Missy, as we called her, was 8 years old when she died after a freak accident occurring on the Va. Beach Boardwalk. She was a vibrant, fun-loving, very-active third grader at Plaza Elementary School . She was our middle-child, the centerfold of our family. She was the apple of her big brother’s eye! She was a best friend to her younger sister.

Section Leader- Percussionists’ in Plaza Middle School Marching Band. Member of Plaza Little League, Dodgers. Rossi played Center and Left field. Vibrant member of Bow Creek Presbyterian Church Achulite, member of Youth Hand Bell Choir youth group and a former Bow Creek Preschooler.

Working on my quilt square gave me a chance to show my appreciation of donor families. Their thoughtfulness, during a time of great pain, is amazing. We can all learn from their strength and be motivated to find our own way to help others. I am proud of our quilts. We made them with good people, who shared stories. Through the tears of joy and sadness we grow stronger. We have made a difference with these quilts of love.

As a grief counselor I have often witnessed the simple truth of this statement. Grief is our personal response to a loss and many times we tend to keep our feelings and thoughts to ourselves when we feel the pain of loss.
However, I have heard many bereaved people say how much better they feel once they have had an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings. People frequently fear that they are losing their minds as they experience intense reactions to a loss.

Tony lived 20 years, 7 months, and 27 days. In the picture on the day he was born, there are 3 roses – one for him, his sister (Libby -10 yrs. Old), and his brother (Boby – 6 yrs. Old). Tony became Libby’s “doll” and Bobby’s bane (this changed as Bob grew-up).

Tracy Drye was my shining star. He was a soccer player. He also ran cross country, spring and winter track for Cox High School . He was only 17 years old when he died August 24, 1990 as a result of an automobile accident.