Editor’s note: On Feb. 20, 2014, The Record printed this letter honoring Lexy Vandiver and her son, Mason, two of the victims killed by Shawn Kavanagh. As the families of these victims finally reach the end of a nine-year search for justice, The Record thought it appropriate to share this letter once again. It was originally published anonymously by the author’s request, and that request will continue to be honored.

To The Editor:

I am a retired teacher, first grade and kindergarten, very used to working with and enjoying being with young children.

For the last seven years it has been my privilege to be the babysitter for a little boy who has proven to be one of the bravest little boys I have ever known. While still pregnant, his mommy began a search for someone to care for her baby when she had to return to work. Our paths crossed and I was chosen.

She was tenacious and determined to do well for the benefit of her son, but so many obstacles were in her way. My husband and I were always there for her and her son and provided help when it was needed. They came to mean as much to us as our own sons and she became the “daughter” we never had and her son meant just as much as our own grandchildren.

When the little girl was born, she fit in just fine as the only granddaughter we will probably ever have.

One time she asked why we helped her. My reply, because we can. We could see when they were needful and we had the resources so we gave the help when we could. The only thing we were never able to provide was a job, but she would always find one for herself. She was determined to support herself and her son.

When she told me she would never be able to repay us, my only reply was that she should give help to others when she was able.

That is what she was doing when she was brutally murdered. And that was what her son was doing when he was also attacked.

It could be told by the physical circumstances that he was trying to protect “the womenfolk,” especially his mother and sister. To me, that took courage!

Her coworker/friend was trying to get out of a marriage to an abusive husband and our “daughter” was trying to do what she could. She had taken her in to live with her and they were preparing to move to a larger house.

On an evening supposed to be devoted to romance, the three young women were preparing to have a night out and the children were going to spend the night with us when the tragedy occurred. So many “if onlys” and wishes go through your mind at times like this. But things happen and now all we can do is keep on keeping on.

So many people are praying for this little boy and his sister. Won’t you please add your prayers for his little sister in the future as she faces it without the mother and big brother who loved her so greatly?

A Warren County Resident