The story of Lieutenant Todd Weaver is one that many can look to for inspiration.
Lieutenant Weaver, a 26-year-old soldier from Hampton, Virginia, was tragically killed during his second tour of Afghanistan when an IED exploded.
He left behind his loving wife Emma and a 9-month-old baby girl named Kiley who will never have the chance to remember her father’s love.
Despite this heartbreaking fate, Todd did something remarkable before he passed away that gave both his wife and daughter much needed strength after his death.
Upon returning home with her husband’s remains, Emma was given Todd’s laptop which he had used during his deployment.
Two days after the memorial service in which family and friends were asked to contribute to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund instead of bringing flowers, Emma finally opened up the laptop – only to find two Word documents on its desktop titled “Dear Emma” and “Dear Kiley”.
It became clear that in case he didn’t make it back alive from war, Todd had written goodbye letters for both his young wife and daughter – an incredibly brave act considering all that they had been through.
His letter to his wife read:
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
The letter to his daughter read:
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’s blog post later revealed how painful it was for her to read these words as she grieved over her husband but also found peace and courage in them at the same time.
She even went so far as to superimpose the letters onto photos; hers over their wedding picture while Kiley’s was placed alongside a photo of them reading together when she was just a week old.
The inspiring words from this deceased hero are now proudly displayed on Emma’s wall where they serve as a reminder of Todd’s bravery in life and beyond it.
It is stories such as these that remind us why we should always honor those who put their lives on hold or risk them entirely in order to protect our country; regardless if you agree with acts of war or not.