Anita's letter (mom)
April 23, 2003
Dear Lori,
One year and more than four months has passed since you left us. Today is your 37th birthday! The pain
of losing you is still stronger than anything I've ever felt in my entire life. I am comforted only in the fact
that I believe we will be together again. I am so happy for you, being in the warmth of Our Lord, finally
free of pain.
It has taken me a long time to write this, as I couldn't find the words to sum up what your life has meant to
me. Mere words cannot express my love for you nor can they express how my heart aches for you.
When you came into this world you fought with every ounce of determination you had to make it, and you
did! Because of almost losing you at this time, I realize now that I didn't lose a daughter; I was given the
gift of a daughter for over 35 years. A long time when looking forward in the future, but such a short time
when looking back.
Every small child I see reminds me of you and your precious smile, the sparkle of your eyes when you
laughed.
Many times I think I catch a glimpse of you in a pretty girl's face.
The flowers blooming remind me of your beauty and the mountains and oceans remind me of your
strength.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and miss you. Christmas, your birthday and the fourth of
the month are all days when it feels loneliest without you.
I can still hear your giggle, I can still see your little ' I love you' blink. I can still smell your perfume and all
of these things give me comfort when I miss you most.
Every person young and old loved you. You brightened so many lives by being a part of them. Your
strength was unmovable! I laugh when remembering how "No" or "Can't" were never words you used or
accepted. Even the most stubborn people didn't have a chance next to you! You could bring a smile to
the face of even the grumpiest person.
Even as a small child you refused to give up on anything you set your mind to. This carried through your
entire life and helped keep you with us longer than most would have.
I will always stay close to Ray and will look after him for you, as I know how much you loved him and
appreciated his love for you. He became my son through you.
All I can say is, I love you Lori and miss you more than anyone could possibly know if they haven't
experienced the loss of a child. You were a very special child and you turned into a very lovely woman.
Thank you for the happiness you gave me, for the time when you were here and the happiness I still feel
when I remember the good times we had.
Love forever,
Mom
