I just wanted to leave my condolences and a comforting scripture. John 5:28 reads- 'Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." This speaks of a resurrection of our dead loved ones. I know you don't know me but you and the family will be in my prayers. When you have a chance please visit http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/what-hope-for-dead-loved-ones/1101987030/
I knew your Mom since she was your age, maybe younger. I met Brian, Mary, Melissa and Anita when we lived in apartments across the courtyard from each other in Sunnyvale. We usually had our shades open in the kitchen, so when we all sat down to eat in our separate kitchens it was like we were eating together.
I'll always remember Anita climbing the stairs to her apartment. She could barely master walking, but it didn't slow her down at all. I was always afraid she was going to fall, but she never did. I think that sense of confidence and courage is something that she showed her whole life.
Anita always seemed to have a smile on her face. She must have learned early on that you make your own happiness. Anita had all the kinds of challenges people do when they're growing up, but I never heard her complain or let that affect her outlook on life.
I saw how much Anita loved you, and could tell that she was going to be a great mother. I'm sorry she couldn't be your Mom for longer, but I know that someday you'll be a Mom, too, and people will say "yes, that's just like Anita!"
I worked with Mary and Brian at Brio in the mid 90s. My memory of Anita was when she was 7 or 8 picking pine cones and throwing them so skillfully at the window of our Palo Alto office to call her parents. I could see how athletic and accurate she was. After that I've heard stories of her from Mary and enjoyed them.
My memory is of Anita performing too, but she was only 9 I think. We had a party for Memorial Day and a reggae band was playing. Anita jumped up with the band singing and dancing. She had the biggest smile and just loved being on stage.
Anita, you were a natural and beautiful mother. It was a joy to see you so happy with Tara. I will miss seeing your big smile.
I have a beautiful, vivid memory of Anita performing "Angel" by Jimi Hendrix at a Middle College open mic. To this day, it is still the best version of the song I have ever heard, and throughout the years it has come to me from time to time, out of the blue, and I will start humming it, and remembering the truth and passion in her voice. Thank you, Anita.
Someone was always looking for Anita. Parents, teachers, and students were forever asking me if I had seen her. How could you not see Anita? She was positive and enthusiastic and lit up a room. She was my best friend in 6th grade and one of my jobs was to assure everyone that she was ok. Anita was never lost; she was always on an adventure. I remember we spent one whole afternoon playing softball in the park. I was trying out for the school team and as a supportive friend she came to watch cheer and me for me. She was so curious about the world. I had no idea that her mom had been looking for her everywhere! At a friend’s house, Anita disappeared and was nowhere to be found. While everyone was inside you could hear footsteps on the ceiling. She had climbed the roof! She was a performer and I was her audience. In my mind, Anita is still a young girl with a ferocious appetite for life. She is the youngest, the smart girl who skipped a grade in elementary school. I will remember her for her energy, creativity, and happiness and I will think of her whenever I think of my happy childhood and those long summer days –full of adventure.
Light a Candle
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When you have a chance please visit http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/what-hope-for-dead-loved-ones/1101987030/
I knew your Mom since she was your age, maybe younger. I met Brian, Mary, Melissa and Anita when we lived in apartments across the courtyard from each other in Sunnyvale. We usually had our shades open in the kitchen, so when we all sat down to eat in our separate kitchens it was like we were eating together.
I'll always remember Anita climbing the stairs to her apartment. She could barely master walking, but it didn't slow her down at all. I was always afraid she was going to fall, but she never did. I think that sense of confidence and courage is something that she showed her whole life.
Anita always seemed to have a smile on her face. She must have learned early on that you make your own happiness. Anita had all the kinds of challenges people do when they're growing up, but I never heard her complain or let that affect her outlook on life.
I saw how much Anita loved you, and could tell that she was going to be a great mother. I'm sorry she couldn't be your Mom for longer, but I know that someday you'll be a Mom, too, and people will say "yes, that's just like Anita!"
Take care and God bless.
God bless Tara!
Anita, you were a natural and beautiful mother. It was a joy to see you so happy with Tara. I will miss seeing your big smile.
Someone was always looking for Anita. Parents, teachers, and students were forever asking me if I had seen her. How could you not see Anita? She was positive and enthusiastic and lit up a room. She was my best friend in 6th grade and one of my jobs was to assure everyone that she was ok. Anita was never lost; she was always on an adventure. I remember we spent one whole afternoon playing softball in the park. I was trying out for the school team and as a supportive friend she came to watch cheer and me for me. She was so curious about the world. I had no idea that her mom had been looking for her everywhere! At a friend’s house, Anita disappeared and was nowhere to be found. While everyone was inside you could hear footsteps on the ceiling. She had climbed the roof! She was a performer and I was her audience. In my mind, Anita is still a young girl with a ferocious appetite for life. She is the youngest, the smart girl who skipped a grade in elementary school. I will remember her for her energy, creativity, and happiness and I will think of her whenever I think of my happy childhood and those long summer days –full of adventure.