A Heartfelt Discovery: Letters from a Fallen Soldier

Lieutenant Todd Weaver served in Afghanistan for a few years until he was killed by an explosive device in September 2010. His widow, Emma, and their nine-month-old daughter, Kylie, attended his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. But two days later, when Emma turned on his laptop, she found a folder containing two letters, one for her and one for their baby daughter.

"There were two Word documents with everything he had never said to us, the words he wanted to give us but couldn't," Emma recalls. "I suppose he wrote the letters shortly before he was deployed to Afghanistan as a preparation for the worst."

As a U.S. Army officer, Todd witnessed much death, something he needed to prepare for despite the difficulty.

"In the letter for me, I couldn't hold back the tears and burst into crying by the first lines he wrote," Emma shares, revealing the letter Todd left for her:

"Never forget that Hashem knew what was best for us, even before we were born"

"Dear Emma. Well, if you are reading this, I guess I didn't make it home alive, and therefore, I can't talk about anything now except to remind you again how much I love you. Although I can't be here with you now, I find comfort in the fact that I'm watching over you and will always be with you in spirit. I know this time must be hard for you, but I also know how strong you are and that you'll get through this.

"Never forget that Hashem knew what was best for us even before we were born, and please find comfort in that. My death happened for a reason, and although you may not believe it now—you will one day.

"The memories we shared in the last few years were the best of my life, and although it might seem like my life was too short, I lived a life most people could only dream of. I married the perfect woman, and I have a beautiful daughter who amazed me every day, and most of the time I couldn't ask for more. If you feel sad, I only ask you to think of our shared memories and find comfort in the gift I left in your arms – our daughter."

"When things don't go your way—never forget that Hashem knows what's best for you"

"Be strong for her and remind her of the father who loved her so much," Todd continues. "More than anything else in the world. Her birth was the happiest day of my life, and she was the best thing that ever happened to me. Tell her that her father is now in a good place watching over her at all times. And as for you, don't be afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. It's so important to me that you go on and find happiness in your life. Although you may think it's impossible right now, remember there is faith in the world. You and Kylie will have a wonderful life, and I'm so happy I had the privilege to share part of it with you. Love you both, your husband, Todd."

The second letter Todd addressed to his daughter Kylie, who was then nine months old. "Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. You truly are a gift from Hashem, and the best day of my life was the day you were born," Todd wrote. "Every time I saw you smile, my heart melted, and my life until the day you were born wasn't truly complete.

"I'm so sorry I won't be able to watch you grow up, but remember your father is not gone. I'm in heaven looking down at you, and you're so lucky to have such a wonderful mom to take care of you. Help her whenever you can and be thankful for this blessing, never forget how important and special you are among all the people created in the world. Always be considerate of others and you'll find the world smiling back at you. And when things don't go your way and as you wish—never forget that Hashem knows what's best for you, and everything will work out in the end," Todd concluded.

And as they say, wisdom in the nations—believe it.