Dear Katie,

Losing you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. It broke me into a million pieces, but I knew you didn’t want me to stay in that dark and painful place. I decided that I wanted to live like you did. I want to live with passion and purpose and be the kind-hearted person that you were.

You are my guide and my teacher and you have made me a better person. While not a day that goes by without some pain and sadness, you have have taught me more than I ever thought possible.

Because of you, I learned that becoming a mom is the greatest privilege of all.

Because of you, I learned that life is gift, no matter how hard it is and that I can choose to treat it as such or throw it away.

Because of you, I learned that love is a precious gift. I now try to love everyone and everything, just like you did.

Because of you, I will cherish the good memories and carry them with me forever.

Because of you, I learned that nothing in life is permanent. I will love hard and I will love deep.

Because of you, I learned patience and gentleness.

Because of you, I learned about heaven. Heaven is not way up in the sky, but all around us and I know you are only a whisper away.

Because of you, I now speak up for what’s important, do the right thing, and offer a hand up to those who need it.

Because of you, I have learned to let go of the pain so that I could make room for peace.

Because of you, I will pursue my dreams and travel the world, just as you dreamed of doing.

Because of you, I believe in angels and the afterlife and know that I will see you again one day.

Because of you, I know that love never dies.

Because of you, I will look for the good, just like you did. If I can’t see the good, I will make the good.

Because of you, I live from a deeper place.

Because of you, I try to be fully present in my life.

Because of you, I take loads of pictures and videos now.

Because of you, I take nothing for granted.

Because of you, I have learned to be stronger than I ever imagined.

Because of you, I learned to live large, laugh loud, and live with passion.

Because of you, our family is closer and stronger than ever.

Because of you, I know that grief is really love.

Because of you, I learned that living and loving is a choice and that those things fill our lives with meaning.

Because of you, I learned that there is life beyond loss and in time it can be filled with joy and laughter again.

It is an honor and privilege to be your mom and I look forward to the day that I will get to see you and hold you again. Thank you for all that you have taught me.

XO Mom