His letter to his wife Emma and daughter Kiley are
what was sent home after his death, and read as follows:
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
Dear Kiley
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
