Well, sweet girl, in about 30 minutes it will be your birthday. The pain of your leaving and the pain of missing you are evident every day, but more so on these special days. Trick or treat was tonight. I miss you stopping by and waiting "patiently" while I checked out your costume and then gave you the treats. Thanks for not playing tricks on me! You are missed sooooo much, but as believers in Christ and everlasting life, we can have the peace that passes all understanding just knowing that you are with Him in that heavenly place, perhaps having a party! Happy, Happy Birthday Sweetie, and one day I'll be celebrating with you in heaven. Love you!

MISS YOU
I Wish you were here or I were there or we were together anywhere
So far away from where you are
I wish you were here
I miss the years that were erased
I wish you were here
I miss the way the sunshine ☀️ would light up your face
I wish you were here
I miss the little things and the big ones too

Lydia! We are missing you ! We miss your smile, your laughter, your kindness! You continue to live in our hearts.

Sweet girl, my buddy....3 years.  How can that be? Yet your face, your smile,, your giggles, everything about you remain. Such a part of all of us who knew and love you. Tears and longing for you to be here with us pierce our very hearts. Is this the price of love? Missing you always, loving you always. Never ever forgetting you. Pinky Promise.

Three years since you left to go to your heavenly home. Those who LOVE you MOURN your loss!!! Even though you have a BIG Part in our Heart's, there also is a BIG Part that is missing!!! Until we see you again, Know that we send you Hugs and Love...<3

Three long years! Some days it seems like yesterday and some days it seems like a decade. I think about how you and Alyssabeth used to enjoy playing with each other and I just know you two would still be the best of friends. I remember how she used to sit by the window when she knew you were coming and wait to see your van pull in the driveway. I think about the two of you having sleep overs, swimming together, taking baths together and it’s so hard to believe you are gone from our lives! Your mommy and daddy miss you soooo much! We love you and miss you every day. Until we meet again, Lydia

Remembering my last birthday with you....I had just turned 60. You made it so special. Today was sad for me because I thought a lot of that birthday. Today was also happy because I thought a lot about that day. Happy - Sad. I'll take happy but the sad creeps in. Miss you soooo much, Sweet Girl.

it's Easter Sunday Morning! Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! I cry because this is the most important time in Christian life. Christ has defeated death and has victory over the grave! I cry because you are not here to rejoice and celebrate with us. You are enjoying this victory.....but we miss you so much. Love you sweet girl!

Christmas really hurts, because your not here to celebrate with me. Tears fill my eyes and memories flood my mind as I place your ornament on the tree. Although I have a broken heart, it gives me joy and hope as I remember where you are. You’re with the son of God. You’re with the Prince of Peace. Your with the one we’re celebrating! I still break down grieving because we’re apart, but the sweetest gift is knowing where you are. I know how much this season was your favorite time of year. You loved to decorate the tree and open gifts. But knowing you’re with Jesus brings comfort to me. Because he’s the one who bled and died upon the tree for you and me. You’re with the Son of God. You’re with the Prince of Peace. You’re the one we're celebrating and that amazes me. Yes, the sweetest gift is knowing where you are. Knowing my precious Lydia is in Jesus' arms.
Merry Christmas in HEAVEN!

Sweet girl.......I'm glad that it's merry and bright for you in heaven with Jesus.....we celebrated His birthday yesterday. But I know that it wasn't the same without you. But we have the hope and assurance of seeing Him and YOU in heaven one day! That day can't come soon enough for those of us who love and miss you! Then ALL of our days will be merry and bright....together! Merry Christmas sweet pea! 
Love, Patty

Birthday Wishes
I wish you were here
I wish I could hold you and kiss you
I wish we would could be singing, eating chocolate cake and opening presents
I wish we were decorating the whole house
I wish you would be blowing out 9 candles
I wish you were dressed in your favorite shiny dress
I wish your friends were joining you for your celebration
I WISH wishes came true
I wish you the Happiest Birthday in Heaven.
I wish to see you soon!

Jeff and Annette, I just read Jeff's Facebook post about the purple balloon that came to your yard yesterday. You don't often find balloons coming out of the sky. A purple balloon. In your yard. When you were both there.
I want to remember Lydia always. But I think that here God was saying He remembers you. So do I. In remembering Lydia I think of you too. Never forget we love you too.

Thinking of you Lydia Grace...<3...Thinking of your Family...<3...May the Joy and Memories you shared provide Comfort and Peace...<3

Praying for you today to be comforted by the Lord, friends, and family. We miss having you close, but know we never stop thinking of you.

Much love,

The Kittel family.

This is very beautiful. She is a precious little girl.

Hi Annette and Jeff,
I think about you so much. I love you all.

Valerie Kittel

Happy Birthday Lydia. Thinking of you today and everyday. Forever missed and never forgotten.

Dear Lydia--In heaven, but still in our hearts. We LOVE You and MISS You!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY...<3

Happy 8th Birthday Lydia. It's still hard to believe you are gone, but we will never forget you. You are loved forever.

"If ever there comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I will stay forever"
Think of you everyday!! Your smile, your amazing enthusiasm for life, your sweet heart and your beautiful eyes. Things will never be the same but we need to live life just like you. Kindness, love and a zest for life are great qualities to live by. Memories of you make me smile!! I hope we can keeping trying to smile and make you smile as you look down from heaven.

With Love Always,
The Kainarois

Dear Lydia, this marks the first anniversary of your presence with Jesus. I know you are beyond happy, but we are sad today missing your presence with us here. Loving my kiddos a little bit more today. Through this year, the light of Jesus you left behind has prompted me to more patience, and greater love for my family. You are a precious blessing. Praying your family receives great love and tenderness.

Today it's been a year since you went to heaven. Sometimes, it seems like yesterday that you were at my house playing with Remi, and other times it seems like it's been forever since I've seen you! Today I was thinking about the journey you took to get here, to Johnstown, PA. Your mommy and daddy waited so long for you. The first time your mommy saw your picture, she fell in love with you and knew that you were made for their family! You fit in perfectly, like a missing puzzle piece! We don't understand God's plans all the time, but we know that God sent you here to touch so many peoples lives, and to bring people to him, and you are still doing that while you are in heaven!  Everyone misses you soooo much, especially your family, but we know that we will see you again, and will spend eternity all together...forever!!! Love you! Kim

It's been 1 year since you've been gone, Lydia. We all miss you. R.I.P Lydia.

Can't believe that it has been one year since the "Tragic" Accident!!! Time has passed, but the hearts that Love You still Mourn...<3 As BEAUTIFUL as a child you were here on earth, I'm sure you are one BEAUTIFUL ANGEL looking down on those you love. The Sweet Memories you made here on Earth help us to deal with your loss. You will ALWAYS be with us in our hearts...<3

I have no words....God knows what's in my heart because I tell Him all the time. Will always love you, miss you and NEVER, EVER forget you! I "pinky promise"!!!

Been thinking of this cutie all week. Can't believe it is a year ago today that you were taken from us to join our heavenly Father. Always in my heart and mind. Praying for your sweet family today and always. Miss you bunches. <3 <3 miss that sweet smile and giggle oh and you teasing us all. But I especially miss those hugs! ((((((Hugs))))))

Remembering this New Years Eve of sweet Lydia's first posts from China. And all our excitement to finally meet this little girl whom we prayed for with her family so often!
Thanking the Lord for those "firsts" we got to see her do and to just blessing the Lord for allowing us the privilege to know Miss Lydia.
We pray often for you all Jeff, Annette, and Zach. Knowing the Lord will strengthen and comfort each of your hearts this coming year.
We are missing her so much and too look forward to the day of seeing Lydia again before the presence of our Lord!!
What a day that will be!!
And all because of what Christ did for us all!!
We love you all!

Today was Lydia's Birthday. We lit lanterns tonight in memory of her life. I could hear her saying "its just like tangled" with her sweet voice and vibrant smile. She forever impacted our lives and the lives of my girls Reagan and Laurell. She will never be forgotten. We thank God for being able to be part of her life here on earth. She truly was a gift.

Happy 7th Birthday Lydia. This is your first birthday in heaven and my mom just joined you. Even though we miss you dearly, I know we will see you again. Beautiful dedication service for the new wing at your church in your memory. You are forever loved and will never be forgotten. We love you!!!

Happy Birthday, dear Lydia! It's not the same without you here to celebrate your special day....but we felt your spirit as the Christian Education Wing was dedicated in your memory and honor today at Faith Chapel. I watched videos of you singing and was flooded by so many memories. You're with the One who created you and how awesome is that! I'm so honored to have spent these past few years with you....you have touched me in so many ways. Love you, friend, and will never, ever forget you. "Pinky Promise"!!!

Today, on your birthday, Lydia, we will celebrate your life and all that you mean to us, and all that you tought us. We miss you SO much, and love you SO much, and can't wait to be with you again!
                           We Love you! Ryan, Kim, Brady,
                            Calli, Cassi & your buddy Remi

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday Lydia. You are sadly missed, but forever in our hearts.

This smart, bubbly, dancing, caring, loving, giving child came into our lives uniquely chosen......she left it the same way. I, for one, will never be the same. I love you and miss you so much, Lydia. I know that you're in the arms of your Heavenly Father looking down at us, grinning with that grin of yours. I can't wait to see you again and know that, because of your witness here on earth, others have come to know the Lord and you'll be there to meet us one day! I hope that you can't wait, because we sure can't!!!

While on earth, we don't always know why things happen. We do know that a SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL was given to Jeff and Annette Shearman. Lets not forget Big Brother Zachery. They Loved her and took such Good Care of her. Grandparents and other Family provided more Care and Love. This made Lydia Grace the "Beautiful Blessing" she was to all she met. Just a child, but she brought Joy, Happiness, and Love to all she came in contact with.....The Lord took her home. This had to be Tough!!! Knowing though that He is providing for her, hopefully gives you Peace. I pray that All the Special Memories you shared help you to deal with your loss. She is ALWAYS with you in your heart. <3

Lydia was one of the sweetest girls I've ever known and she was one of my daughter, Alyssabeth's, best friends. Lydia would come over 3-4 times a week and play with Alyssabeth while the mommies and daddies walked the track. Every day Alyssabeth would ask me if it was a walking day because she couldn't wait to play with Lydia. Alyssabeth would sit on the deep freezer in the garage so she could see down the street for their van. Sometimes she would sit there for half an hour because she couldn't wait to see her. Alyssabeth attended Sunday night clubs with Lydia and would always want to go play at least two hours before church started. Lydia was so special to her and she misses her like crazy (and so do I). We love you Lydia with all our hearts and can't wait to see you again some day.

Jeff and Annette,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am praying for you all. May your memories of Lydia bring you joy and peace and know that someday you will be together again.

Take care
Susan Hambright (Kim Riek's sister)

We will NEVER forget Lydia. She was so full of joy and life. We were truly blessed to have known her and I'm sure she is asking Jesus a million questions! RIP, dear Lydia. We'll be seeing you again. You are so very loved. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Mike and Eileen Gray

Lydia will always hold a special place in my heart. If I had to describe her in a single word, it would be "LOVE". She loved everyone she met. She loved the way that Jesus told us all to love..

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I remember meeting Lydia for the first time and my girls and I taught her how to do a somersault. I was amazed at how intelligent she was and how quickly she learned! My girls loved her and thought of her like a little sister. I was blessed to spend time with her and have memories of her when I watched her after school. She loved to play Barbies with Remi, get icecream from the ranger BEFORE we ate dinner, and loved to eat lots of pistachios!  The memory I love the most is when she would walk in my house, she would run right to a photo album that I had and open it up to a picture of Ryan kissing me at the beach with the ocean in the backround. She would just stare at that picture forever, with a big smile on her face. She loved "LOVE". 

I truly believe that God new that Lydia would only be on this earth for a short time, so He searched the whole world over for a family that would give this special little girl the most love, and would show her the love of Jesus, and that's why He picked the Shearman's to raise her. In the short time that she was here, she was loved by so many, and she loved so many.  

Lydia, we love you and miss you so much! We will see you again someday in Heaven! 

                         Kim Smith and Family

Ok really didn't know her but I always saw her when we had parent pick up and she would just play with everyone and be nice to the even though I didn't know her she was still like a friend rest in peace Lydia and your family are in prayers

I feel so thankful that I was privileged to know Lydia while she was here on earth. She is a very special girl. I remember watching her sing in church with the other kids. She always knew the motions and belted out the songs, encouraging the others to sing out. The last time we saw her we came to her house for a meeting with Annette, and she was so welcoming and did her best to help my very shy two-year-old feel at home. It is hard to know what to say, the words often don't fully do justice to someone like Lydia. I will not forget her and the joy that lit up her life.

What a blessing and joy it was to know Lydia Grace Shearman! She was so easy to love. It was love at first sight for so many, myself and my husband included. We have so many fond memories of her... Shoe box shopping and packing, she loved that! Snow tubing what awesome fun watching her. Junior church, her quietly listening to the stories answering the questions, her eyes lighting up when telling how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again so that we could go to heaven someday to live with Him. Her singing brought joy to so many! The way she said "Fred" when he teased her. The way she spun around in her beautiful dresses. Playing Bible games during Master Clubs, she was so smart and learned quickly. She amazed me how quickly she could put the Bible Sequence cards in order! She loved playing "Red Light, Green Light" . I can still see her smile and hear her laughter. She was kind to others, full of love, such a happy little girl. Remembering her as a toddler enjoying singing and requesting often "Victory inJesus" during song time and singing it for the first time on stage. I could go on and on. Lydia did a lot of living and loving in her short time here. She is so sadly missed and though we can't understand the "why's" we have the blessed hope of seeing her again and the comfort of knowing that Lydia is now with Jesus whom she loved. She is making Him smile and loving on Him just like she did to so many of us. Thank you Annette,Jeff and Zach for sharing her with us. We are all truly blessed having her as part of our lives. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday the 21st I was going to Cliptations to get my haircut. Jeff, Annette, Zack and Lydia were there. Jeff and Zack got their hair cut and left. Stephanie braided Lydia's hair and she looked so cute. After I was finished, I noticed that Annette was still getting her hair done. I decided to stick around and keep Lydia company. We were running around the salon, as I was trying to catch her. She had a cape around her neck , calling herself Super Lydia. She was so cute. After running around, causing commotion, Annette and Stephanie put me in a timeout. This will stay with me forever. Lydia called me "Jimmy Cottonball" when she saw me and I will never forget that. This is one of my memories of Lydia 
that I wanted to share. She will be forever missed.

Lydia Grace Sherman is a special little lady to me. She was my little princess she was so beautiful and so full of love. Her mom and Gram Bonnie always told me Gina Gina you spoil Lydia so much. They were right I loved doing it. She was like my own. I enjoyed seeing her all the time. When ever it was my Birthday she always sang to me. When ever I was feeling down all I had to do was see Lydia and my day brightened up. I loved the passion and love that she had for the lord. She was always singing songs. She was the sweetest and most kind little girl. I can remember all the times I had with her and here FAMILY. I can remember going to football games to watch Zachary play and sitting with Lydia and her family I remember all the times at church from our ladies meeting and Christmas plays and songs performed. I always looked forward to those times. I can remember going out to there house to swim other for any other reason and Lydia always made you feel welcome and was so friendly and very helpful. I remember going to the pumpkin patch and sitting with her on the hay ride. Durring our Master Club at church she would always come knocking on the door at the end of here class and I always would say to Annette It's Lydia at the door. She always would take me over to the prize container and always want me yo give her something . She always knew I would give it to her. I Remember when we would go somewhere and Annette would drive Lydia would asked me sometimes to sit in the back with her and watch movies. Lydia is y special little girl she always will be. I pray and think about you everyday. Lydia was a great friend to my son PRESTON and she was like a little sister to my daughter Cheyann they both love you and miss you so much. My prayers and thoughts are always with Annette Jeff and! Zachary. Thank you for sharing this special little girl. With us. I promise you she will never be forgotten

Hi Annette, Jeff, and Zach,

What a beautiful memorial page for your precious Lydia. Our family loves you so deeply. You are on our hearts and in our prayers. My words right now just cant express how we have mourned her loss and how much we long to be there for you.

Love,
Valerie Kittel

My family and I will always remember Lydia and the joy she brought to us! On occasion she would come play with us after school, and when she was here our boys were so excited! I always commented to Annette how easy-going Lydia was when she played with us. Lydia lived like Jesus - and treated us all with love, patience, forgiveness, and touched the hearts of everyone she knew! We miss you Lydia and know you are spreading joy in heaven!

I believe God put Lydia on earth to show all that goodness can be. She taught us the meaning of love and kindness. She was always happy, singing, dancing and telling her little stories that made us laugh. For someone her age it amazed me how giving and selfless she was. She would come to Cliptations and bring toys, books etc. she always shared them with other children, even showing them how the electronic games work. I have many memories of Lydia, but one favorite. A little girl was at the salon with her father. Lydia was trying so hard to make friends, but the girl was painfully shy. I told Lydia to try the lollipops that we have in a can for children. Lydia got a big grin, she took the can over to the girl, who practically crawled through her father. Lydia asked her if she'd like a lollipop. The girl started crying. Bless her heart, Lydia looked devastated and said to me "what did I do?" I walked around the desk and hugged her and explained that she didn't do anything. So she didn't give up, she gave the lollipop to the father and set one of her books there and told him maybe she'll like this book to read its one of my favorites. Then she came back to me and started singing and dancing as always. Before the shy little girl left she smiled at Lydia. So we both felt better. Keep them smiling up there, and keep shining little sunshine. Thank you for touching all of hearts with your beauty.

Lydia was the sweetest little girl I knew. Any time I saw her she had a big smile and just loved life. I love the story of when she gave her great Grandma's necklace to a friend who lost their grandmother. She once gave me a pin at my house because she wanted to give me a gift. She was a giver, kind and wanted everyone to be happy. 

It's our great loss with her passing but her gain into heaven for eternity. Some day we will be together.

I kept asking Why, Lord. I just didn't understand. I wanted to share that in church at the funeral when Jeff spoke and asked, is there
anyone that hasn't accepted Jesus in their heart, would you pray along with me. At that moment, I felt a peace and said, Is this my answer? Could there be one person who said that prayer and hasn't accepted Jesus??

Only God knows the plans for our lives and sometimes we don't understand them. We have to trust in Him and never lose faith.

Lydia Grace, you will always be remembered, never forgotten and forever missed. You touched so many lives in so many ways.

Love you forever

Until we meet again!!!

Kim and Butch Riek