From A Close Friend

LaNelia's Valentine's Tradition

Monday, November 07, 2011 -- 4:35 PM

The tradition started when Michael, the son of Anderson’s guests John and LaNelia Ramette, was in sixth grade. Michael felt discouraged that none of the sixth grade girls were romantically interested in him. A few weeks later, on Valentine's Day, his mom Lenelia sent her son a Valentine from "a secret admirer." She continued this tradition for years, up until Michael's suicide.

"I wonder if he knew [it was me]," Lenelia said, "and [he] just didn't ask me."

Lenelia talks about the tradition and and how she used to dream of telling the story to the kids she dreamed Michael may have someday. It’s traditions like these that can make loss even harder when holidays are near.



Filed Under: Web Exclusives, As Seen On The Show