Missing woman's family dreads Christmas without her

Christine Wood has been missing for four months. And her parents, George and Melinda, have made a difficult decision. They're returning home for Christmaswithout her.

"I don't know how I'm going to feel at home. I'm dreading... I'm dreading it," Christine's mother said as she fought back tears.

"At the same time I have to smile and laugh. It's mixed with sadness, though. But I have to for my grandchildren," Melinda said.

Melinda and George have tirelessly searched for their only daughter since she was last seen on Aug. 19. They've handed out flyers and putposters up in all areas of the city, spoken with people on the street, sometimes late into the night, hoping they would find someone with even a little bit of information.

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"I don't know where she could be. I hope she's safe and warm somewhere." Melinda said.

But the couple said they need a break, a chance to regroup and spend time with family back home in Oxford House. They promise to return to Winnipeg to search for the 21-year-old. In the meantime, they're asking Winnipeggers for help.

"When you raise a child and all of a suddenshe disappears on you, that's hard. Anybody, please. We need our daughter back," George said, breaking down into tears while his wife wrapped her arms around him.

"It's the first time I've ever broken down like this since I don't know. Maybe it's just the time of year, when everybody is supposed to be together as a family," he said.

The investigation into Christine's disappearance is ongoing. Winnipeg Police say she was last seen leaving the Days Inn on Berry Street sometime after 9 p.m.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has also been helping the Wood family. Her photo is on its main web page. Tips and sightings can also be reported here.

While they arereturning home with gifts for their grandchildren on Friday, Christine's motherhas only one wish.

"I just hope we find her before we leave, before we go home, before Christmas. That's what I want for Christmas."