07/27/2024
Today marks the eighth anniversary of Kyra’s Angel Day.👼 Kyra was only 2 years old when she was murdered by her dangerous and abusive father due to the failings of New York Family Court.
I miss Kyra every single second of every day. I close my eyes and hope that I will wake up from this horrible nightmare, that her murder was somehow my imagination playing a terrible trick on me. But, instead, every day I realize I am wide awake and in this world without my Sweet Baby Girl.💔
Over the last eight years, I have tried to make sense of Kyra’s murder, and I quickly learned that Kyra’s murder was NOT an isolated incident. It is part of a terrifying trend in divorce and custody cases – one that our court systems, and other politicians, would like to keep hidden. And since then, I have worked tirelessly to make changes to protect other children.
I have seen people who have opened their hearts to Kyra, people just like you, in a way that has humbled me and renewed my faith in love and humanity. With your support, we have passed laws in multiple states as well as a measure on Capitol Hill.⚖️ I have testified repeatedly before government entities, and been part of a leading government Commission, as well as become parts of key groups/organizations who want to make Kyra’s Law a reality. And, I spend countless hours speaking with national, state, and local legislators to advance legislation and discuss ways we can better protect our beloved children from abusive parents. None of this will bring Kyra back to me, but I believe she is always with me in spirit.🙏
Some welcome us with open arms and want to bring about desperately needed changes, and others have turned us away. I have had people lock arms with me, stand shoulder to shoulder with me and pledge their support. And, I couldn’t be more thankful for all of YOU wonderful people. Your generosity, kindness and love for a little girl – who some of you never got to meet – fills my eyes with tears of appreciation.🤗
I have had to re-learn how to live and how to function in a Kyra-less world. How to go to a store and not break into tears while passing the toddler items, and truth be told – it still sometimes makes me cry. I’ve learned to “dry cry” so people wouldn’t know I was falling apart in some situations. I’ve had to learn to smile and laugh without feeling immensely guilty. Even putting sentences together was a struggle at one time for me. And, I had to learn how to deal with questions like, “How are you?” and “Do you have children?” Questions that sometimes still sting when asked. 😭
Every day, I wish I could hear Kyra’s voice again, see her face again and give her a hug. Instead, I am left with a heart that is shattered into millions of pieces while I visit a gravesite and light candles at my church. I wish I had taken more pictures and more videos to watch and hold onto. There are days I am ready to fight, and days I want to just crawl back into bed and stay there forever. And, there are still many days, like today, when it hurts just to breathe.💔
To my Sweet Baby Girl, Kyra – The only reason I pick myself back up, is because my love for you will never stop, and will only continue to grow. And, each and every day, as I look at your picture or one of your videos and hear your voice, you inspire me to be better. And, I know there is another little girl or little boy out there that if we keep working on this path, their outcome will be different than yours.🙏
I have no doubt you would have made an incredible impact on this world when you grew up. You were a natural leader, fearless, and everyone knew your name as your smile and laugh were contagious.
Now, I’ll hope I can carry your spirit, your love and your memory forward to continue to make changes and support others in your honor.👼
I love you, Kyra. I miss you with all my soul, my Sweet Baby Girl. And, I’ll never stop fighting for you.💙
Jacqueline
Forever Kyra’s Mom
www.KyraFranchetti.org
