Emma Weaver received news that no wife of a soldier ever wants to receive — her husband, U.S Army 1st Lt. Todd Weaver, had been killed by an IED during his second tour of Afghanistan in 2010.
Even though this story is a few years old, the sentiment and meaning behind the message he left behind will never get old. It deserves to be revisited and reshared.
Not only was Emma devastated by the loss of her husband, but he also left behind a 9-month-old baby girl named Kylie. Emma was grieving over her husband, and sadly, her daughter would never get to know the father that loved her so much.
Two days after Todd’s funeral, Emma opened up a laptop that he carried with him in Afghanistan. Her heart sank when she saw two files named “Dear Emma” and “Dear Kylie.”
Being the amazing husband and father that he was — Todd had written his wife and daughter ‘goodbye letters’ in case something happened to him. He knew that if his wife found these files, that he would no longer be on this earth.
Emma’s full letter reads:
“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”
In his letter to his daughter, Todd reflects on how hard it was to leave her behind.
“Dear Kiley, My Sweetie:
Although you may not remember me, I want you to know how very much your Daddy loves you.
I left for Afghanistan when you were 9 months old.
Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
You are so very special to me sweetie — you are truly a gift from God.
The best day of my life was the day you were born.
Every time I saw you smile my heart would just melt.
You were my sweetie — my life was not complete until you were born.
I am so sorry I will not be able to see you grow up.
But remember, your Daddy is not gone. I am in heaven now smiling down on you every day.
You are so very lucky to have such a wonderful Mom to take care of you.
Make sure you are good for her and help her out whenever you can.
Always remember to say your prayers at night and be thankful for all your many blessings.
Never forget how important and special you are to so many people.
We love you so very much. When you get older and start school, do your best and try to learn as much as you can about the world you live in.
Always be nice and caring to others and you will discover that the world will be nice to you.
But when things aren’t going your way, never forget that God knows what is best for you and everything will work out in the end.
You have such a bright and beautiful future ahead of you.
Have fun. Enjoy it. And remember, your Daddy will always be proud of you and will always love you.
You are and will always be my sweetie.
With very much love,
Your Daddy”
Emma used to have a blog, which she no longer runs, in which she’d write lovingly about her husband.
‘I couldn’t imagine being at war and seeing what he did every day and then having the courage to write goodbye letters to the ones you love. He was so strong,’ she wrote on her blog.
Even though Emma and Kylie wish they could have Todd back home and in their arms, they are so grateful that he left them with such a beautiful piece of his heart. They will always have something to look back on to remember this amazing man.
Emma has framed both of the letters of beautiful pictures of the family. They are keepsakes that will be cherished forever.
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