It was August 30, 2006 and there it was.  The article on fatal off-campus house fires was on the front page of that days edition of USA TODAY.  I had been so pleased to receive a call, some three weeks earlier, from a reporter working on the story. They had done extensive research on all the fatal off-campus house fires across the US since 2000, and the article would run just in time for college students who were moving into off-campus housing for the upcoming school year. 

It was everyones hope that this article would keep other college kids from making the mistakes of, not only my daughter Liz, but of the 61 other college kids who had lost their lives due to fire in their off-campus homes. 

Prevention was key and I was glad to play a small part in doing whatever I could to keep other families from experiencing the devastating loss of a vibrant young adult. 

When I found out the article was going to print, I excitedly emailed all of my friends and family to tell them about it and that Lizs picture would be included. 

I stopped at the store on my way to work that morning and bought three copies of the paper.  I was so excited!  I couldnt wait to get to my desk so I could read that article.   But, once I did, it made me so sad.  The senselessness of Lizs death hit me again in such a powerful way, and it felt like September 20, 2003 all over again.  I guess I should have expected that kind of reaction, but it had taken me by surprise and I was having a very difficult time dealing with all of the raw, painful emotion that once again bubbled up and grabbed me.   

I was also very mad at myself.  How nave could you be, I thought to myself?  How could you possibly think that this article would make you happy? 

Suddenly, I wished it had never been published and I threw the papers on the back credenza of my office and tried hard to put it out of my mind.  But I couldnt, because all day long I had a steady stream of co-workers stopping at my desk to see the article, and it was all I could do to keep my composure.    

I was having a sad, difficult day.  I hadnt had one of those days for quite some time and I just figured I was due.  Ill get through it, I told myself, because tomorrow will always be better.  It was something I had dealt with before in the three years since her passing, and it always worked.  You had to feel the pain before it would leave I had learned. 

I focused on my job and tried hard to put the article out of my mind.  I work with International customers at my company.  Because of the time difference, email is the accepted means of communication.  I had taken this position just three weeks after Lizs death and it had been the perfect job for me.  The stress level was low; I could come in, answer the emails I received, and go home.  I thanked God often for giving me such a wonderful job at just the right time. 

I continued to work through my emails.  Suddenly a familiar email address popped up.  It was Lizs high school French teacher.  Jan had been Lizs favorite teacher, and we had kept in touch after her death.   I had shared my news about the USA TODAY article with her, and I assumed that was what her email to me was about. 

Much to my surprise it wasnt about the article at all.  Kim, she said, you will just treasure this.  I was in my classroom yesterday, cleaning out my files, getting ready for a new school year.  A lone file folder fell on the floor.  I reached down and picked it up and on the outside I read  Liz W Essay.  I opened it up and discovered an assignment I had given out over four years ago. 

The assignment was to write a letter to one of your parents, in French, telling them what they represent in your life.  Kim, this is a letter Liz wrote to you! 

Now, I dont speak French, so Jan translated it for me.  That letter was a mothers dream.  In it Liz told me how much she loved and missed me in so many different ways.  And, amazingly, even though the letter was written when Liz was in high school, it made complete sense for life after September 20, 2003. 

Here is the English translation of the letter: 

Assignment:  Write a letter to your Mother or Father telling them what they represent in your life. 

Dear Mom, 

I know that you love me.  You show me each day that it is true.  Dont think you are a bad mother.  It isnt true!  When I look at you I realize how much I am loved. 

When you are feeling bad, dont forget --- I truly love you.  I would like to be a better daughter.  We argue sometimes and that makes me sad.  I feel bad and unhappy if you cry. 

I remember when I was little and you would hug me and say, I love you so much, Lizzie, sit here with me for just a little while.  Those times were so special for me and you made me so happy.  I felt like nothing could ever hurt me.  I use to wish those moments would never end.  To be cuddled up next to you like that today would be like a dream come true. 

Mom, I feel sad when you feel sad.  And, when you are happy, I am happy!  You are my mother and I would never choose anyone else.  Without you, I would never be who I am. 

I love you with all my heart. 

Kisses,

Liz 

Suddenly what had been a very difficult day became a completely amazing day, and I was once again emailing all of my friends and family to share this wonderful letter with them. 

Jan brought the folder and the letter to my house that night.  As she put it in my hands, she said to me, You have got to know this was no accident.  I said, Oh Jan, believe me I do know that.  She went on to tell me that she remembered telling Liz what a beautiful letter it was, and she had encouraged her to share it with me.  She even remembered what Lizs comment had been,  I will when the time is right. 

Receiving that letter was no coincidence.  I believe with all my heart that my daughter is still with me and she knew I was having a difficult day.  She reached out to let me know just how much she loves and misses me, just as I love and miss her. 

That letter is now framed, with the French version on one side, a picture of Liz in the middle, and the English translation on the other, and it hangs in our living room.   It is a constant reminder of the power of our love.  That letter is visual proof for me that Liz reached out and touched me on a day when I needed it most.   

Now, I am sure, I will have more sad days in the years to come.  But when I do, all I have to do is read her letter and I will once again feel the strong bond that we will always share.  It is a bond that can never be broken, not even by death. 

Just as Gods love for his children never changes, the love that my daughter and I share never changes.  It will live for all eternity.

Was this experience difficult to express in words?  No

Did you see the deceased?         No

Did you smell a distinct smell, scent, fragrance or odor associated with the deceased?      No

Could you sense the emotions or mood of the deceased?           Yes

loving

How do you currently view the reality of your experience?           Experience was definitely real

            Please explain why you view the reality of your experience as real or not real:           I and others have had many connections with my daughter since her death.  They are all real.  

Describe in detail your feelings/emotions during the experience:           it literally took my breath away

Was there any emotional healing in any way following the experience?           Yes

Whenever I have a bad day or miss my daughter or am sad ... all I have to do is read her letter and I can feel the bond that we will always share

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      the worst part was losing the physical presence of my daughter forever.  The best part was all of the signs and messages she sent to me and to others and just my journey these past 5-1/2 years into knowing without any doubts that she is happy, she is fine and love never dies and now being given opportunities to share my experiences with others so hopefully help in their grief journey.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Yes                 Describe:      I am now able to live in JOY ... I speak ... I write ... and I hope by sharing my experiences others can come to the realization that communication with passed loved ones is available to everyone

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   No       Did the experience give you any spiritual understandings such as life, death, afterlife, God, etc.?  Yes     we are all connected - what happens to one happens to all -

Death Compacts are when two or more living people promise among themselves that whoever dies first will try to contact the other(s).  Have you ever made such a compact?        No

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          Yes the letter was verified by the French teacher.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            complete and utter JOY!!!

Was the experience witnessed or experienced by others?           Yes

It was experienced by my daughter's high school French teacher

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   No

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Yes

a wonderful teacher came into my life shortly after Liz's death ... she was a connection to Liz and later she taught me how to tap into my own intuitive abilities as well as being able to connect with my daughter on my own

Did you become aware of future events?       N0 comment

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?         Yes

see #35 above

Have you shared this experience with others?        

Yes     99% supportive and accepting

Have you shared this experience formally or informally with any other researcher or web site?            Yes

I share it whenever and wherever I find the opportunity.

 Is there anything else you would like to add regarding your experience?       A lot of my journey is a part of the book entitled, True Stories of Messages from Beyond, by Julie Aydlott & Friends.  I have had MANY different experiences and I know I will continue to have them.  It is simply wonderful, marvelous,  there just aren't enough adjectives to explain the wonder and beauty and love that it gives.

Were there any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?            No

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         No 

Did you ever in your life have a near-death experience, out of body experience or other spiritual event?           Yes 

Back in 1977 before I was married or had my daughter's I had an OBE in which Jesus appeared to me and I also left my body and went to another realm and Jesus was there as well.

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?               Yes

I have nothing to hide - my experiences are what they are - most are too intricate to be "made up" and I would never do that anyway.