When I would write about Taylor as she grew up and I learned how to post on social media, I would add the hashtag, #golighttheworld because Taylor has a strength about her that just brings light with her. We moms always think our babies can do anything, and I am sure both of mine are game changers. I humbly marvel at each of them, their intellect, their senses of humor, their selective senses of responsibility, their loyalty to friends and faith. As I have written before, I have always been thankful. I knew when they were both still young enough to be carted around in the back seat that Joey and I were blessed.
Tonight I received a private message from one of her sorority sisters. I have not met Miss Madison, but he clearly has her own light and her own voice and she used it tonight as she wrote me and describe my baby girl to me.
"Hi Mrs. Witcher,
We've never met but I knew and love your daughter. I was just remembering Taylor and all of her wonderful joy when I realized that you might like to know how much your daughter impacted others. I know what an incredible mark Taylor left and the difference she continues to have on so many lives. I had Taylor as my second temp little when she was a freshman and instantly realized just how full of life she was. I had never met someone so wonderfully goofy and who laughed with such abandon. Every single memory I have of Taylor is of her being unfailingly compassionate, loyal, and loving. While she was my temporary little, we went to church together. I had lost my dad that summer and still cried every time I went to church-Taylor didn't get uncomfortable by it. She held my hand and stood by me. Then when I went to OU/Texas I found out last minute that the girls I had grouped my football ticket with sold their tickets and had forgotten to tell me. So, there I was trying to sell my ticket outside of the fairgrounds and was going to have to stand by myself because the other group of girls had to go on to the game. Taylor hadn't even been with me earlier. We randomly ran into one another and of course, as all the other girls were about to leave me alone standing on a street in Dallas, Taylor offered to stay with me. Not only did she stay with me, but of course she waved my ticket around yelling catchy jingles to strangers-acting as my one woman advertising. After that we spent the whole day walking around the fair together and it's still a memory I wouldn't give up for anything. In the midst of a world of flakes, your daughter was always there ready to be the best friend anyone could imagine. After losing my dad, I realized that its the moments like those that mean the most when I hear them from the people that knew him. I still miss Taylor all the time and she won't be forgotten. I hope these memories are something you find comfort in and that you feel Taylor with you always."
This is my girl. Whether she was all made-up and wearing her favorite lipstick or whether she had just rolled out of bed and thrown on a hat, she was authenticity.
The second Miss Madison is also a Theta, but a member of my Union family as well. She has an eye for all things beautiful and those with unique design. An up-and-coming entrepreneur, Madison has her own etsy.com account. Quietly and elegantly, she took the phrase that I associate with my daughter and placed it on a coffee mug along with my girl's initials. Proceeds from the mug sales will benefit a scholarship in Taylor's name through the Theta house. The money will help a future Theta afford the cost of a college education and fellowship with some of the most giving, most loving young women I have ever known. You can see the mug here: https://www.etsy.com/listi…/219837658/go-light-the-world-mug
These two Madisons... and all their sisters ... are sharing their own light. My one good thing tonight? The acts of these remarkable women - Remembering Taylor, and by doing so, helping others.
Thank you, Madison.
Thank you, Mads. #allmylife
#golighttheworld baby girl