To both of my girls, with love, on the eve of their 25th Birthday-

Tomorrow will be Jessica’s first Birthday in Heaven. It will also be Stefanie’s first Birthday without her sister and best friend. What was always a joyous celebration in these last 24 years with my two youngest treasures, will now be a celebration for Stefanie and her future and for Jessica and all that she has given us in the past. Life is so different since Jessica died and I miss her terribly. We have been told by many that the “first year” is the most difficult and with what little time has passed, I concurrently agree. So many changes are taking place as we learn to adjust to this “new normal” and in my heart and as difficult as it is, I know that Jessica would want us to move forward the best that we can. We will always love her and remember her just as her love will always surround us, and it is with that love that I continue her Forum on this blog.

But now I would like to take a new approach in my personal quest for healing. When Jessica died, my wish was not to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her life! This is still my wish…and I feel that in order to properly carry this on I need to refresh my thoughts to also include other aspects of our, and Jessica’s lives that continue to include her, most notably, tomorrow. As Jessica enjoys her day with the Angels, Stefanie will be running a marathon to help the youngest of them here on Earth. A 5-mile run/walk titled “Miracle Miles” which will benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Miracle Network will be how we celebrate September 27 this year as we watch Stefanie cross the finish line in a “first” for her! Never being a runner herself, I expect that Jessica will be with us on the sidelines cheering her sister on! Yes, we are learning to live life without Jessica’s physical presence because no matter what we do or what we say, absolutely nothing will change this reality. So maybe we need to learn to change the way that we live. New normals…new traditions. All to include our beloved Jessica…even if only in our hearts.

So to Stefanie I say….Happy Birthday my love. We will make this a truly wonderful day as we all hold your sister close to us, as always. And as much as you yourself have helped others throughout your life, you are showing your willingness to carry on this particular tradition that you unselfishly share with Jessica’s spirit. Yes, it will be a good day. Jessica wouldn't want it any other way.