One Week.

One week... untill 20 years.

I was given a gift on Saturday.
A copy of the placque that was made by the
Flag & Banner Squad in 1989 in memory of Candi.
Maybe someday I will be able to plant a Magnolia in her memory to go with that placque. But for now it will sit in my house, until I can find a special place for it.

I miss my red-headed sister.
Every once in a while I still hear that I look so much like Candi, and I love it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I announced on Facebook about Candi's 20 year Anniversary coming and some very dear friends made the following comments. I will treasure each and every one of these comments, and more to come, as I feel love from God in the flesh through these people!

Kristy Dunton:
I remember her well and that tree we planted at school in her memory.
What a beautiful way to honor her memory..

Mary Gann-Dondel:
Heidi, that is heartbreaking. I agree with Kristy, it is beautiful.
I have been lucky to have her little sister as one of my dearest friends.

Desta Ronning Goehner:
This is so beautiful Heidi...what a tribute.
If she was anything like you no wonder you miss her so much.

Tracy McCormick Mayhue:
Heidi, thanks so much for sharing this. I may be able to join you on the 14th . . .
I'll get in touch with you.

Ann Helsel:
awww Heidi, that is beautiful! well to share with you, I remember how excited we got when we saw her truck at the bus stop, because we didn't have to walk! I remember her saying that you and I had the longest legs she has ever seen =) also I remember how I used to tell her how pretty she was, and she used to say that her little sister was even prettier! I feel honored that I was able to know her, and have the memories that I do! Believe me Heidi, Candi would have been very proud of your accomplishments, and I know she looks down at you and your family everyday!

Misty Comis- Hayes:
I am deeply touched by your words. I too understand how time goes almost still but moves. This year is my mother's 25th anniversary. When I think of it I go breathless... but then I remember the beauty of her life. I remember that of Candi's too. You're strong and beautiful too. Thank you for sharing. I will think of you and your family, especially on this day!

Shandee Arceneaux Goulding:
Heidi, Candi was a truly amazing uplifting person! So beautiful, so smart, so kind, so caring and she made me feel super cool because she talked to me. I felt really important because I knew how popular she was and yet she still talked to me!I remember that day so clearly and how sad I was and how sad you were and how horrible the whole thing was for your family. I remember her funeral clearly and have shared stories of her since then that I learned on that day. What an example she is for all of us. I soooo wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you and all that she did and stood for during her short time on this earth. But unfortunately I'm too far away. However, you will all be in my heart and my prayers. I love you and your family! I wish you the best . . .

Robert Galletta:
Heidi, my heart pours out to you and your family. I wanted you to know that Candi was a very special part of our lives and that's why she still lives on in our collective memories. Most people die and are forgotten...not Candi! She had a way about her that was so elecrtifying, so innocent, so full of love and happiness. She was the embodiment of what we all yearned to be. Wow! 20 years has gone by so fast. I can still remember what I was doing the moment I heard about Candi's death. I wanted you to know that after 20 years, I still carry Candi in my heart.

Jennifer Sissel Arana:
I remember planting that tree, too. Your sister was a wonderful role model and leader.

Lily Wong:
Heidi, loosing a sibling has got to be one of the toughest things in life to endure...Keep celebrating life and hold her close to ur heart! Stay strong & continue loving...

Lucia Hartman:
Heidi . love you....lucia

Norman Wong:
Just imagine, in the past 20 years how many times her story has been paid forward. Candi's life, while short, has brought many of us closer (friends & strangers). thank you for sharing with us... the ripple will continue

Anisa Nammar:
Heidi, you are so amazing. I can't believe it's been 20 years. Even in her senior picture she looks like an angel...I miss her too...thank you for keeping her spirit alive! She will never be forgotten.

Markay McLellan Bouzaglou:
She was such a special person and touched so many of us. I will be thinking of your family on April 14th. We were all lucky to have known her for the short time she was with us.

Carrie Conaway:
Heidi I dont know what to say? I cant believe its been 20 years and I'm moved by your love for Candi. I sure miss her. I'm truly sad for being in the same accident with her and not being able to go to her funeral because I was still in the hospital, so if it's ok I would love to spend the day with you and the family or what ever you guys are going to do. Please let me know if theres anything I can do since your not feeling good.

Lori Hamilton Grubb:
Heidi, please know that I will be thinking of you, your family and Candi on the anniversary. She was truly a beautiful person and I am so honored to have met her in my lifetime. I will have to share this with my mom as I know that she feels the same way. May peace be with you at this time and always!

Shelly Holmes Merrick:
Oh Heidi. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers on that day.
Gosh...it seems like yesterday. Love ya!

Amy Clayton Cardaropoli:
What a beautiful person she was. She would be so proud of what a wonderful sister and friend you have been. It seems like just yesterday. I will be thinking of you in the coming weeks. What an amazing person she was to have touched so many in her short life and how many she has touched since her passing. You have done a great job in keeping her memory alive.

Lisa Pratt:
What a beautiful tribute! God Bless you my dear!

Lynn Maynard Nord:
I will always remember Candi and the great moments she made possible in my life. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I think of her at the most random times, which I feel is a tribute to the true impact she made on my life.

Sharon Young Gollaher:
Hi Heidi. Words can't really justify how much Candi has touched so many of us. I can still see her smile and hear her laughter. She was loved.

Ellen Edwards Bird:
Wow, Heidi! I still can't believe it's almost been twenty years! I sometimes feel like it was yesterday when I saw you & Candi in the yogurt shop... shortly before her accident.