A mom desperate to be reunited with her children has shared the letter sent to her by her ex partner who has vanished with their three kids.
Earlier this week, footage was released showing who police believe to be fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children.
In December of 2021, Phillips disappeared and went off-grid in New Zealand - taking 11-year-old Jayda, nine-year-old Maverick, and eight-year-old Ember with him.
Despite warrants issued for Phillips' arrest and multiple unconfirmed sightings, the father has managed to remain undetected for nearly three years - much to the heartache of the children's mother.
However, on October 3, mom Catherine was provided with hope after two teenager hunters spotted Phillips and the three children wandering in the wilderness on a remote coastal farm near Marokop.
Captured on video dressed in camouflage and carrying large backpacks, it was the first time the mom had seen her three children alive since their disappearance, per The Independent.
She has since issued a plea to the public for help in order to be reunited with her children, telling Mata Reports, per the Daily Mail: "I can’t imagine what they’ve endured in these three years, it’s just wrong on so many levels [...] I just want my babies home."
As well as her message to the public, mom Catherine has also released an eerie letter Phillips wrote for her.
The Daily Mail reports that it is unclear when the letter was written, but it expresses Phillips' desire to "be with Catherine".
"I don't know what to say or do to help you forgive me," the letter begins. "I am not despertate to be with someone or I would have already done it. I don't want to be with someone I want to be with you Catherine, the woman I have been in love with for over seven years."
"I can't make you forgive me only you can make that choice," the letter adds, before Phillips writes that he is "sorry for everything I have ever said or done to hurt you".
"These past nine months I have suffered everyday knowing I should have dealt with things better and know that I f***ed up," it continues. "You have a beautiful personality and the happiest years of my life are because of you.
"I don't feel complete without you. I hope you can remember the man you fell in love with and know that I make multiple f*** ups I have a good heart and I mean well."
Per New Zealand outlet Stuff, Catherine shared the letter back in June to Facebook in order to show how things were not "all is not as it seems". It came after the mom shared the following video message:
In the recent footage captured by the hunters, it is believed that daughter Jayda could be heard conversing with the teens.
Speaking to local news outlet Stuff, one of the teenagers who recorded the family in the wilderness revealed that they were about 200 feet away from them. The teen said that he shouted: "This is private property."
To which, Jayda reportedly responded: "Yeah... duh."
One of the teenage boys then asked the family: "Does anyone know you're on here?"
"No, just you guys," Jayda responded.
One of the teenagers revealed that he apparently saw the father carrying a gun, so he called the authorities shortly after spotting the family.
Mom Catherine later said that she believes her daughter's words could have been a "cry for help".
In an emotional interview, the mom broke down in tears and asked: "Is that a cry for help? Is that ‘Does anybody know that we’re here? Is anyone coming for us?‘"
The devastated mom continued: "It’s like she’s trying to say something without actually saying it because her father is right there. And she’s worried if she says the wrong thing and words it the wrong way, she’s worried about later repercussions."
Speaking about how the footage also sparked hope, mom Catherine said: "It was really good, they’re carrying their own gear, it’s the best news that anybody could hope for."
Shortly after the footage was reported, authorities swamped the area - with a helicopter and a military chopper equipped with night vision.
Per News.com.au, Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders has described the footage as "a positive line of inquiry".
"Patrols began in the area on Thursday night and a search was launched the following morning," Saunders continued. "While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps.
"This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family."
Over the last few years, there have been 40 unverified sightings of the missing family members. But police say the teen hunters' footage is the most credible yet.
Saunders also added that the next steps are being kept quiet "for operational reasons", but added: "We want to reassure the public that we have the resources in place to respond to any information or reports of sightings that come in.
“Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen."
Per 1News, loved ones of the missing children believe a tight-knit circle of supporters is secretly helping Phillips survive in the wilderness.
The public has been urged NOT to approach the family if they are spotted, over fears that Phillips may be armed and dangerous.
