We considered her one of our own kids. Just shy of 12 years old, she was a beautiful girl full of love and life and laughter. She never did anything in a boring way; she made everything fun. She was very creative; she could draw, write poetry, and compose beautiful tunes on the piano. She loved logic puzzles, word games, anything that challenged her intellectually. This little girl could pack more activity into one day than anyone I’ve ever known. My kids were never idle when she was around.

She was never an extra person in the house, she was just family. Unfailingly polite, she was genuinely grateful for everything. When I invited her to stay for dinner, her whole face would light up. If we asked her to come along wherever we were going, to a restaurant, shopping, or even just the library, you’d have thought we’d invited her to Disneyland. She was easy to please, and eager to do anything and go anywhere on a moment’s notice. She was an awesome kid.

On April 19, 2007, she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The loss of this little girl has been devastating to me and my family. This painting is my tribute to this special little girl, my gift to her family. We are profoundly saddened by their loss.