Who Was Amanda to me?

Who was Amanda to me? The eldest child of my sister, Carole, and her husband Robb and older sister to my niece, Lillian. I loved her dearly.

While I have many wonderful memories of Amanda, my fondest memory of her was just last year at a high school football game when her team, Clarke Central, played my son's team, Berkmar. Knowing she was going to be on the field during the half-time show I knew I had to be at the game to see her. My son, Matthew, was also excited that their two teams were playing against each other and enjoyed the rivalry.

Amanda was beautiful and so full of life in her band uniform! Matthew was even at that time a member of the 9th grade team and, therefore, still part of the Berkmar football team though not on the field. After halftime, I convinced Amanda to run up to him (while in her Clarke Central uniform and letter jacket) and throw her arms around his neck and kiss him as he spoke to his friends. She took great delight in embarrasing him in front of all of his friends. It was priceless to see the look on his face. But then his look turned to affection. He greatly loved Amanda. They had become pretty good friends at family gatherings over the last few years and he appreciated having someone to hang out with.

Following that, Amanda grabbed me by the arm and dragged me around the stadium introducing me to all of her fellow bandmates and friends. I was so proud of her and felt SO special because she thought enough of me to proudly introduce me as her aunt.

Amanda was an exceptional person and will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends forever. Our family has been blessed with an enduring love of one another and we will always hold Amanda close in our hearts.

I will love and miss her always.

Rosemary Morgan, September, 1997