Dear daughter,

Facing your 24th birthday without you,
I sit here with the normal tears upon my face.
As I search for the right words to tell the world how much
I miss you and love you, I realize that words could never
express the true depth of my emotions.

Even if I could successfully express my emotions in words,
what would it matter?  It won't bring you back and it won't
make your absence from my life any easier.

I remember the day that you were born
~ April 4th, 1979 ~
it was the culmination of many wishes on falling stars
and many moments of quiet prayer.
 

Oh, how I wanted a daughter!  I had dreamed about you.
What would you look like?  What color eyes would you have?
Would you be fair-skinned or would you have an olive complexion?
Would you have light or dark brown hair?
Would it be straight or would it be curly?

In all of my dreams, you were a perfect baby.
In reality, you were even more perfect ~
ten fingers and ten toes, big brown eyes, chubby little cheeks,
easy-to-tan olive complexion, melt-your-heart smile,
medium brown hair and beautiful "Shirley Temple curls"!
My perfect baby girl!
 

You were such a special little baby.
So smart from such a very early age.  Such a sweet disposition.
Never a bit of trouble.  Well behaved.
I could go on and on.

It wasn't long before your little sister came along.
But you weren't a selfish big sister.  You were so protective of
her!  Through all the years and all the sisterly spats,
that protective attitude never changed!

While awaiting the arrival of your baby sister,
I remember thinking that I would have to talk
(or trick) you into giving up your bottle before she came along.
But when the time came, you made it so easy!
You weren't difficult, you didn't throw any tantrums;
it was almost as if you accepted it as "logical".

2nd birthday party, 4-4-81

But of course, that was you.  Logical Loria.
The baby that grew into the teenager that answered
"logic puzzles" when asked about hobbies during the interview
for acceptance at the School of Science and Math.

16th birthday party, 4-4-95

While here with me, did I ever tell you that you were my hero?
If I'm honest with everyone, probably not.  But you were.
And I make sure that I tell anyone that will listen now.
I'm certain that you know how much pride you brought to my life.

My selfishness will never go away.  I will always yearn to have
you here on Earth with me.  I miss your physical presence so much.
My heart is broken and it can never be repaired.
You were half of my future and I know that
my life will never be whole again.

I carry you with me every moment of my life.
There is not an hour in the day when you leave my thoughts.
I talk to you often and I know that you hear me.

Loria's last birthday cake, 4-4-01

Sweet child, I wish that we could be together
to celebrate your birthday.
But I know that you are now in a better place.
There is no more mental anguish or physical pain.
You are now at peace and your spirit lives on.
And I promise to never let your spirit die.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Loria

Love, Mom

Amy Pennell, a very special friend made the beautiful
sunflower quilt square above for us to honor Loria's memory
in the 2003 Carolina Donor Services Program
of Remembrance Memory Quilt.  Thank you again Amy.

As a double corneal donor, Loria was able to help
two other people to see the world through her eyes.

Also, two of the grafts taken from Loria's heart
were able to be transplanted, critically helping
two young children.  The hemi pulmonary artery was
implanted in a month-old male infant and the hemi monocusp
pulmonary artery was implanted in a six-month old female.
Two infant's hearts continue to beat because of your gift.

While living, Loria was an active blood donor
and registered bone marrow donor.

She will be smiling in Heaven :-) knowing that she was able
to help others through her gift of corneal and tissue donation.

Please click the link below to view Loria's birthday gifts.

Birthday bear courtesy of Jeanine at Heaven's Children.com.
Scripts courtesy of Dynamic Drive.