Caitlyn Frisina's mom: 'By lots of grace and love, we will heal'

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Caitlyn Frisina's mother says her family is taking steps to rebuild their lives after a nationwide search for her teen daughter.

Scarlet Frisina spoke at a press conference in Columbia County on Monday.

Caitlyn, 17, was found with her former soccer coach in Syracuse, New York, almost a week after she was reported missing from her Columbia County home.

Her disappearance led to a nationwide search. Officers in New York saw the red Mercury they were believed to be traveling in on Friday and performed a traffic stop.

Caitlyn was in the passenger seat unharmed. Rian Rodriguez, 27, was taken into custody.

Caitlyn returned to Columbia County on Sunday after a touching reunion with her parents in Syracuse Saturday.

Rodriguez waived his right to an extradition hearing Monday. He is facing a charge of interference with custody of a child and will return to Columbia County.

Caitlyn's mom Scarlet Frisina said at the press conference Monday that her family is seeking counseling and taking steps to rebuild their lives.

"We are so thankful and blessed to have our beautiful daughter Caitlyn Morgan Frisina back with us," she said. "We are so appreciative for the role that each and every one played in her safe and speedy recovery."

She went on to thank all of the agencies that helped in Caitlyn's recovery.

"We realize that this is a very big deal and that there is a very long road ahead of us," she said. "We are already taking steps toward rebuilding our lives after such an emotional week."

"It will be through many prayers and conversations and counseling that we are able to move forward. And by lots of grace and love, that we will heal," she said.

She asked for privacy for her family as they begin to move forward.

"We are looking forward to a very merry Christmas and an extremely bright future for Caitlyn and our family."

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