 |
| Daughter (Amanda & Cece) |
 |
| Aunt Amanda, nephew Gregory |
 |
| Sisters (Amanda and Dawn) |
 |
| Amanda Christmas 2011 |
Recently a tragedy has befallen on our family, my dear sweet fifteen year old cousin Amanda was hit by a bus only two days after Christmas. Among the many injuries she sustained, the most severe was
that of her brain. Tragically after a week long struggle to survive, her body gave up its fight for life and has succumbed to the Graces of God. At a time when her mother should be planning a sweet sixteen, she must now face the difficulty of planning a funeral, for the child she may never hold again. While in her most desperate hour, Amanda’s mother has had to make the most difficult decision of all, whether to donate this young angel’s organs to save the life of another. Selflessly she agreed, with the hope that Amanda's death would not be in vein and that she might be able to save the life or lives of others.
 |
| being silly |
What a burden to bear for any parent, the sudden death of their child weighs heavily on them emotionally and financially. An unexpected tragedy, left only with the whys and hows of trying to make sense of it all. As a family we are grieving, it’s unimaginable how we just spent a family Christmas celebration together; where she danced, sang and mingled among family, happy to be surrounded by the joy and love of it all. Now in just the blink of an eye, we will never hear the sweet sound of her voice or her gentle laughter nor see her precious smile, and never again will we be able to ring in the New Year with our dear child Amanda.
 |
| Loving friend |
About Amanda…she was a beautiful, healthy, happy, normal young girl, with a sweet gentle side, a creative artist and writer, a gentle soul that touched every person who was lucky enough to have known her. Her little body housed enough love to fill the world; for people, nature and animals all the same. Her only wish of repayment, was to have the same love returned unto her. She was a fifteen year old dealing with the things normal fifteen year olds deal with, she loved Katy Perry, she squabbled with her friends, she went to school dances and football games, gave herself manicures and went to sweet sixteen’s, and all the other in-betweens. There are many stories that can be shared about how Amanda has touched our lives in some way.
I’ll share two short stories of my own, but if you would like to share a story (and/or photos), please email me so I can enter it as a blog entry or you can post your comments below. (hendersonbrandy1@gmail.com)
Animal Lover (by Brandy Henderson)
 |
| Animal Lover |
Amanda once showed me her gentler side with animals; she was all of about six or seven and as always excited to have company, she wanted to introduce me to the wild squirrels she called her pets. There were two, they lived among the trees outside her home, let’s call them Larry and Barry (since I am unable to remember the names she picked for them). Amanda saw the squirrels and ran in the house and grabbed a bag of chestnuts, returning a few moment later, they both walked directly up to her as she kneeled down on the ground and spoke to them gently “hello Larry, hello Barry” and the first squirrel came directly up to her, rested its paw on one of her hands, while with the other paw took a chestnut out of her other hand, she chimed and spoke to the other patiently waiting his turn “here you go Barry”. That was a gift; she was able to communicate even at such a young age with animals, and later on in life with her poems and writings.
Birthday Girl (by Brandy Henderson)
 |
| 13th Birthday |
Another most delightful memory I shared with Amanda, was the celebration of her thirteenth birthday. We went to Time Square, the heart of New York City. The joy and surprise, the delight in her eyes, of the big city, the excitement in the air, the tall skyscrapers and the lights the joy that radiated from within her, it was priceless. Thirteen is a milestone for a child, and I’m grateful I was able to be part of that day, and that I was given the opportunity to share it with her. She shared a dream that day, (among the many she had), that one day she wanted to live in Manhattan among all that excitement, it matched the free spirited, happy go lucky joyfulness that filled her soul. It was a gift to know her and to share in those moments. I love her and will miss her always, now she is the Angel watching over me and I am truly blessed.
Donations
As a family, we are coming together at this most difficult time to mourn Amanda's loss. We are donating funds to help cover the cost of her funeral arrangements and services. If you would like to contribute, please select the donation button at the top of this page. Otherwise, you may mail a check or money order payable to Keith Cummings (our uncle) at:
Keith Cummings
373 Naughton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
kcmplumbing@aol.com
Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.
 |
| Cousin |
 |
| Beloved family |
 |
| Cousins |
Created by one of Amanda's friends
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.
