Monday, October 13, 2025
I met Amanda when I started grade 2 in St Stephen and we were the best of friends from that day on.
I was lucky to have lots of great memories hanging out at her home, she would invite me for a sleepover and to watch a movie she would bring home from her parents store, promising me "it wouldn't be a scary one" Somehow she was always "shocked" it ended up being a thriller and I was left shaking, and she, giggling with delight that she got me again. When her mother would make curried chicken for supper, Amanda would bring extra for lunch to share with me because she knew how much I liked it, she was always so very thoughtful in that way and in too many other ways to mention.
Often in life you have friends who drift in and out of your life that may feel like a final point on the end of the connection, but she and I never felt like that, we both said no matter how much time went by between visits or messages it was like no time had passed at all, truly like family that you know the bond can not be broken. Just weeks ago I saw that Amanda and Joey's house was advertised for sale and I immediately messaged her to ask what her new address was, I joked what if I may need to seek refuge one day? She was my own personal emergency contact. She laughed and sent me the address and said of course her home was always open. Which always meant the world to me.
When Jessica moved to Alberta we had a great talk on the phone and laughed about how fun it would be for Amanda to fly out to Edmonton and then the two of us could drive to Fort Mac on an adventure like old times, Thelma and Louise style, having a blast.
Amanda was the best friend and oldest friend I've ever had and there is no way to express the gratitude I feel for having her in my life.
There is no end to the profound sorrow I feel for the loss of my friend, her unfairly shortened time and for the grief this brings to Joey and the kids, her sister and mother, I do know that they will find some comfort in the amazing close relationship they all shared and the memories of what a truly wonderful person she was in every way.
May God bless all of you,
Wendy