After losing her husband, Todd, in Afghanistan, Emma Weaver’s life crumbled beneath her in an instant.
The U.S Army 1st Lt. was killed during his most recent tour, and she was left to raise their baby girl, Kiley, all alone.
The weight of Emma’s grief was indescribable as she sat at Todd’s funeral with Kiley on her lap, receiving the American flag that was draped over her late husband’s casket.
But just two days after she buried Todd, Emma received an unexpected surprise when she opened his old laptop.
Plain as day on the desktop were two Word documents entitled “Dear Emma” and “Dear Kiley.”
Waterfalls immediately started streaming down Emma’s cheeks at the realization that Todd had left them each a personal goodbye letter.
But even she couldn’t anticipate the beauty beheld within her late husband’s words of wisdom and love.
Todd’s undying affection for his wife and baby girl, as well as his ultimate hope in God for the restoration of their hearts, was woven beautifully throughout his message.
Read Todd’s heartbreakingly precious words to his two loves below:
Dear Emma:
Well if you are reading this, I guess I did not make it home and therefore, I was not able to remind you again of how much I love you.
I love you so much baby and I will always love you. Although I may not be here right now, take comfort in the fact that I am watching over you right now.
I am not gone and I will always be with you in spirit. I know this time must be hard for you but I also know how strong you are.
Never forget that God knew what was best for us before we were even born. Take comfort in that. This happened for a reason. Although you may not believe it now, you will one day.
I want you to know just how important you are to me. I could not ask for a more caring, beautiful and loving wife. The memories that we have shared over the last few years have been the best of my life. Although it may seem like my life was cut short,
I lived a life that most can only dream of. I married the perfect woman. I have a beautiful daughter that amazed me every day.
I even had two great dogs – at least most of the time. I couldn’t ask for anything more. If you feel sad, just think back to the memories that we shared. Look at our daughter and how beautiful she is.
Be strong for her. Remind her about her Daddy and tell her that I loved her more than anything else in the world. Her birth was the best day of my life and she was the best thing that ever happened to me. Her smile and laughter represent all that is good and beautiful in this world.
Tell her that Daddy is in heaven now and will watch over her and protect her every minute of every day. I love you Emma. But never be afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. It is so important that you continue to find happiness in your life. Although you may think this is impossible right now, have faith.
Much better times are coming. You and Kiley have a wonderful life ahead of you and I am so happy to have shared some of it with you.
I love you.
Your loving Husband,
Todd
Dear Kiley, My Sweetie: