“This is the most wonderful time of the year…” I love what the holidays bring to our home. The traditions we continue to embrace, the time with our family and friends building memories and remembering the true meaning for the season.
But, I have to admit, it can also be the most difficult time of the year. My heart has ached in recent weeks as I have scrolled through social media and had a glimpse into the personal loss and mourning or struggles with illness that so many of my friends are going through. One who just lost his brother in a tragic car wreck, one whose young son is battling the ugly “C” word, one who will have her first Christmas without her mom, another who had to say good-bye to their family dog, one who’s husband is battling the ugly “C” word along with other’s who are living through another year without their grandparents, parents, siblings, spouse or best friend…
Grieving through the holidays is the hardest thing I continue to do in my own life. When one of my dearest friends posted pictures on Facebook of the beautifully decorated gravesite of my sister, I wept and memories flooded my mind of Christmas past, especially the first one without Vicki…
Vicki’s Lynnes Gravesite
December 12, 2014
Such a bittersweet time of year.
So, as Christmas is approaching, my wish is that you take a moment out of your busy and hectic schedule to reach out and say hello. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while, flash a smile to a stranger, but let people know how much you love them, no matter the time or distance between you. Take a moment to get on your knees and pray. Life is a beautiful amazing gift, no matter how hard this moment may be.
From my family to yours, I wish you all the very best this Christmas season.
Hello, I live in Tucson and recently learned about Vicki’s tragic death through an episode of Forensic Files. I can’t help but be drawn to Vicki as this happened right in our backyard and I now have a child the same age as Vicki was when she was kidnapped. If she is buried in Tucson, would you be willing to share the location of her gravesite? My son and I would like to pay our respects to this beautiful girl. And I would like to take the moment as a teaching opportunity for my son–to teach him that there are bad people in this world like Atwood who will hurt children just because they can. God bless your family and I hope they execute this scum before we waste anymore taxpayer dollars on his life–the long life he didn’t allow your sister to live. By the way, the picture of you two at Apache lake is gorgeous amd brought tears to my eyes. Cherish those memories.
Hello Mandy!
Thank you for taking the time to write!!! I am always touched and humbled when people reach out.
Vicki is buried in Tucson at Evergreen Cemetery off of Oracle Road. Her gravesite is not far from the main office. I am sure if you stop in they will give you specific directions. I am going to email you too.
It is my hopes that Vicki’s life and death continue to touch, teach and inspire peoples lives. Her short time here on earth was filled with love and laughter, and we work hard to honor her as we fight for her justice.
Thank you so very much for reaching out. God Bless you and your son!!!!
All my love,
Stephanie