Monday, January 2, 2012

Cha Cha with a sista...

When Amanda was about five years old, she slept over my apartment. Just 1 of many times :) We rocked out to Jennifer Lopez's "Let's get Loud" and mad up our own 'SISTA SALSA', I swung her around and showed her how to Cha Cha! We loved it! Had so much fun! We talked about it and laughed about it for years to come! She was my baby, and always will be!! I love you, Amanda! You will live on in my heart forever.

Love forever your sister,
Dawn

47 comments:

  1. Im not really sure how to post on here other then through a comment. But I knew Amanda over the years and was shocked to find this all out today. She was a wonderful girl and I loved when she would come to work with her mom Cici. I enjoyed when she helped with my swim classes. I'm going to miss her very much. Cici and your family, you are all in my mind and heart.

    Love, Renee

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  2. dawn i am so sorry for your loss

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  3. To Amanda's Family:

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart broke when I found Amanda's story. My name is John and I write a blog offering support to people with depression and suicide survivors. I also write stories of Rememberance for those who have passed. I want you to know that I will always remember Amanda, and you have my deepest sympathies. If you wish to see what I have written about Amanda you can find it at http://livinginrememberance.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/in-rememberance-amanda-cummings/

    Stay Strong,

    John

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  4. This is so tragic I am in tears - you don't know me but when I saw this story in the news today it broke my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. I've known a lot of people in my life including myself that at one point or another have been victimized by the bullying of their peers and it's one of the most horrible things a young person can endure with not many options as to how to make it stop. The cruelty of youth is unimaginable sometimes. Again I am so sorry. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.

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  5. Our condolences and sympathys to you and your family. This is so heart breaking I don't know what to say. As a society we need to put a end to the bullying, we need AMANADA'S LAW. I'll support it, I'm sure alot of people will. May this sweet Angel Rest In Peace.

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  6. My heart goes out to the family at this time , and my God camp all his angels around all of you at this time.

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  7. Precious Angel taken from mother earth way to soon, may your soul soar with the angels, may you never suffer or feel pain again, may the after life treat you the way you should have been treated in life.. God Bless

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  8. I committe suicide once, and fortunately i survived and realized how wrong I was for doing so. I only wish Amanda could've gotten a second chance. My heart goes out to her family, truly.
    I've firsthand witnessed the power of Karma and I gain solace in knowing that the people responsible will eventually get what they deserve. I used to be bullied when I was younger too. I sincerely hope her tormenters can be held responsible for this.
    May she rest in peace

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  9. Being a mother, i couldn't fathom losing my child to bullying. This has got to stop and we have to open our hearts and raise our voices. My oldest is 10 yrs old, she gets bullied and I have done so much to show her that those kids are lacking attention in their households and are so miserable that they chose to bring someone else down with them. A law has to be made state wide for bullying.

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  10. Gorgeous young girl, such a bright future... so very, very sad.

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  11. Condolances and prayers to Amandas family. I am so sorry to read of your loss. Such a beautiful girl, life cut too short. Bullying must stop. So sad.

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  12. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a daughter the same age as Amanda. She will get extra hugs and kisses from me in memory of Amanda. My heart is breaking for all of you. Only time and God's peace will heal. Amanda will always live on in your hearts. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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  13. she was BEAUTIFUL. sorry for your loss <3

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  14. Words for this angel:

    Stepped Away So Blue

    Have you seen the angel, have you heard her call.
    This gentle being, of poetry and caring.

    She just graced our lives, in our school, in the hall.
    How could people be so cold, bring this load she was bearing.

    Have you seen this angel, on a street near you.
    She was treated so badly, she stepped away so blue.

    In this year so new, such a shame here to see.
    In this supposed civilized world, how could this be?

    Will you see this angel, what will her memory bring?
    To the ones that caused this, a sad song to sing?

    K. J. Corey 01/04/12

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  15. I did not know her, but i feel like i did, even though i live in a different state. I saw this and i started to hurt as if she was a close frien. I am so sorry for your loss, but she is never gone forever always remember that.

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  16. Very sorry for your loss. Being in high school my self seeing the after effect of bullying is terrible.

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  17. A friend of mine posted this story on Facebook. My heart BREAKS for your family!!! What a beautiful young girl! Such a senseless thing to do to another person! I hope those responsible have to face some harsh consequences! My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family and her friends as well!

    ~Karen F. Atlanta, GA.

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  18. I was bullied in school, but I can't imagine what it must be like for teens this day and age with the internet. May God give comfort to Amanda and to her family and may those bullies be brought to justice. Bullies are at the core ruled by fear and insecurities, they show they're true colors. For all you out there in the world who have been bullied.... YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Know that GOD loves us all, and you are defined by HIM not them! xo AC

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  19. i am so sorry for your loss. my heart breaks every time i learn of another young person taking his or her own life as a result of being tormented by bullies. kids ought to be able to be kids, and not have to deal with fear, anxiety, insecurity, depression and suicide. amanda's full potential will never be realized because some of her peers broke her spirit with their senseless and relentless bullying.

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  20. I'm sorry for your loss
    Escribo desde Ecuador, me sumo a la lucha para pedir justicia.

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  21. This is so very tragic. It breaks my heart. What a beautiful young lady. My heart goes out to her entire family. I never knew her and you don't know me, but hearing this made me cry. I hope something good can come out of this. I hope you can get some justice.

    My daughter was bullied when she was in school. She would come home crying every day. I went to the school, then the school district. Nothing was ever done. I decided to step in. Kids can be so cruel. What gets me, is they learn from the parents; and the parents of these bullies should be ashamed. May God bless you all during this horrible time.

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  22. Such a tragedy. My condolences to you and yours.
    God bless you all.

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  23. I'm so sorry for your loss. She is a beautiful girl and I can't imagine why anyone would torture someone to the point where they would want to end their life!! It makes me so mad when I hear about this kind of thing. It seems to be happening more and more all the time. These kids need to be held accountable for their actions!! I pray for justice for you and your family and may God comfort you in your time of need.

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  24. Dear Family of Amanda
    I do not know you, but I know that this situation with bullying has gone way beyond out of control. I pray that your broken hearts become healed and that Amanda's spirit lives on. I work in the realm of after school for both elementary and middle schools in California. I will share Amanda's heartbreaking story so that together we come to a close of hate and bullying. I cannot begin to fathom your pain, but please know that there are people around who care, care enough to say we have had enough. We will immediately implement a no tolerance policy as it relates to hate and bullying...in Amanda's honor. God Bless you all now and always...

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  25. I certainly don't know you and your family. But my heart is so sad that this happened, and that people can be so mean and heartless...STILL.
    I was bullied in junior high, way back in the early 70's. But I cannot imagine for the life of me what bullying is now, and how one can possibly endure it, with cell phones, facebook, and the internet.
    At least I found solace at home, and could count on not getting the crap unless I was in school (or maybe en route).
    This is something that touches a part deep in my soul, and I am so very sad for Amanda, and you, her family.
    The only thing that makes me feel any better is my belief that life is eternal, and that she is now in the best place imaginable...Heaven.
    You will all see her agin.
    With much love, Ree Donnelly

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  26. Dear Cummings Family,

    My heart, and tears go out to you all. This is such a tragedy, I am truly, truly sorry for all the heart, sorrow, and loss you are all feeling. I am also so sorry that Amanda will not know that life after high school does get better. I hope she finds the peace in heaven she was robbed of by her tormentors here on Earth. As a mother, I cannot begin to understand what you are going through, but as a teacher know that I promise to always, always reach out to my students, and their families whenever bullying is present in my classroom.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

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  27. Cummings Family,

    I read this article and my heart started to bleed for Amanda and your family. I would know firsthand that kids can be incredibly cruel and this is an issue that needs to end. You would think by my comment that I have been bullied in my past years at school, but on the contrary, I was the bully. Always with the popular kids and for some odd adolescent reason found satisfaction in verbal abuse. I never physically harmed or stole anything, but needless to say it causes damage. I may not be a parent yet, but I can assure you that if and when that day comes I will absolutely not tolerate my kids to bully or be rude to any of their peers or teachers. Now being 23 and a two time cancer survivor I really have grown and appreciate life. My heart goes out to you Amanda. I may know nothing about you, but your beautiful smile will truly be missed in this world, and I'm sure I will see you soon enough in the next.

    Kruger Kirston

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  28. I read the story, I'm so sorry, Such a Beautiful Loss! And for the bullies out there, I hope someone rips your heart out, like you did too the Family & Friends of Amanda! May she rest peacefully now!

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  29. It makes me so mad to hear that this young lady was driven to such an act. My daughter is going through some of the same things. I dare not let her have a facebook because kids are so cruel. She's 15 and having the worst time trying to fit in. God be with your daughter. Take full legal action. Do it for her. Make it a big big statement for all the kids that are suffering in silence. I am so sorry that this has happened to her.

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  30. Sorry to hear about Amanda. My GoD Bless her soul and your family.
    I was mercilessly bullied and beaten in grade school. My mom is mentally ill and we lived with her. We were starved and beaten at home. It's all over now and I'm 45 yrs old with a wife and 4 kids. Everyone here is happy. My escape then was to read adventure books and playing in old World War Two vintage airplanes in a junkyard in Memphis. Now, I'm an author writing adventure books. I know how Amanda felt and feel for her. I'm not sure how I survived, but will write a book about it soon. If that book saves one life, it will be worth the effort.

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  31. Dear Amanda's Family,

    God is with you in this time of need, he loves you all and encourages you all to heal properly. I give you my prayers as you all deal with this journey. God has called back his beloved daughter into heaven, so that her memories will influence others to make a better choice before the end of times.

    I have read so many suicide reports to make me want to kick the bullies behind myself, I have stood up to bullies all my life, I have confronted those who has done wrong to others and I have advocated in defending those who are weak.

    God will punish those who has done wrong to your Amanda, pray on it and you will see his magnificent work at hand. God doesn't tolerate violence nor does he tolerate sinners, we may all be sinners, but as long as we know that he is the Almighty God and ask for his forgiveness, he will bless us.

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  32. She is a beautiful angel now. I was bullied very badly as a child. Bullying should be illegal. Rest in peace Amanda <3

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  33. Reading this story has devistated me. I'm grief stricken and didn't even know her! Me myself being a mom of a 13 year old it is very scary. I will be sharing this story with my daughter in hopes that my daughter will pass it on and maybe just maybe one kid will learn from this. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers xo jennifer

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  34. Reading this story has brought tears to my eyes. i read this on aol news. My son has been bullied in his earlier years which caused great distress. This needs to be illegal and people should be held accountable for bullying. So sad and tragic. May god bless and comfort the family in this terrible time, god bless you all.

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  35. To Amanda's family-
    I did not know Amanda personally but i am so sad for Amanda and you all. May God bless you and give you strength in this difficult time. In my thoughts and prayers.
    -Christina Comi

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  36. Grammy nominated singer songwriter Karen Taylor-Good shares a little of your pain - she too was bullied as a child. Please accept her gift of her beautiful song Precious Child - she makes it available free to families grieving the loss of a child. www.KarenTaylorGood.com click on free downloads.

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  37. My heart is deeply troubled as I write this. This is a tragedy beyond words. Cyber- bullying, indeed ALL and ANY TEENAGE BULLYING must stop. Un-malable laws must be made to hold these young adults accountable for their cruelty and their actions, or they walk away un-remorseful, even justified. In the very least, they should be put on probation with MANDATORY counseling for the DURATION of their schooling, since they are so adept at camouflaging their real sentiments. This is unacceptable behavior in any social schematic, and every effort to eradicate it should be employed.

    To the family and loved ones of this young woman I offer my deepest condolences. My heart and prayers go out to you.
    Most sincerely,

    LCZagouros

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  38. Such a beautiful girl, so sorry for your loss.

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  39. As everyone else, I am sincerely sorry for your tragic loss.

    No child should ever have to endure such emotional torment. Now, she will never again have deal with such bullies; she is now free from this. A terrible shame it took this tragedy for her to find such peace.

    Your daughter, grand daughter, sister, cousin, niece, friend, in her far too few years here, left you all a lifetime of memories; memories you will forever hold in your hearts.

    Amanda, hopefully your story will go a long way in fighting, ending such bullying. You should have never had to suffer as you did. Maybe something positive can come from this.

    You may have saved many lives....

    A few words come to mind that Olivia Newton John wrote many years ago, to help protect dolphins:
    "Let us hope it's not too late,
    And that we can amend,
    All the pain they have suffered on your friend.
    We were born with our freedom,
    We were born with the truth
    Then why do we abuse it
    We could choose---to love---to love.

    If I can only make one man aware, one person care...."

    Amanda, forever may you rest in peace...

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  40. My heart aches for you. I was bullied for seven years in junior and senior high school. Teachers turned a blind eye to it. Nothing was done. Even though that was more than 30 years ago, the scars still hurt. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  41. As someone who was bullied at school to the point of considering suicide, my heart aches for Amanda. I can't imagine how you feel as a family but time will alleviate some of the pain...

    Something has to be done to stop this from happening- these social networks have exacerbated the problem. Perhaps it's time to compromise privacy and have "FaceBook moderators" or something..?? Software that can pick up on the abuse... something.....

    Wishing you all strength in this tragic time.

    James xxx

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  42. i have no words, but i will try: RIP beautiful Amanda. My condolences to your family. What a tragic loss. May your family find closure and justice. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And - we definitely need to do something to stop the bullying. It's getting worse. :(

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  43. I am so sorry for your loss,my daughter Kayla was bullied in school also,they used to say she looked like a football player because she has broad shoulders.I cannot even think of the pain it has caused you,again I'm so sorry.

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  44. I am crying as I write this. I have 2 wonderful daughters, ages 13 and 10. I too was bullied in grammar school and high-school. I was suicidal and had anorexia for 5 years. My 13 year old was bullied in her own girl scout troop and in 4 and 5th grade! My girls let me know when things are up and that they need help and I've taught them that if you SEE IT, HEAR IT then SAY IT!!! We all need to work together in kindness and compassion to change how things are in our schools AND in our homes. I pray for your family for comfort and strength to endure what you should NOT have to be going through. God must have very special plans for beautiful Amanda; she will now help others who have and are being bullied.

    With love and peace from California

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  45. My heart is hurting for your family. I will keep you and your entire family in my prayers. What a beautiful girl. I will continue praying that God brings you comfort and surrounds you with lots of love. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

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  46. When I heard about this it broke
    My heart. She's a beautiful
    Girl who was taken way to young. It made me
    Me remember when my
    Best friend mick was killed. He was hit by 3 cars, and so many people were so cruel. They began saying "well it's his fault he shouldn't have been
    Walking alone at night" "good he deserved it what kind of idiot walks alone at night" and cruel things towards his family. I don't know what kind of sick people say things like that tm a grieving family. It's not
    Okay, it's not okay for them to make jokes towards amanda. I pray you guys find justice in this. I'm praying for your family.

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  47. http://www.change.org/petitions/protecting-children-on-facebook-from-bullies-prevention-of-trolling-by-adults-and-peers

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