Remembrance of Heidi at Christmas 2011

Although Heidi wasn’t making a joke or tossing wrapping paper snowballs at me from the other side of the Christmas tree this year, her presence and love was felt. Each year since Heidi’s kidnapping my parents devote time and energy to one special gift from the heart in remembrance of their beloved youngest daughter. And each year…I cry.

This year was no different. All the gifts are unwrapped with thanks shared around the room when I hear “There is one more under the tree for your Mom. Can you get it for her?” Unsure of what might be in the tiny green box with the big red bow I open my card to read the homemade card from my parents.

Next to Santa’s big rosy cheeks I read
To Lisa,
School teacher who cares
Mother and wife
Writer – Author
Our Daughter

I can feel the warmth of freshly salted tears forming beneath my eyelids and I haven’t even opened the card. I’m a sucker for a gift from the heart, almost always, okay, always with tears of appreciation to follow.

The words written within the card are a treasure for to be kept in my Bible yet a few I would like to share with you.

“…a small photo locket…looks just like a small book…belonged to your Great-Grama Searles…the chain was too tarnished so we put Heidi’s gold chain on it…together showing your love for writing and your sister and the backing of the whole family past and present. ..We are very proud of you.”

A card signed with love from my parents with many more words of love, encouragement and remembrance. My great-grandmother’s golden book placed on my precious sister’s gold chain, a priceless gift from the heart. Mom removed the photos of my grandparents (bummer) so I can place my own pictures within the book.  I’ve thought and prayed on this since Christmas day and still undecided of whom or what will be tucked within the pages of this little treasure of a book.

Thank you mom and dad for always knowing exactly what I need, I love you. My mother worded it perfectly in her post on yesterday’s blog, “…I find things change and we cope better but not easier......we won’t forget Heidi and she will always be in our heart but we do find other ways to make memories and joy in our life…” The evidence in is in the book…both the jewelry worn and the words written between the covers of “Where’s Heidi? The Search Begins.”