BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The family of Lingzi Lu, one of the victims killed in the Boston marathon bombings, sent an open letter to the Boston Globe after the conclusion of the Tsarnaev trial.
The family said that as they heard the news of the sentencing in China, "we have felt emptiness along with great sadness for all who have been affected by this reprehensible act."
They say Lu was the "light of our lives" and as their only daughter, they miss her desperately. Their hope for the future is that "no one ever again experiences the suffering and inhumanity of that terrible day."
They talked about reliving the horrific events of the marathon bombings during the trial and took time to thank the first responders and other "heroes of that day."
"During the darkest days and nights since the passing of our dear daughter Lingzi, we have been gifted with an unending river of love and kindness from the Boston community and people from all over the world. We are humbled and forever grateful for your continued generosity, support, and encouragement," the letter read.
They spoke about Lu's dream of living and studying in America, and said she was a happy woman who loved life and people.
"You mattered to her and she loved you all for helping make her dream come true," the letter said.
They concluded by saying: "We know now more than ever that her spirit is alive and well. Our everlasting hope is that her dream continues to live on in all those who dream big dreams and have the opportunity to make the world a more peaceful and better place."