remembers her with pumpkins
Becky and her husband, Mike, have spoken numerous times over the past several months about how their lives have changed since that day.
Their memories of Libby always revolved around the kind, caring and uplifting girl that she was – and how quiet their house has become, now that she’s gone.
“We are learning to live with the quiet – sometimes it is deafening. The holidays are coming up – I just wanted to skip them but was outvoted.”
The first few months were some of the hardest for both families, but the upcoming holidays will be their first without Libby and Abby. Together and apart, they have been focusing on events and ways to honor the girls' memories while keeping their case and the search for their killer alive.
READ | Orange lights shine bright for Libby and Abby
Abby's mother, Anna Williams, collected donations in her daughters' memory for kids in need. Anna along with dozens of volunteers packed 300 "Abby's Angels" boxes at Delphi Middle School last week.
On a day of the month when those memories hit hardest, Anna is doing something special in her daughter's memory and delivering those boxes so they can go to children in need this Christmas.
"While today we're missing 'Our Abigail' 300 children will be blessed," said Anna.
ABBY'S ANGELS | Christmas boxes filled in Delphi teen's memory
Becky says their family is focusing on traditions and continuing to spread the word about the case to places that may not know the girls' story yet.
Something that will continue through the holidays - but not without taking time to remember.
“I have really been struggling with Thanksgiving this year. Just couldn’t find anything to be thankful for. Then I saw the cardinal in the yard and a windchime tinkle when there was no wind – I knew it was you. I realized you were still here with us.”
Both families say the holidays are something they couldn't get through without their support systems and the community that has rallied around them for the past nine months.
“I am thankful that I have a wonderful family that sticks together and supports each other through this,” Becky posted. “I am thankful for all the strangers that have fallen in love with you and Abby and are willing to take time out of their lives to help us search for the monster that did this to you.
"Oh Libby. We miss you so much. I am so thankful we had you for the years we did – the honor of being your grandmother – of learning so many things from your giving spirit. I was made a better person because of you.”
TIMELINE | The disappearance and murders of Abby & Libby
The search continues for the only suspect police have in the murders of Libby and Abby. The photo and audio below were captured by Libby on the day that the girls were killed. The sketch was released several months later by Indiana State Police after compiling possible witness descriptions.
If you have any information on the case or who the person in this photo and audio may be, contact the Abby and Libby Tip Line at (844) 459-5786 or 1-800-225-5324 (800-Call FBI). Tips can also be emailed to Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. Information can be reported anonymously.
DELPHI | Take 1 minute for justice for Abby & Libby
You can read Becky Patty's full message to Libby below.
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