We must travel this road now without you, though we are not sure if we can. "There is no doubt we'll make it" We know this is what you'd say. But, Claire that's not fair as it was you who always brightened our day. At times when we start to crumble and weaken at the knees, you will make us strong. We'll think of God's light of protection as we empty our hearts knowing that they will heal. We let go of our fears of the unknown and are just happy to have known your love.

Look around you----see how many lives Claire touched in so many ways. As we yearn for answers to questions that can't be answered we remember and hold dear to our hearts the love, the caring, and the compassion Claire brought to us. She is a daughter, a grand daughter, a sister, a best friend, a girlfriend, a cousin, a niece, and a friend to all of us. She shines bright in the darkest of gloom we all feel right now, and we all know she would want us to be strong.

My wife Leanne and I were fortunate to have Claire sit with us on our airplane trip back from Cape Town in January. All she showed us were mountains of pictures of family and friends. Pictures of South Africa, pictures of Florida State, pictures of her sorority sisters, and pictures of her wonderful family. She exalted in her conquest of her amazing world's highest bungee jump. And she gleefully told of her Mom and Dad's scared stiff faces and cursing words as they followed her and Joanne's lead. But isn't that how it always was with Claire---sharing and laughing. She cherished her family. She cherished her friends. She brought us all so much warmth. Claire was and will always be a true woman in every sense and she showed us all what true humanity is all about. She exhibited the greatest of all gifts except years.

We must cherish the joy and happiness she brought us, as that is what she would want. Remember her spontaneity, her humor, and her unique ability to give all of herself to any endeavor she chose. She may have been taken from us, but she can never be stolen from our hearts. We pour every heartfelt emotion towards Seymour, Jill, and Joanne. You are not alone, you will never be alone, and Claire will always be with you and with all of us.