'She was one of us'

Last Sept. 17, Marilyn Behrman was stranded out of town visiting relatives. But she felt the need to be back in Bloomington with her family at Nick's English Hut. It would have been her daughter Jill's 21st birthday.\nToday would have been her 22nd.\nAs rescue crews continue to search Salt Creek for evidence that may help them recover Jill Behrman, the IU student missing since May of 2000, family and friends are remembering her on her birthday.\nMembers of the Kappa Delta sorority designed a banner to hang in front of their house reminding students of Jill. \nFor her parents, today will be a day for personal reflection and remembrance. \n"It's hard to believe this is the third birthday since she's been missing," said Marilyn Behrman, Jill's mother.\nBoth Eric and Marilyn Behrman missed Jill's 19th birthday her freshman year because they were hosting an alumni trip. But Brian Behrman, Jill's brother, arranged for the a capella group Straight No Chaser to sing to Jill in the Teter cafeteria, something Marilyn called "pretty special."\nMarilyn Berhman said all of Jill's birthdays have been special. \n"It's kind of bittersweet, that birthday turned out to be the last one," she said. "Her birthdays were always special. Jill played volleyball growing up, so one year we had the team over -- and then last year we would've taken her to Nick's."\nJunior Mandy Madden, Jill's best friend, said she wants people who have forgotten about the situation and those unfamiliar with it, to remember Jill on her birthday.\n"I just want people to remember that she was one of the students, she was one of us." Madden said.\nThe banner was inspired by Madden, who wanted to give some support to the Behrman family.\n"It's all a matter of hope, keeping hope, and praying." Madden said.\nMadden and Jill grew up together. Madden's father and Eric Behrman were college roommates at IU. Madden said she remembers going to IU athletic events with the Behrman family and seeing each other around the holidays.\nBoth Madden and junior Conner Briglia made the banner Sunday night. Briglia said she's seen firsthand the emotional strain it's placed on Madden.\n"I met Mandy last year. (She and Jill) were extremely close before any of this happened," Briglia said. "I didn't know Jill, but it's hard for me to see Mandy in that state of mind."\nFor Eric Behrman, this week will involve the challenge of remaining positive.\n"We may not have the exact wish of her coming home the way we wanted," he said. "But we still want to find Jill and bring her home by whatever it takes."\nEric Behrman said Jill's birthday will be a time for both he and his wife to quietly reflect on year's past.\n"Many memories over the years, many thoughts will go through our minds … that happens everyday, but even more so (today)," he said.\nIn year's past, the Behrman's church has had a remembrance ceremony on Jill's birthday.\nThis year, there won't be a ceremony.\nInstead, Marilyn and Eric Behrman will attended a memorial service Wednesday at their church.\nSeeing students who don't know Jill participating in events like "Run for the End Zone," helps Marilyn Behrman realize people haven't forgotten about her daughter.\n"I love it when students come together," she said.\nMadden said she hopes people will learn something from her friend's disappearance.\n"Recognize what you have in life," she said. "Enjoy every moment. You never know what will happen at the next moment. You could be like Jill -- in the wrong place at the wrong time"