February 21, 2026
Today is the 19 year Angelversary of my beautiful daughter Heather leaving this earthly world. I can no longer touch her, hear her sweet voice as she speaks, sings, laughs, or even cries. No, I am not okay.
The truth is, life is fragile... and one thing we know for certain is that it doesn't last forever, no matter how much we wish it would. Maybe grief is love's way of reminding us just how precious it all was, how lucky we were to have someone so easy to love, yet so hard to lose. My daughter is an Angel in Heaven.
I am forever grateful for having been blessed to have her in my life, even as I mourn her death. I laugh at the memories even as I cry for those not made. I recognize the beauty in life, even as I experience its ugliness. I embrace hope and joy even as my heart breaks. I live even as I grieve.
Time. No matter how much passes since I have had to learn how to live without my Heather, it never gets easier. The pain is always here. At times it feels as sharp as that knife that cut me so deeply 19 years ago. Other times it is that dull constant ache that will never go away. Truthfully, I don’t want it to go away. This is who I am now. A mother without her child. A mother who lives each day, each moment without a part of her. That pain is a reminder of the beautiful life I lost and the indescribable deep love I have for her.
You see, it’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that really matters. I am so blessed to have had my beautiful Heather in my life for 21 years, and I am forever grateful and honored to be her Mom.
To My Beautiful Heather, my girl girl, my Angel daughter,
Life without you feels like an endless storm, but even in my darkest moments, your love remains my shelter as a place to take a deep breath and get the courage to go on. You handled the challenges that were thrown you with such courage, grace, and strength. You would complain about things now and then, but not once about having Huntington’s disease or feeling sorry for yourself. You showed us all how to love life in spite of devastating curveballs.
I was able to fulfill a Bucket List dream months ago. Joel got tickets to see Train. It was a concert at a smaller outdoor venue and he was able to get our tickets upgraded by telling your story that that it was my bucket list dream concert. This gave us amazing seats in an enclosed area close to the stage and the best views without having to look past people in front of us. Even clean, private restrooms only for the upgraded area! This turned what was a wet-from-the-rain-having-to-look-over-folks are to the VIP area. 
We sang along, danced and of course many of your favorite songs made me cry. A young girl, probably close to your age was standing behind me singing a few of the songs that you liked. I closed my eyes and I could swear she sounded like you singing. A voice of an Angel. She noticed me crying and I told her your story and we hugged. She said she would never forget the night or your story.
Please continue to send your signs that remind us that you are watching over us. When these reminders are recognized, it is truly a special feeling. Like a hug from Heaven.
Drops of Jupiter is playing along with many songs by Train. Purple is the color of the day, and “Heather” stories are being told. Memories are shared and both tears and laughter flow. So much love being sent your way today and everyday.
I keep your memory alive in the stories I tell, the love I share, and the tears I cry. Every story I tell has a piece of you woven into the lines. You live in every chapter of my life. Every memory cherished. You are my story. You are forever a part of me and I will love you forever. You will never be forgotten. I promise.
I LOVE you my Heather, my girl girl. A Mama’s love is forever.
Love,
Mom 💜