One thing that I have found more than anything else these past six months is that my girls knew how to really love in their very short life here on earth. People have shared with us story after story of how my girls have impacted their lives. I think they will continue to do so even now that they are in Heaven. I feel so blessed that I got to feel that love daily.
I am so blessed to be Anna’s and Abigail’s mom.
When Tom and I got married the girls and Tom’s mom made heart rocks for people to write a little message on at our wedding.
Those rocks are found all over our house and remind us of all the love we had and continue to have surrounding us. When we came back to our house after the girls went to Heaven, those rocks had a whole new meaning – – so simple yet so powerful. We also had everyone take a Love Rock home with them to remember our special weekend. It’s nice to see these rocks when I visit their homes.
For Valentine’s Day this year I made Love Rocks for all the students in both Anna’s and Abigail’s classes. It made me smile to see the kids hold them tight in their hands as if they were holding Anna’s or Abigail’s hand tightly. Those smiles gave me an idea.
Wouldn’t it be fun to leave Love Rocks all over for others to find? People know how Tom and I are hurting, but for most people their struggles and hurts are hidden. You never know exactly what people are dealing with on any given day. Giving and receiving love is very therapeutic and definitely good for the soul.
To get involved, find or make a Love Rock and spread the joy. Give the rock to someone while doing an act of kindness for them, place the rock somewhere special for someone else to find or simply give the rock to someone and just let them know they are loved. You can write a little message on the back or just leave the heart to say it all.
I keep a bag of Love Rocks in my purse, in my car and I have a few in my jacket pocket. I have found so much pleasure in leaving these rocks in places people will find them. We took some to Seattle with us, I’ve left some on a long hike we did a couple of weekends ago and while getting my car fixed, I just left one on the counter at the dealership.
I smile at the thought of those who find them. What will they think? Will they feel the love? I sure hope so.
So, if you feel moved to join me in spreading love, get out your Mod Podge and go to the dollar store and buy a big bag of rocks and some fabric. Here is a little DIY for those who need it.
After giving or receiving a Love Rock, log onto http://www.facebook.com/lovedrenched and share your story or pictures of your creative placements. Leaving a rock at the dealership was a bit tricky — I felt like a spy when I was doing it which made me think of the many times Anna and her friends would try desperately to sneak downstairs and spy on me while I was making dinner. I smile at that thought.
Anna and Abigail would be all over this. They would have hundreds of rocks made and would be leaving them all over the place. I smile to think that their love shines ever so bright.
Once again, I’m proud to be their Mom!
If you just don’t have the time to make your own Love Rocks visit Anna and Abigail’s tree. There is a basket of rocks already made just for you. Please take a few and spread the love. I promise it will come back ten fold.
LOVE ROCKS!
love-drenched-life.com 
I love this, makes me feel happy, I’m for sure making some today!
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Susan, what an amazing gift and blessing you are sharing with the world in the midst of such a tragedy. God Bless you and Tom.
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Susan you are a amazing person so inspirational and full of Gods love thank you
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Thanks for visiting Harvey Clarke! I’m an IA there. I’m going to make some Love Rocks and deposit them all over the United States this summer as my husband rides his bike on a cross country trip. I will use your little cards with the web addresses and the pictures of your girls and the Oregon outline so people will know what it’s about. btw- I found a Love Rock on my desk yesterday!
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It will be so fun to see where people find them on your trip. Hopefully they will log onto the Facebook page and post pictures…if not, you will still be warming a lot of hearts. Thank you for sharing the love and I”m glad you found one on your desk!
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Sarah came home from school today and said “Guess what Mom? Chris has a Love Rock on his desk! ( her teacher), I asked him if that is what it was, and he said it was from Susan herself!” She was super impressed. After making them at scouts today, she came to me after dinner and said “Mom? Can I make a Love Rock for each of the Schoolhouse Rocks cast and crew? ( she’s a cast member)After all, we ROCK, and I could slip one in each of their bags backstage, and put on it a word that describes them! I think I’ll start with Isaac ( they’ve become good friends, and he doubts his abilities)–his word will be courage.” She then spent time gnawing on a pencil and making a list of what each persons word would be. Your idea has been so inspiring, and is spreading 🙂
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Sue:
Alerik made his First Communion this past weekend and Blaise walked up to me and gave me a love rock. He also gave one to my elderly Uncle Tony who will also treasure it. Know that love has extended its hand here in Granville, Ohio and it will be forwarded.
All my best,
Marie Daniels
Amy’s Mom
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This makes my heart happy Marie!
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Our family will be making LOVE ROCKS this weekend… all the way in London, Ontario, Canada. You, your faith, and your rocks are inspiring! Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing the Love Lynley!
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Can’t wait to spread some love around New York State !
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We will be spreading the love in Maine is week! Thanks for the idea!
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Chicks Rule and Love Rocks!!!!
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Susan – you are amazing. You have no idea how, on a daily basis, you have impacted me – and guided me – in the decisions I make and parent. Yesterday for Easter the girls received some items for a fairy house. I thought of you and the girls the whole time. They were outside for HOURS working with the few pieces they were given and improvising the rest. They’ve always loved making fairy houses, it’s just a new level now. I’m literally going to the craft store first thing this morning…. the girls will LOVE being a part of this. I love you. xoxoxo
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Love you Tori…happy to hear that the fairies are active at your house. I just put out all of the girls fairy houses in our garden. Lots of birthday fairies yesterday for sure.
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I love that you wrote about this today. Today Addison shared her rock you made with her in class with her sister. Kennedy walked around for hours clutching it and beaming with joy from the gesture. Addison told me how she wanted to go to the dollar store to buy rocks and make them to give out. I will share with her the idea of leaving them for others to find. Such a wonderful idea!
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This makes my heart happy….I told the kids to share the rock with someone special.
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The day you brought the rocks to my classroom and I see the joy in the students. Mine rock sits proudly iny desk and whenever I look at it I smile. It reminds me if Abby and her laughter.
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Wow. My apologies. Should have re-read before I posted. The meaning is the same.
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I would love to come in sometime in the next couple of weeks and make them with your class…let me know when and I’ll be there. Love you!
Abby had the best laugh!!!
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I think this would be THE PERFECT craft for my after school Arts and Crafts club at Tom McCall to make! Thank you for sharing your story! God bless you all!!!
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Thanks for spreading the love Parri!!!
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Can’t wait to make our own LOVE ROCKS in remembrance of your girls Susan! THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRATION! LOVE YOU!
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Love you too!!!
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Your girls are smiling ear to ear in heaven! I also second Tana’s sentiment…love ROCKS!…and so do you! Love you!
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Brady broke his thumb on his birthday when he was four. While we were waiting in the hospital waiting room, the nicest woman approached Brady and offered him a small rock that said “imagine”. She said someone gave it to her when she felt very worried and she thought he could use the comfort. He kept that rock and carries it often. The rock reminds him of the kind act of a stranger who simply offered a small token and gesture of comfort. He brought up the memory to me just a week ago and he remembers the nice woman and how it made him feel. The love rocks will offer a lot of comfort and love.
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You continue to inspire us all. Love rocks! Will totally pass them on. Brooklyn still has the two you have given her and she smiles when holding them.
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Dear Susan–You rock love rocks! We will make some! We would be honored.
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Gotta do this!! I’m sure the grandkids will love to get involved and what a great life lesson! Like Tana I can’t wait to get started!
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Can’t wait to make love rocks with my family!! LOVE ROCKS!!! … And so do you !! Love You!
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🙂
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