It is incredibly touching when people take the time to share their stories about Vicki with me. Sometimes it’s just a brief encounter, memories from school, the softball field or family events. She touched the lives of so many in her short 8 years!
And, I will never be able to fully understand the magnitude of how her death impacted so many.
It’s amazing after so many years, her story is still alive and that is very important to me. I am reminded everyday of the gifts that she left behind, those are the very things that keep me going.
I’d like to invite you to share your story with me, whether it be a memory during her life or how her death impacted you. These are part of the gifts that remind me how special she was.
Thanks in advance! Feel free to share right here on the blog OR you can personally email me at [email protected], I look forward to reading what YOU have to share!!
Vicki & I
Ages 2 & 5
Steph, I love your Blog!!!
I can’t even begin to express how much your family has been in my prayers and thoughts throughout the years.
I want to share with you my experience of how my life was affected by Vicki’s loss.
When Vicki disappeared I was living in Midvale Park on the south side of Tucson. I remember how scared I became of strangers. I had never thought twice about speaking to strangers or walking off with someone that said they knew a family member. Stranger Danger was unknown. I prayed everyday for her and the family. A few weeks after her disappearance a white van had been lurking around the school and the area was put on alert. I somehow became convinced that this meant that Vicki Lynn was near by and I needed to find her. At this time the neighborhood was not built up there were only 2 developments and we were surrounded by desert. I spent endless days riding my bike in the desert looking for her and checking anywhere I could think she might go if she could get away from whoever had her. Of course we were 11 and limited abilities. When Vicki’s remains were found there was a sense of failure for me as I didn’t find her, but I was relieved and thankful to know that there was an answer to her whereabouts. The following summer is when I moved to the NW side and began Flowing Wells Jr. High, I remember the first time meeting you and being so freaked out because I thought how could I explain that I looked everywhere and wasn’t able to find your sister. I honestly avoided you. It is a little embarrassing to admit but truthful (the silly things we believed and did). As years passed the fear of strangers never subsided and becoming a Mom was so scary because how could I trust my baby out in this world of untrustworthy people. I think my daughter came out of the womb knowing everything she could about Stranger Danger. As a GS Leader I reviewed it weekly with the girls and embedded it in their brains because of the fear. I still am a nervous wreck and am looking for the person that doesn’t belong in the area. There is a difference though I’m not scared to approach them anymore.
Vicki Lynn will always hold a special place in my heart and a reminder that life is so precious and we have to love and watch out for each other..
Thanks for letting me share with you how I was affected by this and know that you and your family are always in my heart and prayers. If ever there is anything I can do please let me know.
Tina,
I can not thank you enough for taking the time to share a very private and personal part of your life. I am humbled and thankful to know that after all these years we can have this time to talk and write about those very sad and scary days.
So many, like yourself, have shared similar stories where they felt as if they let us down because they could not bring her home. It is amazing to me the guilt many have carried around all of these years. It is my hopes that as I write and share my journey, that it will help heal wounds that still are open today.
I am blessed by the continued support of so many like yourself, who help keep Vicki’s memory and story alive.
Through the tragedy of her death came many wonderful, beautiful things and although I will never be able to share them all, I will do my best to share as many as I can.
All my love,
Stephanie
She was a great friend. We sat next to each other in class . We were in third grade. We love to swing on those swings that you pump with your arms. She loved to play teather ball and she almost always would win. We were in brownies together. She loved brownies. second grade (I think) we went to a halloween party and were bobing for apples (i vagely remeber that) she was one of my best friends . She always had a big smile on her face and was always happy . She loved to play dodge ball . She was alot of fun! I love your blog and thank you for sharing it with me and everyone . She truely touched everyones heart. She will always be in my heart and mind. I now have 4children and because i lived threw that experince i beleve i raised my own kids with her in mind daily. They know about her and have visted her grave with me. I have pictures of her as I find them ill post them for you too see…thanks and sending love you and debbie <3
Jami
Forever vickis friend <3
Jami,
I love to hear the stories… and stumble upon pictures. I appreciate the picture you shared from your days as a “brownie” with Vicki! What a treasure! It would be incredible if you had more pictures to share!
Thank you for letting Vicki live on in your children, and in your heart. How she was taken from us is not the most important part of the story. How she continues to live in our hearts and how she touches our souls are what are truly most important…
All my love!
Stephanie