Dear Sweet Precious Regina,

June 11, 1988 was one of the five happiest days of my life.  Starting with the day I married your wonderful Daddy and following with the births of my four beautiful children.

You arrived at 11:06 PM and I knew in my heart a princess was born.  Your big mop of dark brown hair looked just like a kitten.  When we brought you home, we bought your older brother a red wagon because we didn’t want him to feel left out.  He was staying with Grandma and Grandpa and when he came bounding into the house, he glanced at the wagon, said a quick “Oh wow” and yelled, “Where’s my baby sister?” 

It’s been playtime ever since at our house. From your older brother pushing you in your baby swing doing 180’s,  while you belly laughed and I prayed, to riding horses together and hanging out… He is our perfect vision of what an older brother should be.

Sean came into our family and you would sit on the couch and say, “I hold it.”  You and Sean always had a special relationship that involved more laughing and clowning around, than anything serious!

Cassie was your little doll baby and you were always begging to hold her, feed her, bathe her and dress her.  That never changed.  You were always giving her beautiful hairdos like French braids and curls.  And she just looked up to you as if you were a queen to her.

The move to Birmingham was hard for you because you left behind your special friend Alex.  But then, you met Keegan and that’s when the FUN really began!  From ear-to-ear smiling walks around the block, to naked romps in the ditch in the rain.

You became class pet in Kindergarten; your teacher called you her “loving bird.”  Meredith became your very best friend and you missed her terribly when she moved to Tampa.

Your smile was the first thing people saw from you, along with your stunning beauty.  Your whole face would light up when you smiled, showing off your gorgeous brown hair and translucent blue eyes.  Eyes that held such depth and a truly beautiful soul within.  It’s the beauty within that will be remembered most.  You were becoming a “woman of noble character” as it  talks about in Scripture in Proverbs 31;  “You were clothed with strength and dignity.”

On January 29, 2002,  you asked Jesus Christ into your heart in the quiet of your room.  You kept these treasures hidden in your heart for awhile.  There was always a gentle, quiet mystery about you, but I had no doubt that Jesus, the Author and Perfector of your life, was doing a great work in you.

You swam like an artist from the time you were five years old. For the following six years, you earned boxes and shelves worth of ribbons and trophies.

Then one day, when you were eleven years old, you met a tired, old horse named Bart and he stole your heart.  You begged Daddy for a horse. So, on your next birthday, Daddy and I bought you “Sheik,” your horse.  Oh, how your face lit up and you hugged your Daddy and gave him that special smile you saved just for him.  I always knew Daddy was your “hero” ~ you owned a piece of his heart and knew just what to say to him and how to get around him.  You made him feel like a king.  You were a “daddy’s girl” in every sense of the word and I rejoiced in that always.

Horses became your new passion and your favorite days were hanging out at the barn with Erin, Sarah, BJ Bex, Darryl, and David.  What a bunch of  “barn rats!” Precious, each and every one of you. Kyle, Sean and Cassie would join you too. Then Daddy bought "Arky" and we rode together whenever you had enough patience to deal with my inept riding.  Watching you jump at shows was like watching a symphony ~ your back erect and regal.  Again, more ribbons and awards.

The move to Tampa was heart wrenching for us.  Your friendships were deeply rooted and my heart ached to take you away from your friends.  It didn’t take long though, for the boys to notice you and a particularly cute, red-head came into your life.  “Isn’t his red hair adorable, Mama?”  I had to call him Thomas Wise to avoid confusion with your older brother.   He became part of our family and will continue to be so. 

A sweet girl named “Stormi” came into  your life and you spent literally hours giggling, laughing and eating “muddy buddies.”

You always had a special relationship with your Poppy, Nanny and Grandpa.  Grandma was gone far too soon for all of us, but she is with you now and we are rejoicing in that.

You loved trips to New Jersey and Connecticut to see all your aunts, uncles, cousins and especially your Great-grandmother Nana Rose who is still with us today.

You were becoming the woman I could only dream about.  And in one horrible, fatal accident, our world was torn apart. It was an accident and no one plans them.   But, just as June 11th was the happiest day of you in our lives,   December 2nd was the happiest day of your life.  For in that instant, you gazed into the face of your Loving Savior Jesus Christ and He held your hand and welcomed you home.

I will never stop thanking Him for allowing us fifteen beautiful years with you, but I know that you, as well as your older brother, Sean and Cassie, truly belong to Him and I thank Him daily for the privilege of raising you. 

My prayer is that through this tragedy, Our Almighty, Merciful and Wonderful Lord will be glorified.  “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him; who have been called according to His purpose.”   Romans 8:28.

So, my precious, baby, sweet sweet Regina Rose Byrne;  “This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad.”   I know that’s what you have wanted. 

We will all miss you terribly but, we will rejoice on that glorious day of the Lord when we see you face to face again.

Loving you always and forever,

Mama and Daddy, your older brother, Sean, and Cassie