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Frank Gervasi’s heart is breaking and his urgency is growing, yet he remains hopeful for a Christmas miracle.
As the search for his 14-year-old daughter, Emmarae Gervasi, entered its 15th day, Gervasi posted an emotional plea on Christmas Eve, part of his continued tireless efforts to find her.
Gervasi shared his heartache Tuesday morning on Facebook. He wrote of the growing pain of not knowing where his daughter is, as well as the emotional toll of receiving false tips and leads during his search.
“Day 15 Christmas Eve and hoping for a miracle,” Gervasi wrote. “As the days roll on I miss her more and more every day, the questions and the what-ifs will drive you nuts.
“It never ceases to amaze me what mean, cruel people there are in this world, how you can mess with someone or call in a bull**** report just to get my hopes up and watch me drive around!!” he added.
The father expressed frustration at the false tips, which have sent him on wild goose chases and further compounded his distress. Despite the difficulties, Gervasi continued his plea for help, calling for anyone with information about his daughter’s whereabouts to come forward.
“Do the right thing. If you have seen her or know where she is at, make a call and it will be kept private!!” he wrote, providing his personal phone number in the post. “If it were your child you would want the same done.”
‘Come home sweetheart’
Gervasi, who has offered a $15,000 reward for his daughter’s safe return home, also had a message for Emmarae.
“Emma if you can read this, we love you and come home sweetheart,” he wrote. “If you have her, let her go because karma won’t be good to you.”
Dad posts Instagram video
Just before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Frank Gervasi posted a video message on Instagram from behind the wheel of his car.
“We are actively looking for her, and will stop at nothing to find her,” he said on his @longbeard1975 account. “I want to make it clear to whoever has my daughter that she needs to come home. We’re looking for her, but we’re also looking for you. And I think it would be better if the cops find you at this point — before we do.”
Suffolk Police have reported that Emmarae Gervasi was last seen about 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, when she left her home without a jacket and barefoot in the rain. Authorities and her family have been searching for her since then, fearing for her safety.
Emmarae is described as 5-foot-4, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black shirt and black stretch pants.
Anyone with information regarding Emmarae’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Suffolk County Police Department or call 911.
Top photos: Facebook