Stories--page 5
From Beth Pierski, friend
What I remember about Amanda most is how she was always here for me. She made me laugh if I was sad and try to fix my problem as well as she could. After I got out of the hospital when I had gotten in an accident there was nothing for me to do. I was on crutches and it was pretty hard to get around on my own. There I was sitting at my sister Rachel's house when Amanda came over to see me. She gave me a big hug and told me how worried she was about me and that she was happy I was ok. She was always looking out for me making sure I was making the right decisions. Ever since I've known her, I've always looked up to her. We always thought that in some way we were sisters and we thought it was awesome that our birthdays were only a day apart. She has always been there for me in all the good times and bad times in my life. She is still a sister to me and I can never forget the moments we have shared together.
From Kris Ossola, aunt
I remember the day Amanda was born. Mick had invited some of the guys who were in his construction company over to the house. I honestly don't remember if Butch was at the house or with Nancy in the hospital. It was a beautiful Memorial Day. I remember Nancy wanted to name the new baby Jamie but Grandma O said no--that name was too boyish and came up with the name Amanda.
From Dad
I remember Amanda visiting when I still lived in the ghetto in Rushville and her disgust that the young girls spit as much as the young boys. We also went fishing at the lake and of course Amanda kept score and won again, but she did bait her own hook with them slimy red worms that are such a pain. She said, "By the way, I made the Dean's List this semester," kind of like frosting on the cake after the conversation cooled. What I miss most about Amanda is her indomitable spirit. I've aged a lot in the past several months and my spirit has slowed down and calmed down a lot. She had a long time to go before she would have even slowed down a little. She reminded me so much of myself in my younger years when I would go with little plan or rhyme or reason.
From Joy Jaraczewski, aunt
When Amanda was little, I don't know why, but I called her "Little Turkey Butt." Sometimes she would put her hand on her hips and say, "My name is A-MAN-DA." She was full of piss and vinegar even then. Then, one day I saw her downtown; she was about 10 at the time. When I saw her I said, "Hi Mandy." If looks could kill, I'd have been a goner. Then I got that same response...fists on the hips, "My name is A-MAN-DA!" I guess you had to be there to appreciate the humor in her response and if I had a picture of her doing this then you would know what I mean. But then again, I'm sure we've all seen her in this pose. She was a dandy!
Photos 1 Photos 2 Photos 3 Photos 4 Photos5
Amanda's Musings Amanda's Memorial Garden
Remembering Amanda Other great sites
