Children of missing Franklin woman, Sandra Eckert, prepare for another holiday without answers

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Holiday stress comes in all sizes. For the children of a Franklin grandmother who's been missing for nearly two years, sadly, this Christmas comes without answers. 

The last 21 months have been a series of highs and lows for Sandra Eckert's children. They're still waiting with hope and courage, that a solid case can put the guilty behind bars. 

"She was very happy just being around family," said Sandra's son, Wes Eckert. 

Wes and Kelsey Eckert didn't know Christmas 2020 would be the last with their mom, who was also a really good grandma.

"Mom was in great spirits, of course," said Kelsey Eckert.

"And yeah, if I would've known 2020 was the last Christmas with her, definitely would've done things differently I guess," said Wes.

Court records released last summer reveal Sandra Eckert's marriage was in turmoil. The night she disappeared, a neighbor heard a series of what could've been gunshots.

Days later, Franklin police stopped Eckert's husband in his wife's Jeep and found a bag containing $10,000 cash and a gun.

"It was like extreme high feelings," said Kelsey Eckert.

Months later, still no arrests, but Kelsey and Wes are remaining strong in the process.

"You just have to be realistic that police work is a very daunting task," said Wes Eckert.

Without mom, the holidays won't be the same.

"Everybody experiences a certain amount of stress during the holidays, and we keep our lips tight, and we don't want to talk about it because we're ashamed, because we think we should be able to handle it," said Anita Astley, psychotherapist with Building Healthy Relationships, LLC in Brookfield.

Therapists have suggestions on how to navigate the holidays after a great loss.

"Set a plate for them at the table and talk about some of the memories, the positive memories that you have of them. It doesn't have to be gloom and doom," said Astley.

For Kelsey and Wes, talking about mom is a great start. The siblings were able to get Sandra's possessions back from the house she shared with her husband. 

"It was best to get that all out of there," said Wes.

"We have all of her letters, all her diaries, every card we ever wrote her, she saved everything. So, we have everything, which is nice to be able to remember her," said Kelsey.

And in that collection, a treasure.

"This is her handwriting on a note that she wrote me for my birthday," said Kelsey. "I just said I'm gonna get strength and fortitude and it's gonna be right here so that when I'm frustrated or upset or wanting to punch someone, I remember to be strong."

There is still a $50,000 reward for information in the case leading to an arrest.

Sandra Eckert's children are desperate to move forward and get the closure they, and their mom, so deserve. 

To learn more about the case, click here to listen to the Sandra Eckert episode of The Vanished Podcast.