Dear Friends -
We are deeply saddened that Sarah has entered the ending chapter of her battle with this horrific cancer. The medical experts expect only days left to live. It would really lift her spirits to read about memories you've shared with her and any other comments that you would like to offer.
We look forward to hearing from you very soon, and we will read all comments out loud to her. Sarah is doing her best to be her usual spirited self in spite of these difficult times. We are grateful for everyone who has been a part of her remarkable life.
Sarah's Mom and Dad
OM and senior year at GW. We had a blast poking fun at all we could, including ourselves. Thinking of you and your family, Sarah.
ReplyDelete-Michele
I loved the treatments you gave me at SWAC and when you invited me to watch you jump out of a plane with some of your friends, and you got a t-shirt but I forget what it said, probably about getting a lousy t-shirt for jumping out of the plane! I have always looked up to you and admired you. I also the time we went to play pool at the dive bar near your parents house, we sang to willy nelson and got drunk. I don't have a lot of friends, never have, but I defiantly consider you a very special person to me.
ReplyDeleteSarah. In the 17 years since I first met you spring of your senior year of college we’ve been better and worse at keeping in touch. Every time we would reconnect, you’d always embarked on some wild new adventure. My grandparents (the ones who lived in Denver) are the only other people I know who so thoroughly enjoyed exploring new professions. You also are still the only one I know who started speaking in full sentences. Thank you for wonderful memories of embracing silliness in daily living. I’m so so so sorry that I didn’t get to show you around Seattle after all. Maybe Kelly W will come and we will do a Sarah tour just for you. Oh friend. I miss you. Also, I never got to tell you that Jessica H from your Oregon forestry days is now one of my friends here. Our littlest kids start their first soccer team together this week, coached by my husband. It’s a small world of course, but made smaller by your career dabbling. So much love to you during these days. Know that even though we didn’t chat regularly these past few years, there are so many little ways that I remember you often. And of course your beautiful smile.
ReplyDeleteIn 1997, by Jewish Law, I became a man, goddammit, and Sarah was there to witness it. I'm talking about the bar-mitzvah thing, not the... not the other thing.
ReplyDeleteSo, 13-year-old me, wandering around, turns just in time to witness my enthusiastic mom introducing her elderly british and equally excited mother-in-law to the politely-obliging, quiet, green-hoodied 18-year old Sarah, leaning in -- "Oh! You must be the SON!!"
"Yeah, the daughter yeah..." she replied, catching my eye and still, somehow, managing to not to betray too much of a smile, at least for Grandma Ruth... I had to get the hell out of there or everyone's cover would be blown.
Getting to know my dear cousin better throughout this tough time has been something I’ll never forget. I’ll cherish our fun “girly” chats— about skincare, dating, periods. The deeper conversations about philosiphy, spirituality, nature. And of course the talks about life’s most important topic— poop. You always make me laugh and I hope I was able to do the same. Love you so much! Xo, Rachel
ReplyDeleteSarah, Robin here - your mom's friend from the Cleveland Institute of Art in our weird young college days (you had yours and we definitely had ours). I met you for the first time when you were still a nursing baby and got to hold and cuddle you! You were so sweet and captured all of my attention - I can't even remember if your older brother had come for that visit as well 8-) Your mom was SO happy!!! The next time we met, you were already a young woman having come to Corvallis, Oregon to be at OSU (research as I remember). We had dinner at my little house on 10th Street and did at least one hike - was it at MacDonald Forest? Such a gorgeous area for being outdoors - something you and I shared the love of. I remember your art show of the incredible freehand cutouts you made and I purchased a particularly lovely one that was black intricately cut out paper mounted over a sort of mustard yellow/orange. It looked like silhouettes of animals and flames and looked very African - so creative and imaginative - I just loved it!!! You are an inspiration in many realms Sarah. I love the way you view the world - it is so unique and reminds me to look beneath the surface to find the odd and funny. I am told that I am not very funny - but have noticed that unintentionally I AM funny about once a year and others laugh before I get it - but I am an appreciator and I appreciate YOU 8-) On a different note, I thought you might like to know that in New England (I live in New Hampshire now - on a farm no less!), winter has finally loosened its grip and we had 71 degrees and sunny yesterday. I'm impressed at how much lighter the air feels as that weight has been lifted and saw indigo and purple crocus blooming along our driveway this morning. That's all I have to say for now Sarah. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI know the time span that I’ve known you is but a small blip on your radar of exciting things you’ve done, but meeting you was special to me. We met at Skill Distillery, just coding and making jokes along the way. But near the end when we finally got to hang out more, and I’m glad. One of my favorite memories is when the group of us went to Casa Bonita to have their amazingly horrible food and cool divers.
Even though we live on opposite sides of Denver, possibly the world it seems, we made time to hang out and catch up, and I appreciate that. You’ll always be one of my dearest friends.
Love you Sarah
Dearest Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhere do I start? even when years pass by without us communicating, when we eventually see each other, it always seemed like none of those years had passed. It was an honor to have you as my bridesmaid at my wedding. I wish I could post a picture here. For my bachelorette party, we went to a spa and had massages and I forgot my phone in the spa locker and had to use your phone to contact people about our plans. Spending the night at that weird Denver hotel, but not before having a post-bar breakfast at Pete’s.
Sending you, Monica, Greg, David, Daniel, Pisco, and Brent much love.
Sarah, I did not know you long or well, but what I did, I thought you swell. Soft spoken, beautiful girl, came into and made a better world. With much respect and thankful for knowing you, Lynn
ReplyDeleteI will forever be grateful for the day you leaned over during 8th grade music class and whispered, "You want to come to a meeting about OM after school? It's gonna be WAY more fun than whatever those assholes you usually hang out with are doing." And with that, you cracked open my world. I don't think I'd ever met another 13 year old who was so comfortable being their quirky, geeky, brilliant, wonderful self and who didn't care what others thought. Now, in my 12th year as a middle school teacher, I have a special fondness for the Sarahs in each successive 8th grade class. There are usually only one or two, but they have the power to shift social dynamics in a positive way, and they are always my favorites. A few weeks ago, I was telling my students about the time that you and Elizabeth and Alexis and I snuck out at a sleepover, armed with black construction paper, to transform the Highlands Ranch sign's message. I have so very many silly, fun, wonderful memories of you, and I'll cherish them all the more in the coming years. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSarah, you were always such a unique person. I sometimes felt like I didn't know how to communicate with you because you were so different--like you were on an entirely different intellectual plane as the rest of us. You had these incredible insights and amazing leaps of logic that I usually couldn't even follow. I remember this particularly during our OM meetings, but also just anytime I'd have a class with you or a chance interaction. The world was much better for having you in it.
ReplyDeleteGoing to the Avalanche’s final game the year they won the Cup at McNichol’s - triple overtime and we were famished. We tried to buy some red vines from the woman in front of us - she just gave us some.
ReplyDeleteI love your free spirit. I always wished I had your willingness to put yourself out there and experience adventure. I remember when you visited me in Milwaukee, we were having dinner at Honey Pie and I asked you what possessed you to join the Navy. Your answer: I was bored. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteSarah, the first time I met you, you were quiet but confident. I remember sitting at the picnic table with you and Brent at one of our summer work bbq's and instantly liking you. That was reinforced after attending your housewarming party. I left feeling excited about having a new friend close by. Anytime I heard you laugh in the office, it brought a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteYou are a genuine, kind, intelligent and funny person and I'm grateful we all were able to work and get to know you better even if it isn't as long as we had hoped. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing you is better for it. Thinking of you and your family.
Hi Sarah! We didn’t spend that much time together at Smith, but I remember your smile and giggle so clearly as you romped the halls of Wilder in your crew clothes. You were a woman of few words, but had such a radiant, kind presence. Thank you for always making me feel at ease and for your contagious calmness. I am sending you love and good energy!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah. We've been neighbors for 27 years! So long that Linda reminded me that you had babysat Daniel and Christie way back when. Wow! I forgot that. But I haven't forgotten the karaoke! At the Christmas parties. You were always so energized and excited once the mics were set up. You and David. You and Christie. You and me. At the mic. Wailing out the tunes. And the best, of course, was saved every year, yes EVERY year, for Bohemian Rhapsody. I can't say I was ever a big fan of that song when it was a hit, but I became one when it came to you and Christie and others getting into that song! With love and respect for you and your family! Tom Mauser
ReplyDeleteSarah, you have such an easy grace...I instantly felt I wanted to know you more. You have endured so much with such style and humor. Sending my love and prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteWe met at Skill Distillery and my absolute favorite memory from that time was the 10 day group project we had with Brenton. I remember thinking I was super lucky to be placed in the same group as you guys. I learned a ton from working with you and I also don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much. Our jokes to lines of code ratio was off the charts! It was during that project that learning code suddenly became easier for me and I will always remember it as a life changing event. Meredith and I also remember that time we went to Casa Bonita. What a hilarious and crazy place! The food was inedible, the margaritas were just ok, but the laughs were awesome.
Sarah, adventurous explorer, the most talented at the most things, destroyer of nachos, singer of earworms, brightener of days: You're the sweetest person to have ever worn muddy cowboy boots in my bed. We had the biggest, dumbest, rockingest birthday parties and laughed at everything (eventually), but mostly at ourselves. Many years have gone by now, but I guess it's time to finally apologize for trying to thwart your genius: I never should have vetoed "Cockpit" as our band name. And now I get to apologize to your parents for making them read that. Love, Alison
ReplyDeleteYou're one cool cat. Adventurous, zany, intelligent, capable: I've always admired you. Every time one of my patients tells me "acupuncture feels good", I remember your teddy bear t-shirts. You've handled this whole thing with such grace, humor, dignity, and flair. When, I get cancer, I'm pretty sure I'll respond with the panache of a sugar-hyped toddler being escorted out of Chucky Cheese at closing time. There's nothing on the other side but Love and warmth and light. You are a shooting star. Love, Caroline
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, I fondly remember our early morning car pools from Littleton to GW. You had an edgy, wicked sense of humor that was decades ahead of me. I can't say that I always "got" it, but I you broadened by horizons by introducing me to Saturday Night Fever and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Lots of love to you and your family. Hugs, Sima
ReplyDeleteSarah - we only overlapped for but a few days, but you have been in my prayer journal everyday since I learned of your illness. You have had a profound and lasting impact within the walls of ClickBank. We appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteOh Sara - how you've so touched so many people's lives - both in your battle you've fought and before... We talked about it the other night, but I remember the first Christmas I spent with you and your family - I got a bottle of some sort of wine from the white elephant gift exchagne, and somehow, you drank most of it. I remember a pic your mom took from that night of us. Your eyes glowing with mischief and drunkeness haha...I remember telling Chris what a riot you were that night. And let's just talk for a minute about how you completely kicked our ass at brunch. Like. TOTALLY. We had you over for waffles, bacon and eggs (which is impressive cooking for us), then a couple weeks later, you had us over for brunch and it was a GIANT spread of the most amazing food I've ever had - frittatas, pancakes the size of our heads, etc... and you're like "oh, I just kinda started cooking - I've never made any of this before" - so casually...hahaha. You are a woman of such amazing talent, intelligence, and strength - and a sense of humor that always had be re-reading your texts for a laugh. You're the kind of person that makes a lasting impression on everyone you meet. You will never be forgotten. We will continue celebrating the live you lived, the battle you fought, and the person you are. We love you with all of our hearts. I consider myself lucky to have known you, you beautiful person, you...
ReplyDeleteand I know you have an "H"...sorry, SaraH - used to typing my own name ;)
DeleteThis is Brit- Wow Sarah, so many stories we have shared through different chapters in our lives.
ReplyDelete1. My first trip one a freeway we went to New York City (which was slightly terrifying), met your brother, ate some food, and traveled back to smith with a Jar of liquid fun. Which apparently I really like that year ; ) I'm sure tatiana wasn't an enabler or anything.
Some of the best memories are from that house on Garyanna street- two sarahs (spelled the right way) in the bunk beds and me in the other bed all in one tiny little room. With the cat ( Marley loved to shed a whole other animal on your stuff--eek sorry about that). Since we lived on Garyanna street it seemed clear to us that we should have a cross dressing party complete with a front yard keg and well, general merriment. lol. The keg was in the front yard from like two weeks post. haha. The cat you we named tuna-that wasn't even our cat- in that same house that used to get up on the counters and spray the god damn outlets. Naked Jenny cleaning we were all like wtf about haha. So many memories.
The last trip we took to mexico- you laying on the deck, both of us wondering if /when we might get picked up by a boat but at least there was beer. Maybe snacks, probably not but definitely beer.
There are so many more memories, of Squirrels bar, Northampton schnanigans and then seeing you pass through oregon here and there. When I talk to other people about you, and when I first mentioned you to my parents I told them
1. Yeah she rows.
2. She is the smartest person I've ever met ( this is still totally true)
3. She's creative in ways I can only dream of
4. she's my people.
Brit
Dear Beautiful Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wit and humor with us, as you have traveled this difficult journey. Your intelligence has shown through in each post. Your bravery and strength, is so admirable.
You are among the brightest of shining stars, and I will think of you when I look up at them at night. I know you will be there, happy and free from pain. You will be in evening summer breezes and the flowers too.
My love always to you, sweet and brilliant Sarah.
Lisa Astrella
Damn it Sarah. You are just so easy to be around. Hanging in hammocks, swimming in mountain lakes, drawing portraits, escapades with Brazilians, gods porch, plum puddin, catching bathroom bats, coloring rainbow zebra unicorns, fishing on the big hole, dare I mention chemult, pouring pizza on the bride’s Mom, etc. all with witty grace. Look at all the people you continue to charm. I’m lucky to be one of them. Smootches and a boob grab to you
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of memories from over the years, Sarah... from Smith to rowing to the days you passed through Seattle.
ReplyDeleteI remember the paper valentines you made one year at Smith. It was two hearts laid on top of each other with arms cut from the one heart giving the other a hug and the words 'I love you' cut in the top heart. I remember the time you made a pit stop in Seattle, on your way to gut fish for the summer in Alaska before joining the Navy... because you were bored and didn’t know what to do. I remember visiting Vancouver with you and a boy I don’t remember the name of. We walked forever and a mile that weekend but we rode the Stanley Park Christmas train with a smile on our faces then got a bottle of Amarula to drink at the hotel.
But most of all, I remember your smile and sense of calm and that is what I will always remember. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience it.
Melissa and Maya
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI have so many great memories with you. Making little cutouts of naked people and hanging them in our house in Corvallis. Chemult... well, Amie already mentioned Chemult.
You charmed my whole family at the dinner before my wedding.
But my fondest memory is driving to Chicago together. Picking out dream houses and getting dressed up for a night on the (teeniest) town in Montana. You buying an entire grocery bag full of trench coats. Driving toward South Dakota and getting passed by all those motorcycles and both of us wondering, "when is that Sturgis thing?" Going to Sturgis (of course), and then going to Wall Drug so we could pose in front of a fake Mt. Rushmore. Camping on the banks of the Mississippi in Minnesota. Developing our own acronyms to pass the time. Coming up with nicknames for places we hated. (Rockford: I think they have a cream for that). You are the absolute easiest person to travel with.
After we left each other in Chicago, you went into the military. Not a total surprise, at least not for you. You are a woman full of surprises.
You are a beautiful unicorn. You have made my life better.
Love, E
Because a lady should always have a bag o trench coats while wandering through life
DeleteSarah - Your zest for life and incredible spirit shine through whenever I see you...from first meeting you at Squirrel's in Corvallis to last seeing you on Trinidad Beach following Erin and Randy's wedding. You brighten many a day for many a people. Love, Emily
ReplyDeleteSarah - never have I known someone so damn interesting. And brilliant. And hilarious. And a really good kisser on a pool table to boot. Loved the days of roaming the late night scenes of corvegas and catching up with you on your unannounced visits to Portlandia. I’m so happy you and Shovlain swung through last summer. Your drawings are still in the same places you left them - continuing to awe, mystify, and ocassionally terrify people. I love you my lady.
ReplyDelete-Liane
I have so many happy memories with Sarah that I don’t know where to start. Belting out Rod Stewart, camping in Colorado, late nights at Smith, hours-long online chats from across the world. I always looked forward to showing you around Japan - I know you would love Tokyo’s craziness and the beauty of the countryside. Sending you all the love in the world, friend, and wishing you peace. Love you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Sarah I think of this grad student at OSU who was better at being funny, interesting, and just flat out mind boggling than being a forest scientist. I later realized she was also brilliant! I remember an awesome PowerPoint she gave in silviculture filled with great info, but silly photos she took of classmates and her professor used as background images stole the show. Chad Davis, myself, and you went to see Justin Townes Earle years later when you were hanging in Portland for a few weeks. You said to us both, "So, I might have joined the Navy today..." only you could have pulled off this crazy life that you have lived. When I really need to get away and let loose, the Crooked River trip is the trip I think about where 12 grad students hopped in 3 cars on a Saturday morning with no real plan and headed east! I've been meaning to text you about a trip I have coming up May 23 to Denver to see family and it seems it might be a missed connection. I'm so sad about that. I don't think anyone ever will or ever could forget you. Forever bonded as the Crooked River Crew. Mike Ahr
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete3 WHITE sedans. 12 hats. One ms. Butterworths. So glad we didn’t burn the forest down. Or not.
DeleteOh, the crooked river crew!!!! How could I forget?? In the words of a Mr. Lance George, ‘f’ing pristine’. That classic photo with our hats remains one of the best ever.
DeleteThere was this hat you used to wear at dance parties, and at live shows in downtown Corvallis, with little ears on the top. You were like an adorable Manga character, and the baddest rad cat on the dance floor. Thank you for your smiles and hugs, at Erin's wedding and before. I've always suspected you had a very special heart. Love to you and your family. Jessica Wakefield
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteMy memories of grad school are foggy, but many of them involve you dressed up in costumes. And your smile. And your laugh. And the light in your eyes. And then seeing you again last summer, feeling like no time had passed yet we’ve both lived so much life... I am so glad or paths crossed again. I will forever picture you dancing and smiling in that red and blue dress. Lots of love. ❤️
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I met you. Our last year in San Diego as roommates was a blessing. I remember the day we went camping, coldest night of my life. The day we went to the shelter to get Pisco. the movie list of must watch movies you made, and our Sunday nights watching TWD. Love to you and your family.
Angel
Lobser, I remember late nights at Smith just talking and laughing, trying to keep up with your brilliant mind and completely eccentric sense of humour. I never quite knew if I really knew what you were talking about. And I loved it! You think differently than many other people I know, and I'm so glad I learned that. I remember nights hanging out in Northrop and dancing our asses off at parties, and mealtime chats and just vegging in the TV room. And I don't know if this is good enough because what I have aren't specific memories, but they're a cloud of facial expressions and sounds of laughter and that feeling of being 18 and getting to know someone who you know is special. Knowing you broadened my understanding of people and the world. Thank you for that. I'm sending you lots of love and laughter. xoxoxo -Boyle
ReplyDeleteSarah:
ReplyDeleteI’m not good with memories. Everything blurs.
You’ve always felt like a cosmic twin of sorts. A creativity that felt familiar yet incredibly unique. I think we’ve both struggled to figure out how exactly we should be in the world. I’m not sure we’ve succeeded, but I think we’ve at least had fun along the way?
Given my family history, I can easily see myself meeting my fate in a way similar to the way you are meeting yours. If and when I face that fate, I hope I can have your strength and courage. When I saw you last month, it was truly inspiring.
Perhaps we will meet again and we can recount the various war stories of our life. If not, well...it’s been a pleasure. Such a pleasure.
Hello Sarah, this is Alita from our Smith & Northrop House days. I felt so comfortable with you always from the start of our friendship which has always been full of laughter, and had so much fun with you and your remarkable family in Colorado. I am thinking of you, David and your parents with a lot of love.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah: From "Uncle" Michael (a term I've never really used). A little meandering... Before I had even met you in person - before you were even born; I had heard so much about you from your Mom and Dad (and your Aunts). And the Lewises followed your development over the years. And how talented you were artistically (and done so easily). Through School & College & your acupuncture practitioning; and then the Navy - as we heard, where in the world you were. I think our very first meeting was in our old house in Kemp Mill. You kindly came for Z, J, R Bar/Bat Mitzvas in Potomac (Thanks). And of course our most recent get together - probably the best - was last year in Denver, when you and the rest played Pictionary (which I observed, but - of course - didn't play along!) So whatever comes next, we'll all ultimately, be back together - Love Michael
DeleteI am compelled to say how moved i am by reading these comments. Sarah i love you and am next to you holding you. you are a Gift of Love.
ReplyDeleteSarah, it's Molly from SWAC. I've missed being in touch with you these past few years, and look back on the time in school together incredibly fondly. I had so much fun with you, your dry sense of humor, your amazing laugh (I can hear it now), and all the ridiculous stuff we no doubt got up to. You will forever be my example for unshakeable calmness-- it seems like you could ride through anything, maybe with an eyebrow raised, if that. Thank you again for the amazing package you sent me after your travels around Asia. I treasure the scarf from Varanasi, and still never got the full story of how you nearly drowned wearing the pendant you then sent me. I'm glad we got you for longer and that you didn't drown. I miss you, and know that I love you, and I will be thinking about you most all the time in the coming days. Huge, giant love and friendship, into the beyond.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, Mike Persichetti here. We worked together at ClickBank (unfortunately just for a few months before I moved on), but I thought it might be worth hearing from an “outsider” how moving it is to see all of the love and support you have around you. While we only had the opportunity to have a few conversations standing around the coffee pot in the break room, it was clear to me through those interactions that you were a good and interesting person worth getting to know. Wish I would have known then that I could bring out my slightly demented and warped sense of humor around you (after following your blog and seeing the comments from your friends, clearly it would have been safe to do that). I am so thankful that you have loving family and friends with you right now. Peace and comfort to you and all who love you.
ReplyDeleteHey, Sarah. It's Colin from SD5 at Skill Distillery. Please don't think of me too unkindly; it was poverty alone that kept me away.
ReplyDeleteEven though it goes without saying that you were the best of us, you never rubbed it in. I remember we were pair programming on IER -- our REI rip-off -- and I caught a typo you missed. You playfully called me a genius which, I can only assume, is the reason you later entrusted me with the vital task of ensuring that when a certain button on our IER application is pushed, an audio clip of a fart noise plays. That is you and that was us, and I will treasure it for the rest of my life.
You probably don't remember this, but I occasionally liked to joke that Skill Distillery was some sort of martial arts dojo and, since you were the best student, naturally, you'd go rogue, dabble in a forbidden programming art, and kill one of our senseis (probably Jamie). I would have liked to keep that joke going whenever someone asked me about my time in Colorado; I would have liked to talk about you that way. It would have been fun; the world is more fun with you in it.
Sarah, I always thought you were brilliant and your brand of brilliance -- patient, kind, humble, often playful -- will always loom large in my imagination. If I am ever worthy to be held in as high esteem by someone else as I held you, I will politely correct them and tell them of a real giant, compared to whom I am mere diluted kin. Rest well, Sarah. Of all the times, places, and realities in which my unique blend of star stuff could have come to be, I am glad I exist where I got to meet you.
HI Sarah! This is Theresa J from OSU grad school days. I will never forget our road trip from school to your parents' place in Colorado over one of the winter breaks. We partied way too hard (yeah!) the night before and headed east. I love your laugh, your stories, your zest for anything new. I recall you confessing to being the 'secret mail box gifter' and I just thought how brilliant, mischievous, and charming you are. When I met your family I was blown away by their love and honesty, but most of all sense of humor. Clearly the apple does not fall far =) All the houses on the block had Christmas lights except yours and a neighbor had come by to request that your mom put up some lights 'in the spirit of things' and your mom said ok - took a tangled clump of string lights out, plugged them in, and threw them on the front bush. I love this sooo much. Thank you for this story and rock on sister.
ReplyDeleteSarah, this is Heather your Cosusin. I am technically struggling because I have already submitted two other messages and they just keep getting lost on the internet and not posted here - I SOUND OLD!!!!! You are so brave my darling Cousin and Im not just talking about this moment. Your whole life you have made bold choices and done unexpected things. One of my favorite connections with you is when my little family and I were visiting my brother Chris and his wife Sara in Denver and your mom and Dad invited us over for dinner one night. We had such a great time together! I practically MADE Chris & Sara come and now it sounds like you have been best friends forever! I love that connection was made!!! I love how that relationship blossomed! Even though our paths have not actually met up I feel like we are connected. Right now I'm in Atlanta at a conference but I wish I could be there to hug your neck! I love you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Hey Sarah, this is Josh from SWAC. I don't know why this blog is making me comment with my name as joijoijoijoij, but somehow I think you would appreciate that! I very much remember laughing with you in class about ridiculous things and the camaraderie of going through such a hard and strange time in our life and just generally being appreciative that you are on the planet. I remember specifically one when you stayed over at my apartment one night and trying to wrangle up enough blankets (and feeling totally guilty about not seeming to have enough!) so you would be warm enough on the couch. I think I tried to over compensate Mom style and you laughed when I offered to make you a snack and read you a story. I also remember being in clinic at BCAP with you and the silliness that was that whole experience too. Very good memories!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking and will keep thinking about you friend. Sending big hugs and lots of love your way.
Sarah, I knew you as a fellow student at SWAC, and you treated my husband in the clinic. We both appreciate your kind and caring manner. We both send our blessings and love and are holding you in our thoughts and hearts.
ReplyDeleteJill and Gary Andreozzi
Hi Sarah, long time no talk. I'll always wonder why we lost touch over the years, but I also understand it as we all go our separate ways. I have thought about you often over the years. We were pretty good friends at SWAC. I think we had little drawings and little secrets on everyone and our our little gossip stories. I went with you to the recruiting office, I thought you were crazy, but that's who you are. I think you lived life to to the fullest, or at least tried to even though it was hard sometimes. I have thought about you many times over the years and it was
ReplyDeletealways with a smile. I still tell the story of our Denver Excursion when you left me in Denver. Yes I was a little angry, but it is a damn good story today! You have touched countless people and I am sure I will see you again one day. :) Love, Noël
Sarah, just reminiscing on our SWAC days together. I will always remember your smile and sense of humor. I'm so glad that our paths crossed.
ReplyDeleteXO - Jen Alberti
Sarah! What to say, where to start? I’ll just start by saying that you are a brilliant shining light and a beautiful person with whom I have loved being friends! I think about all our crazy nights in Boulder, your little apartment with your bro by the creek, studying for Debbie’s herbs with all your hilarious crazy drawings on your note cards (and my absolute amazement in your capacity to remember completely random shit!!), coming down to visit you that day in Portland right before you had joined the flippin’ navy!! Ohhh so many memories. I cherish them all. My life is more full because of you. I can hear your wonderful, infectious laugh right now and it makes me giggle. I am truly sorry to not get a chance to say a proper farewell. I somehow knew that day we said goodbye in Portland that it might be a while before I saw you again. I didn’t know how long. I’m holding you (and your family) in my heart, sweet, amazing, brilliant friend, and I will hold you there forever. Anna ♥️
ReplyDeleteLove you.
ReplyDeleteAnd how dare I forget about Yard Hamms! Possibly the best Rancid cover band. Period. On the accordion. Period. Love you sexy beast
ReplyDeleteI love that laugh too, like everyone else. But because there are so many of them in there, and you can make them say whatever you want: Hey, that's hilarious; Hey, don't ask me; Hey, wait, it's weird that I'm laughing at this, right? Hey, this is really scaring the hell out of me; Hey, Hey; Heeeeyyyyy. Profoundly worthwhile poetry. ... No doubt: we should have talked a lot less about dancing and just danced. ... Thank you, Sarah, thank you. I'm so much brighter and kinder and healthier and smarter for your letting me hang around and wonder what the hell you're laughing at all the time. You're good guts and I love you.
ReplyDeleteMe again. Still thinking about you. Just wanted to tell you I’m starting nursing school on Monday. One of the fields I’m considering is oncology, because of you. I know those nurses took good care of you. I hope I can do that for someone else. But I’ll be thinking of you too...
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ReplyDeleteMy precious sweet adorable hysterical beautiful darling loving Sarah.....Your courage throughout this horrible journey was an inspiration to all of us. After each setback, you just plowed forth, refusing to give in and give up. It was mind blowing to witness.
ReplyDeleteReading all these comments from countless people shows how you've touched so many lives.
You made a difference. Your life was meaningful. The joy you passed to others with your hilarious humor and your genuine gentle soul will remain with all of us for the rest of our days.
A hole will be left in our hearts, but we will try our best to fill it with happy sweet memories of the beautiful person we have all gotten to know and love all these years.
You gave us a gift of yourself, and for that we will be forever grateful.
You taught us so much about being real...being true.....being genuine....being funny....being happy.
As you so simply said in one of your very first blog entries after being diagnosed (under the "Want to help" section): "Go about your business and live a normal life and be nice to people."
I will miss you more than you could possibly know sweet precious Sarah. You will be in my heart forever.
With all my love,
(Aunt) Jessica xoxoxoxoxoxo