
My Sweet Kiley,
It's hard to believe that you would be 18 years old now. I often find myself wondering what you would look like, what your laugh would sound like, what your dreams would be, and what kind of young woman you would have become. Even though you were only here with us for two and a half months, you have never left my heart. Not for a single day.
I wanted to write to you and tell you what's been happening here on Earth. I like to think that somehow you already know, but it makes me feel close to you to tell you anyway.
First, I want you to know that I've been doing what moms do best—handling business and keeping our family together. Some days have been harder than I ever imagined, but I keep going. I carry you with me in everything I do.
Nana and Papa are doing okay. They're getting older, and their house has started to show its age, but they're hanging in there. Time has changed so much, yet their love for all of us remains.
Your sister, Trinity, is married now. Can you believe that? She has gained a wonderful stepdaughter, and she also welcomed a beautiful little girl named Lydia into the world. You would absolutely adore being an aunt.
Your brother Tristan is getting ready to attend the Medina County Career Center. He's growing into a young man, and it's exciting to see him beginning this next chapter of his life.
Kaiden is trying to figure out what direction he wants to take. Whether it's continuing his education or starting a career, he's finding his own path, just like so many young adults do.
Krystian is attending the Medina County Career Center in the EMT and Firefighter program. He's working hard toward a career where he'll help save lives. He also has a wonderful girlfriend named Ella, and they make each other happy.
Pyper is in eighth grade now. She's learning who she is and where she fits in this world. Watching her grow has been beautiful, even through the challenges that come with being a teenager.
Payge is in seventh grade, and this past March our lives changed forever when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She's been incredibly brave. Every day she faces finger pokes, insulin, and all the changes that come with this disease, yet she continues to smile and keep going. I know you'd be so proud of your little sister.
Uncle Jeffrey got married to Melissa. Through their marriage, our family grew with two more boys, and now they're expecting a baby boy together. Our family tree keeps growing, and I can't help but think about how your branch will always be part of it too.
Aunt Cindy and her kids are doing well. Life keeps moving forward, bringing new memories, celebrations, and challenges for everyone.
Kiley, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I still wonder who you would have been. I wonder if you would have looked like me or your dad, if you'd have been close with your brothers and sisters, if you'd have been the one making everyone laugh.
Sometimes I imagine you watching over all of us. I hope you know how deeply you are loved and how much you are missed. You may not be here physically, but you have always been part of this family. Your brothers and sisters know about you. They know they have a big sister in Heaven.
Eighteen years have passed, but being your mom has never stopped. It never will. I still celebrate you. I still cry forbyou. I still smile when I think about the precious little time I got to hold you.
Until the day I get to hold you again, keep watching over us. I'll keep taking care of everyone down here, and I'll keep telling your story so you'll never be forgotten.
I love you more than words could ever express, my beautiful girl.
Forever and always,
Mom