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A little bit of the story behind the card…I think you’re beautiful <3 Sydney :D

. I think you're beautiful . , , , ,

PicMonkey CollageIf you’ve received one of Sydney’s cards I hope you feel the love of an angel surrounding you and I hope you know that you are beautiful ❤ Your card is our way of keeping Sydney’s memory and love alive..we hope that you consider sending the card with a pay it forward or sharing it with someone you know who may need to be reminded that no matter how they feel they are beautiful not only to others but to God who has made us in his own image. If you would like to share your story of why you shared your card or how it felt to receive the card feel free to leave a comment for others to read.

On the 2 yr anniversary of Sydney accident I was blessed with an amazing gift. Jill Presnal and I had become friends over the last two years and on many occasions she’d listened to me talk about Sydney and the way she “loved” not just me but everyone around her.
I asked Jill to share the story of why she made the cards:

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I always loved seeing Sydney’s sweet notes on your Facebook and twitter feed- a bright spot in my day. The handwritten one on the post it was my favorite and I saved it to my phone. Maybe because I am a boy mom and don’t get little love notes hidden away is why it really touched me. The sweetness and simpleness of a little love note to make someone smile and feel loved. I would come across it when looking for a picture and it would always make me smile. I love the simpleness of it- her own handwriting on a little yellow post it note, tucked away in your bible for you to find. The simpleness of it but with a HUGE impact.

She thought ahead and wanted to make you smile, feel loved, know that you are beautiful. And she did this not just for her mom, but for so many. Bible verses, Instragram posts, kind notes giving others support and love and comfort.
In our world it is rare to come across someone so giving and kind that lifts others up. I thought- wouldn’t it be nice to get a sweet love note like that from someone? A surprise, tucked away in your purse, or book, or even for a stranger- on their windshield. So that is where the idea started- spread Sydney’s love and kindness all around. In a world where there is so much sadness, anger, pain- we all need love and kindness. What a perfect way to brighten someone’s day or surprise a friend or stranger. I have one on my visor by a very special picture and whenever I flip it down and see the photo with Sydney’s sweet words I smile. And I hope that is what everyone does when they get a Sydney love note, smile and feel loved.

IMG_9015The I think you’re beautiful card originated from a post it note Sydney left in my bible. She was always leaving what I would call “love” notes or encouraging notes for people to find. I believe God knew I would need some encouraging words from her so he had her leave it for me to find..after the accident I began using Sydney’s bible when I attended church or bible study because it made me feel close to her. So I didn’t end up finding this extremely cherished “love” note until several months after the accident.

It has been (by far) one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received because she has given me a way to continue “loving” people the way Sydney would have loved them if she were here.

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Two more of Sydney’s “love” notes The first one was left for one of her soccer team mates and the last one she wrote on her Daddy’s grocery list. She was at the end of her Sophomore year of high school when she left these so those around her would know how much they meant to her. I challenge you..I challenge you to stop for a minute and let someone know how much you love them or that you think they rock your socks, or that they are beautiful

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12 yrs seems impossible

. Grief its Real . , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12 years seems impossible but yet I’ve felt every second of everyday. You just don’t get to ignore seconds filled with heartache and there is nothing that can change it, or take it away.  How I respond is up to me. I can sit in the depths of it, allow it to press so hard on my heart that I feel it physically and it literally hurts to breathe. I can allow my mind to focus on the loss and devastation thinking only about what was taken, and what I lost. After 12 years I can only imagine where she would be and what she would be doing. The milestones I’ve watched Cameron accomplish that she never got the opportunity to. The milestones her friends have made, real jobs, engagement, marriage, having babies,  oh how easy it would be to just focus on how brutal and unfair life is.  I’m not going to lie..every grieving parents goes to those places and probably even each day. It’s impossible not to, but I have chosen to lean into God  and focus on Jesus trying my best to live my life from his example. When it was hard for him he prayed and continued carrying his cross for the greater good, his greater good was the gift that allows me to focus on something positive. The fact that Sydney isn’t lost, because of Jesus 12 years ago she was given the most beautiful gift beginning her eternal life with God in heaven. What I’ve experienced the last twelve years and every year still to come isn’t permanent, it’s temporary, because as David said in the scriptures about his sweet baby “I will go to him but he will not return to me”.  I have chosen my focus to be on the only true healing for a grieving parent. God his love, his peace, and his promises. I chose to focus on the future and build on what will be permanent and eternal. I want to make sure that “when I go to her” I have left this world remembering the amazing gift her life is, what she wanted to be remember for (a disciple of Jesus), and that she not only wanted you to know him as well but in her own writings..she says it is worth giving up everything for God. As I sit knowing Sydney is in heaven I can’t help but think how true her words are..everything this world has to offer that we can give up is NOTHING compared to eternity with God and all those that loved God. 

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12th Annual Play for Jeter Memorial Game

. Play for Jeter . , , , , ,

There is no greater gift then to know your child’s memory and legacy continue to impact and touch lives. This year I had a player tell me that “Jeter’s” story affected their family so much that they changed the way their family lived. They try to never leave the house without saying I love you and giving each other hugs. They do not go to bed or leave the house mad at each other. I couldn’t help but think that is what Sydney would have wanted. My hope is always when I speak to the team to allow them to get to know “Jeter” and pass on a little bit of her passion for the game and love of others. As always thank you to our friends and family who show up each year to help support her teammates as they remember and Play for Jeter.

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11th Annual Play for Jeter Memorial Game

. Play for Jeter . , , , , , , ,

11th Annual Memorial Game
This Friday The Lady Tigers played their 11th Memorial game in honor and memory of Jeter. As I sit and pray and think about speaking to the girls. One thought is ever so present.. LIVE the life you want to be remembered for. I’m still amazed that 11 years later coaches and players that never knew her continues to step up and want to carry her memory, heart, and the passion she had for soccer. I don’t think that is because she showed up to practice and thought about being the best player, it wasn’t because she showed up and was the best player. It was simply because she showed up and soaked up every moment she was given in a way that others couldn’t deny her passion and love for the game and her team. She never walked on the field and disappeared or did just enough. She LIVED and loved every moment she was given in life. I miss everything about her but specifically I miss that spunk, that determination, that passion and of course that pony tale we placed high on her head that made it easy to recognize her. She even got teased for that pony tale but that never once stopped her from wearing it..instead she wanted to put it higher. It was her and to this day when anyone that watched her thinks of Sydney and soccer I bet you they remember her passion that poured out of her in such high volumes and her pony tale 🩷.
I just can’t help but think my message is that you won’t be remembered for what you want to be remembered for. You won’t be remembered for what you think you will be remembered for. You will be remembered for the LIFE you chose to LIVE even if you don’t realize that is what’s happening. Sydney Lisa Jeter wouldn’t have thought she would continue to be remembered and honored long after her original teammates were gone, but she is because of the LIFE she LIVED while she was here playing the game she loved so much. I’ll end with this..What do you want your legacy to be when you’re gone? Don’t just think about it..LIVE IT

#missablekindofgirl #playforjeter

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10 years of Play For Jeter Annual Memorial Game

. Play for Jeter . , , , ,

Tonight the Lady Tigers will play the 10th Annual Sydney Lisa Jeter Memorial #playforjeter game. I can’t help but wish the current team could have known and played with Jeter. Her passion and love for the game was felt by anyone who played with her, coached her or watched her. Once a teammate always a teammate. Thank you to The A&M Consolidated Lady Tiger Soccer Program for continuing to bless our family and JETER’s legacy. Forever and always my #missablekindofgirl

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9th Annual Memorial Game

. Play for Jeter . , , ,

Last Friday The A&M Consolidated Lady Tiger Soccer Team had their annual Play For Jeter game. This year I also got to join the varsity girls at their team dinner. What a blessing to be able to hang out with these girls and share JETER with them. My heart was filled with joy hearing the laughter and seeing them joke and bond. It has been a long time since I got to be in a room filled with soccer girls so I appreciated it a little more than they actually know. Unfortunately I missed getting to hang out with the JV girls. I have searched but can not find the words to express my appreciation for this community, this program, these girls, the parents, and my amazing friends and family who continue to show up and remember and love Jeter through this event. I also want to say a special thank you to the team parents who continue to welcome me in and make me feel as though I am still a part of this family and community. I have included some pictures from the event. I love the decorations from Card My Yard College Station. Thank you Amanda for always supporting my girl’s memory and this event. What a blessing! #playforjeter #missablekindofgirl Sydney Lisa Jeter

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Sydney Jeter Heart Award

. Play for Jeter . , , ,

Congratulations Morgan 🎉

This soccer family never ceases to amaze me. So thankful they communicate all the things done to honor and carry JETER’S legacy. Beauty out of Ashes.

Rebecca Ritchey Marino:

After a great freshman season, we are extremely proud of Morgan for receiving the Sydney Jeter Heart Award at the Consol Soccer Banquet earlier this week. The award was voted on by her teammates and she couldn’t be more deserving. In her own way, the hustle and determination, combined with the calm steadiness she showed on the field served to honor the award’s namesake. Michelle Broussard Jeter know your daughter’s legacy continues be strong within the program and Morgan felt a great sense of reverence in receiving the award. We can’t wait to see the team on the field again next year. Go Tigers!

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8th Annual Play For Jeter game

. Play for Jeter

There are no words individually, or that I can put together that can express the appreciation and love that we feel for all the people who are part of the game and honoring Jeter and all the people who show up to support us and the Consol Lady Tiger Soccer team. I had an amazing surprise by Courtney Sydney’s friend from Leander and also the first time my Brother in Law got to attend. I loved getting to share this with them but also loved getting to share this with my friends, family and faithful tribe and of course Sydney’s teammates who continue to join us. I wasn’t able to get a group picture with everyone as some had to leave but I truly love all of you. Thank you for always loving my #missablekindofgirl and continuing to #PlayForJeter

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7 Years Later

. Getting to Know Sydney, Grief its Real, I think you're beautiful . , , , , , , , , ,

Friday we passed the 7 year mark. It’s unbelievable how large that number looks when my heart and mind are stuck in that moment as if time has stood still. To me it still seems like just yesterday. We don’t experience time the same way as others. I appreciate those who continue to support us and rally around us on that day so that the negative thoughts and the lies of the enemy aren’t the only ones we hear. Thank you Kristi for always posting and sharing pictures and helping me keep Sydney’s memory alive. It’s sad for me to say that after 7 years..YOU are the only one who did. Thank you to Marilyn for always sending us the most amazing crafty gifts that always seem to fit the memories and thoughts perfectly. Thank you to our faithful friends and Sydney’s faithful friends who continue to show up and sit with us. They aren’t just praying for us..they are the ones who have answered Gods call for them to be the answer to our prayers. I know that is a call many don’t want, and have avoided. Thank you to those few who have continued to love us instead of treating us like we don’t exist. After 7 yrs I can honestly say I still need as much love and support as I did the day it happened. After 7 years I still so desperately desire to know that Sydney’s life and love have not been forgotten. Thank you to the few people who couldn’t come by but reached out and sent messages letting us know they were thinking about and praying for us. Knowing they remembered some how makes us feel a little less alone. I have always been the easiest person in our family to approach. Stacy does not get a lot of people reaching out to him. His response is often filled with some RAW truth that many just want no part of. I am so very thankful that Marty Wilkinson and Robert Mumford cared enough to reach out to him. You have no idea what that meant to him. Thanks again for all those who were selfless enough to think of us and Sydney as we reluctantly move into another year without a part of us. I miss Sydney and I miss who I was when she was here. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be and I’m forever tossing in life trying to find a more comfortable position. One that doesn’t seem to present that throbbing ache inside my heart. I wish it was like the other throbbing aches, the ache that a little Advil could take care of, but it isn’t arthritis and no matter how much I toss and turn nothing feels comfortable, nothing feels right. I continue because I woke up breathing this morning and trust that if God gave me breathe then he has a purpose for me today. I have experienced his strength to carry me beyond my capabilities so I continue to follow him because he is the only one that has the fix to my tossing and turning. Not a new bed, not a doctor, not a therapist..just JESUS🙏🏻