When I came home from my daughter's funeral, I found a tent in my garden - I turned pale when I saw what I found inside

"Dear mum,

I know you're sad because I had to go to heaven. But I wanted to leave you something so you can smile again. I asked Dad to get you a puppy so you'll have someone to cuddle with when you miss me. Her name is Daisy, and she loves to play! Please take good care of her. I'll always be with you, watching over you from above. I love you so much.

All the best, Lily.”

I fell to my knees and pressed the note to my chest. The tears came in waves, and I couldn't hold them back. I cried harder than at the funeral. More than I had since the moment I knew I was going to lose her.

“Lily…” I sobbed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Even in her final days, my sweet little daughter was thinking of me. She knew. She knew how much I would miss her, how much it would hurt. And she found a way to make sure I wouldn't be alone. A puppy. A new life for her to care for and love.

I held Daisy tightly, the warmth of her small body holding me in the moment. I could still feel Lily's presence. The tent, the puppy—everything was part of her final gift to me. It reminded me that her love, even though she was no longer here, would always be with me.

The tent no longer felt so foreign. It was a place where I could find Daisy and feel connected to Lily once again.

Over the next few days, Daisy became my shadow. She followed me everywhere, her little paws tapping the ground as she scurried behind me. At first, I didn't know what to do. How could I care for this puppy when my heart was so broken?

But Daisy didn't give me much of a choice. She snuggled up to me when I was curled up on the sofa and licked my hand until I smiled through my tears. She bounced around with her little pink bow, full of energy and joy, reminding me of the happiness Lily used to radiate.

Every morning, I sat with my coffee, Daisy at my feet, and thought of Lily. I imagined her watching over me, her smile lighting up the sky. And every time Daisy curled up on my lap, I felt a piece of Lily's love envelop me.

Daisy wasn't a replacement. Nothing could replace my Lily. But she was a part of her. A living reminder of the love Lily had left behind. Slowly, day by day, the burden on my chest became a little lighter.

Caring for Daisy pulled me out of the fog I was trapped in. I had to get up, feed her, play with her. She needed me, just as Lily had known I would need her.