Sharing one of my favorite pieces of love that Lydia made me. This one has extra special meaning and came to me during a moment when I least expected it.
Below is an excerpt from my story in the book Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival, by Nancy B. Kennedy. Remembering our loved ones today on Valentine’s and every other day of the year. Forever in our hearts.
As I sat crying, sorrow and guilt and anger overwhelmed me. I told Lydia how sorry I was, sorry that I couldn’t protect her, sorry that I had lived and she had not. I begged to just be able to wrap my arms around her and hold her tight, to tell her I loved her one more time, to know that she loved me.
I found myself pleading with Lydia to let me know she was with me, to give me a sign-something, anything!-to make this journey of grief a little easier. I looked in the duffel bag and then walked over and looked behind the door. Moving her green shoe basket aside, I found a folded, yellow piece of paper underneath.
Slowly, I opened it.
On the paper, Lydia had drawn a flower and in big letters she had written, “I love you!”
Instantly, I was covered with goose bumps. This was more than mere coincidence. At that moment, I knew I could survive the room, that I could survive the loss. I knew that Lydia loved me. It made me feel so good.
I took pictures and a video of my daughter’s room that day, never wanting to forget an inch of it. I will miss the memories of her in that house, but in the end it’s only a house. That evening, surrounded by my husband and four other children, I was overwhelmed with my blessings from the Lord, and I finally knew without a doubt that Lydia would be with me wherever I go.
Valentine’s Day Love
