Because of the love & kindness of the Rodden family Morgan has her own tree in Carbondale, CO. It overlooks a wonderful dog park where her puppy Wylah used to play. This tree was chosen and planted by this wonderful family as a beautiful reminder of Morgan and I know Morgan would be very grateful.
As it grows and produces more shade to all those who stand under it, along with their fur babies, I hope they take a moment and read the plaque that is attached to the tree. It says, “Remember Me Loving You.” Morgan Ingram 8.16.1991 – 12.2.2011. This is a saying that Morgan loved. Morgan never missed an opportunity to express her feelings – she was very open and honest with everyone. A day never went by without her verbalizing her love. You never know when it will be too late to tell someone you love exactly how you feel, but I know that is not something Morgan would have ever needed to worry about – she always said I love you early and often.
I felt it was time to finally post this picture of the Morgan tree. I am so very grateful to have such loving, caring people in our lives. Some of which I had never even met until after Morgan’s murder. Sometimes I feel people like these should be called earth angels. They appear to us when we feel we can no longer go on. They lift us up with their light and joy and they give us a glimpse of happiness one more time, if only for a moment. Because of people like this you know you must go on, because with every new day the sun still rises and the leaves on the trees glisten with the fresh morning dew. Nothing stops. My whole world will never be the same without Morgan, but the world still goes on. And every day is a new day in which you can make a difference in this world. A day that I can honor my child with my love and through my actions.
This coming Sunday, August 16th will be Morgan’s birthday…she would have been 24 years old. At the beginning of August 2011 her life had changed forever – she had a stalker. She had no idea at that time who it was, and she was so very frightened. Because of her stalker(s) that birthday, 4 years ago this coming Sunday, ended up being Morgan’s very last birthday on this earth – she just turned 20. We talked about where she wanted to spend her next birthday – the big 21. She said Las Vegas wasn’t really her thing and she was thinking that maybe we could all take a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico to celebrate. She loved the art galleries and the people there. I told her she had a whole year to think about it and whatever she decided would be great. How could I have ever known we would never have a chance to see her turn 21?
Every day this week as I count down to this coming Sunday I get a little sadder, a little weepier, and my heart aches. Yet at the same time I feel Morgan’s spirit very, very close. When I feel Morgan close by it always brings a smile to my face…I love her so much! This Sunday we will burn a candle for Morgan, our family will cry and laugh and remember all the wonderful moments we were grateful for. Because of Morgan I promise to never ever take a single day for granted.
Keep the ones you love close, tell them you love them early and often. Make lots of memories with them and always make them your number one priority in life…because they are.
If you get a chance this coming Sunday, August 16th please burn a candle for Morgan and pray that her investigation is opened and justice is served. Pray that state officials in Colorado care enough to do the right thing for Morgan, as well as all the other victims of stalking, murder and missing persons. Your actions, thoughts and prayers really do matter. Much love to you all.