I spent the better part of last evening packing up Skylar’s room for our move this weekend. I had numerous friends and family offer to help me with this task that I have been dreading since the day I put the house on the market. In the end, I decided to do it alone. I wanted time to reflect, to cry, to scream and to talk to her by myself. The quote I have attached here “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you only have today” is posted on Sky’s wall. She hated it. She told me it was dumb, cliche and to take it off of her wall. I would laugh each time she asked me to remove it and say ” no, it reminds me of you.” In the end I won, it stayed on her wall. I sat down yesterday on her floor and I sobbed as I held onto her things and tried desperately to feel her arms around me. I looked up and read this quote, really read it and remembered how much Sky thought it was “stupid”, but how it described her perfectly. She lived, she really lived. I of course cried harder and even managed to laugh at her numerous pleas for me to take it down or her threats to “cover it up.” Then I thanked her, for once again teaching her mother a thing or two about life. Live as if you only have today…..A cliche we have all undoubtedly stated but do we actually practice it? I doubt it….most of us live as if we have forever to make things right…putting off today what we think we can accomplish tomorrow. I’m guilty, I am sure you are too.
I have reminders of these 3 angels all around me, not just in my memory but physical reminders of them in my home, my car, my office, even on my body. Reminders that we don’t get to choose when we go, reminders that life is short, unpredictable, unfair and sometimes downright horrifying. But these are also my reminders of a love so great and a promise so incredible that our human mind can hardly comprehend it.
Here is an example of God’s great love and my baby always watching out for her momma. I packed the very last item in Sky’s room yesterday and I stood there in a form of shock and looked around her nearly empty room. Standing there I thought about how Sky will have no “fingerprints” at our new house and my heart broke and I felt my breath catch. In that moment my back door opened and I heard a familiar voice yell “momma – hellllo!!” I walked out of Sky’s room to see Will. Not only Sky’s ex-boyfriend but certainly one of her best friends in the world. A person that loved her and understood my love for her. I hugged him and cried. I couldn’t even tell him how his impromptu drop in was heaven sent, coming at the exact moment that I needed someone to put their arms around me, someone that loved and missed her too. Soon my tears turned to laughs as we joked about Skylar and shared memories. Thank you God, thank you Skylar and thank you Will …..sometimes it’s the little things that become the big things.
To my fellow grieving and broken moms…. I am at 2 years 8 mos and the pain is not any less, the missing is not any better and the tears still fall when I least expect them. But I have learned to pay attention to signs and to feel when she is near. Every day she lets me know that she is where she is suppose to be.
As I packed a few of her items last week, I started crying as I was trying to decide what to do with some of her clothes. I audibly heard her say ” get rid of it mom, I don’t need those anymore.” Through my tears I said aloud, and quite angrily “I know you don’t!! But that doesn’t make it any easier!” She made me mad that day lol. But she was right and it gave me comfort in knowing that letting go of some of her things didn’t mean I was letting go of any part of her. She knows I hate clutter, she was giving me permission to un-clutter a few things. 😉
Watch for the signs. Be patient. Open your heart. You too will see them, feel them, hear them.
I love you more Skylar Lynn, thank you for continuing to teach your mom a thing or two.
You were one in a million.
If you would like to support Sky’s 2nd annual 5K on August 2nd – here is the link:
http://www.keysports.net/#!2nd-Annual-Skys-The-Limit-Memorial-5K/cra1/i6jv96bh29
Kelli,
I found your blog after stumbling across your GoFundMe page. I have sat at my desk at work for the past few hours reading every word of every blog you have written, tears streaming down my face with each word read. You have a beautiful gift of writing about Skylar and you fulfil your duties of letting her legacy live on. I have a 5 year old daughter myself and I could never imagine going through what you have endured. I will pray for you each day and pray for Sky. I know she is dancing among the angels.
thank you so much Brittany
I am at 3 years and 2 months since my 23 year old son died and every day is still difficult. His room is basically untouched, except for some items of clothes that I have donated. How difficult a task you faced in packing up your daughter’s room! You’re fortunate to still feel an active connection to Skylar, who seems to be watching out for you.
May God Bless You., and Comfort You . Sky is lovely.. I too lost my daughter due to a car accident that was 15 plus years ago .. she was 19.. I will keep you in my prayers.. Will keep you and all mothers in my prayers
Kelli, you don’t know me but I have been following Skylar’s story from that horrible day. I almost lost my son in a terrible accident. It was due to different circumstances but the fear, pain and helplessness was there. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and insight. I admire your strength and willingness to reach out to others. I am sure Skylar and her friends were wonderful unique young ladies. They all obviously had wonderful families. I would be honored to talk with you if you ever have the time. I work in Beavercreek. I will leave you my e-mail. I have two children and a wonderful husband and I do try to remember to cherish each day. I love your blog and hope to someday read your book. Sincerely, Anita Monnin
Hi kelli. I have been following your blog since this past November, and although I have never met you, Skylar, Sophie or Julianna, you are so open, descriptive and passionate about your love for them thatI feel as though I know you all well!
I came across your blog by accident, in early November of 2014.. I was reading an article on an online magazine, and saw a link with Skylars beautiful face. I saw this beautiful face and though “wow! She could be a model!!”
This link led to your blog and to Skylars story. I lost a very close friend, Rachel in our senior year of high school (October 29, 2001) to a car accident. And that’s exactly what it was, a horrible, life altering accident. A deep puddle (that has since been filled and repaved, ONLY after 2 more teenage fatal accidents) this “puddle” had a tendency to pull/guide/whatever cars into the trees nearby when it rained) Rain, wet roads, deep puddles and inexperienced teenaged drivers do not mix!
I have shared your blog with Rachel’s mom, in hopes that your openness, honesty and courage will help her when she is feeling helpless and lost. After 14 years (oh man. It’s been 14 years since I graduated high school?!?) Sharon still has rough days, as I am sure will continue until she and Rach are reunited once again.
Your Sky-bird is sharing and spreading her light in California (where I am) and also in Georgia (where Rachel and her momma are!)
Your faith, willingness to forgive and love for your kiddos is an inspiration!!
Much love and hugs,
Taylor
thank you for sharing that Taylor! Love and peace
Praying for you always
Kelli, your pain and emotions are all too familiar. Amy will be gone 5 years on August 20th. I miss her every day and ache to see her and hug her again. I have a voicemail from her on my phone, that I listen to, when I long to hear her voice. I think of you often and pray for you. You have been a source of strength and inspiration to so many. Love you!
My journey is at 7 yrs. we lost our 18 yr old son, Ross, when he was a senior in High School. He also died instantly when hitting a tree along with 3 others in the truck. Only difference, Ross, was the driver of the truck. An accident but none the less, we are guilt ridden for the rest of our lives. I have yet to get rid of his clothes or cleaned his room. May angels be with you.
Always loved,
never forgotten!
<3
Beautifully written. I am sure that she would approve.
(((HUGS)))