Amy…Never forgotten

As we mark the twelfth year since Amy departed this world, we stop to remember a soul whose light still shines brightly in our hearts. Amy was a remarkable individual, a radiant presence whose warmth and passion touched the lives of all who knew her.

Amy’s love for music was boundless, her saxophone melodies echoing through the corridors of memory. In the marching band, she marched with grace and played with fervor, her notes weaving tales of joy and resilience. With every twirl of her baton, she infused the air with an energy that was infectious, igniting spirits and inspiring those around her.

Yet it was in the realm of journalism that Amy found her true calling, her pen a mighty sword wielded in the pursuit of truth and understanding. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she delved into the written word with fervent curiosity, crafting stories that resonated deeply with readers and stirred the depths of their souls.

But beyond her professional endeavors, Amy’s heart overflowed with love for those around her. As a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, she embraced each role with unwavering devotion and boundless affection. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and laughter, where every gathering was imbued with the spirit of celebration. She adored the Fourth of July! With fireworks lighting up the night sky, Amy’s laughter would mingle with the crackle and pop of celebration, her smile a beacon of joy amidst the festivities.

But above all, it was Amy’s smile that we carry with us still, a radiant beam that could part the darkest clouds and bring light to even the gloomiest of days. Her laughter, like the tinkling of wind chimes on a summer breeze, is a melody that lingers in our memories, a gentle reminder of the beauty that once graced our lives.

Though she may be gone from this earthly realm, Amy’s spirit endures in the hearts of those who loved her. And as we honor her memory on this twelfth anniversary of her passing, let us take solace in the knowledge that she lives on in the stories we share, the music we play, and the laughter that echoes in the chambers of our souls.

Rest in peace, dear Amy. Your light will never fade and you will never be forgotten!

11/29/1968 – 5/6/2012

HAPPY 55th BIRTHDAY AMY ! 11/29/2023

Today is my birthday. Celebrate my life with you.  And remember the good times, not the bad. And do not be sad; Look up towards the sun and catch every ray of light upon your cheek. For I am there with you. Today is my birthday. Be happy for me . I lived short, but full.  I had the pleasure of love and the joy of my family. Do not be sad. Look up towards the stars and catch each twinkle in your heart. For I am there with you.

Today is another year that we remember our AMYAZING AMY and celebrate her special day sending love, hugs and wishes to her in Heaven. Not a day goes by that someone, somewhere isn’t thinking of her and remembering all the joy and laughter she brought to each of us in her own loving and unique way.

Below is a picture of Amy sending off a lantern for her 43rd birthday.  Happy Birthday Amy! You are missed more than you could ever imagine.

We love and miss you Amy!  Happy Birthday!

Amy sending off a pink lantern for her 43rd birthday! 11-29-2011

Theo graduates high school – 6/1/2023

It’s hard to believe that it’s graduation time for Theo, aka THEODORABLE! He was 6 years old when Amy got her angel wings and now at 17, he has graduated from high school. He did well in school and really loves playing ice hockey as a goalie. He’s grown leaps and bounds and has a delightful personality. Don and his wife Melinda did an AMYAZING job raising him after Amy’s passing and we look forward to watching him continue as one chapter ends and a new begins. Theo plans to attend college and major in Computer Science as well as play hockey at the college level. His final college destination has not yet been chosen but no matter where he goes, we know many adventures are waiting for him to explore!

In May 2012, MANY of you AMYAZING friends and family members donated to the Amy Rauch Neilson Benefit to help with Theo’s college fund! Those funds have grown over the years to $10,500! THANK YOU to those that donated!

Below are some pictures of Theo receiving the gift of that college fund, his graduation and hockey. Not a day goes by that Amy isn’t thought of, loved and talked about. So many of her wonderful traits shine through Theo and continue to keep her memory alive! She is so dearly loved and missed and I know she is beaming with pride of her son Theo!  CONGRATULATIONS THEODORE!!

6/1/2023

Melinda, Theo & Don

Aunt Lisa, Theo, Aunt Julie

11 Years – Too many without you

Some days it feels like forever since we heard her laugh, saw her smile or read the words she so loved to write. And then there are days when we can feel her right beside us. But there are never any days that someone, somewhere isn’t thinking of Amy and how she touched their life. While it’s hard not to focus and remember the day that our Amazing Amy got her angel wings – and even harder to believe it’s been 11 years – the true beauty of remembering Amy is how she lived her Dash!

Our dear sweet angel Amy, we remember… 

AMY TINA RAUCH NEILSON  11/29/68 – 5/6/12

How will you live your Dash?

Theo and me, sending off the lantern in memory of my Mom and Dad, the grandparents he never knew. Photo by Don Neilson.

HAPPY 54th BIRTHDAY AMY !

Today we celebrate Amy’s 54th birthday.  As each of us celebrate her in our own special ways, I know she’s smiling ear to ear and embracing all the love and wishes coming her way.

Don and Theo are doing great! Theo is a senior in high school and plays goalie for his hockey team.

Not a day goes by that someone, somewhere isn’t thinking of Amy and remembering all the joy and laughter she brought to each of us in her own loving and unique way.

She is gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN!

I would imagine this is how Amy would want us to feel:

Even though I know many of us feel this way:

But today, Amy’s special day, let’s celebrate her AMYAZING life and send her endless love and wishes for a Happy Birthday!

We love and miss you Amy! xoxoxoxoxoxo

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY!!

TEN YEARS :(

Sometimes it feels like it was yesterday and sometimes it feels like it was forever ago. Either way, it’s hard to believe that our beautiful, spunky Amy got her Angel wings ten years ago.

It would be great if everyone reading this would take a moment to remember how your life was touched by Amy and share a story with someone of how she made you feel.

Remembering you is easy; I do it every day. Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.

Our dear sweet angel Amy, we remember…

AMY TINA RAUCH NEILSON  11/29/68 – 5/6/12

THEO TURNED 16 in 2021 AND LOVES PLAYING GOALIE

   

Created by Don and great reminder of what Amy would want all of us to do 🙂

LIVE every moment, LAUGH every day and LOVE beyond words!

If I could visit heaven
even for a day
Maybe for a moment
my pain would go away
I’d put my arms around you
and whisper words so true
That living life without you
sure is hell to do
No matter how I spend my days
no matter what I do
No morning dawns or evening falls
When I don’t think of you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

W.W.A.D. (what would Amy do)

I can only imagine what Amy would have done during this pandemic. Amy’s a people’s person; a social beautiful butterfly!  She loved to share her stories, talk your ear off, and make you laugh so hard your side hurt. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Her creative mind and energy certainly would have made this past year a hoot! She would have done what she could to make you smile and not feel sheltered and alone. While there are no words to express how much Amy is missed, many of us can still hear her voice and remember her silly sense of humor, see her infectious smile and read her uplifting and incredible words. Amy loved more than anything to be with people, share her stories with others and listened with a kind and loving heart. Her adorable son Theodore was her world but she always made time for others.

While each of us will take a moment today to reflect on what Amy meant in our own lives, her passion for life and living it to the fullest keeps many of going forward each and every day.

Our dear sweet angel Amy, we remember…

AMY TINA RAUCH NEILSON  11/29/68 – 5/6/12

          

Created by Don and great reminder of what Amy would want all of us to do 🙂

LIVE every moment, LAUGH every day and LOVE beyond words!

If I could visit heaven
even for a day
Maybe for a moment
my pain would go away
I’d put my arms around you
and whisper words so true
That living life without you
sure is hell to do
No matter how I spend my days
no matter what I do
No morning dawns or evening falls
When I don’t think of you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Amy

Amy loving life!

November 29, 2020

As most of you know, Amy LOVED her birthday and she LOVED sharing her day with as many as possible.

Not only did she love being the center of attention that day, she would start on November 1st and tell everyone that, “it’s my birthday in 28 days”!  And the count down would continue each day until her special day.  But she deserved it.  Amy also made sure that when it was someone else’s birthday, she would send a card, email, text or call.  She’d even sing to you if you’d listen.  And of course you would; she delighted in making others smile and laugh.  I know all of us would do anything to see her smile and hear her laugh, especially today as we celebrate Amy’s 52nd birthday and share memories of her AMYAZING personality.

Amy’s 15th Birthday – 11/29/1983

11/29/1983

 

Amy’s 40th Birthday – 11/29/2008

 

Happy 40th Amy!

Happy Birthday in Heaven

On the day we celebrate your birthday on earth, we thank God for you were born.

Today, we miss you terribly. We grieve in the presence of friends and family who cherished you. We celebrate your life, even in death.

On these commemorative events when you should be here with us, allowing us to give you birthday presents, we miss you even more.

Below is a picture of Amy sending off a lantern on her 43rd birthday.  It’s heart breaking to know that that was her last earthly birthday.  You are missed more than you could ever imagine.  And if we had just 1 birthday wish, it would be a stairway that reached up to Heaven so we could bring you home.

We love and miss you Amy!  Happy Birthday!

Amy sending off a pink lantern for her 43rd birthday! 11-29-11

Today is my birthday
Celebrate my life with you

And remember the good times
Not the bad and
Do not be sad;
Look up towards the sun
And catch every ray of light
Upon your cheek.
For I am there with you.

Today is my birthday
Be happy for me
I lived short, but full
I had the pleasure of love
And the joy of my family.
Do not be sad
Look up towards the stars
And catch each twinkle
In your heart.
For I am there with you

Today is my birthday
My legacy is not wealth
Or mighty belongings,
My legacy is you and your life.
Spend it wisely and carefully
Guard it always
Do not be sad
Feel the wind on
your face
And in your hair
And know that I loved you
For I am there
with you in your laughter
And in your hearts.

Today is my birthday
Learn to live again without me,
Take my strength with you
For you are not alone.
Do not be sad
Feel the rain on your face
Feel all life’s treasures and
Know that you are alive!
At each step of the way
I will help you
For I am with you always
Until we meet again.

Today
is my birthday…

Amy…We Love and Miss You!

Some days it feels like forever since we heard her laugh, saw her smile or read the words she so loved to write. And then there are days when we can feel her right beside us. But there are never any days that someone, somewhere isn’t thinking of Amy and how she touched their life. While it’s hard not to focus and remember the day that our Amazing Amy got her angel wings – and even harder to believe it’s been 8 years today, 5/6/20 – the true beauty of remembering Amy is how she lived!

Our dear sweet angel Amy, we remember…and you will NEVER be forgotten!

AMY TINA RAUCH NEILSON  11/29/68 – 5/6/12

   

Theo is really growing up! Not just in age (he will be 15 in August) but height too!
He loves playing hockey! Don and his wife, Melinda, are doing an amazing job
raising him.

Amy would be very proud of the young man he has become!

1st Day of High School – Sept 2019

Very proud of Theo!! He got most improved
award from his coach for the season.
It’s a glass award that is etched. He is holding it.

 

Happy 50th Birthday Amy

November 29, 2018 – Amy’s 50th Birthday!

As most of you know, Amy LOVED her birthday and she LOVED sharing her day with as many as possible.

Not only did she love being the center of attention that day, she would start on November 1st and tell everyone that, “it’s my birthday in 28 days”!  And the count down would continue each day until her special day.  But she deserved it.  Amy also made sure that when it was someone else’s birthday, she would send a card, email, text or call.  She’d even sing to you if you’d listen.  And of course you would; she delighted in making others smile and laugh.  I know all of us would do anything to see her smile and laugh, especially today as we celebrate Amy’s 50th birthday and share memories of her AMYAZING personality.

Amy’s 15th Birthday – 11/29/1983

11/29/1983

Amy’s 40th Birthday – 11/29/2008

Happy 40th Amy!

Happy Birthday in Heaven

On the day we celebrate your birthday on earth, we thank God for you were born.

Today, we miss you terribly. We grieve in the presence of friends and family who cherished you. We celebrate your life, even in death.

On these commemorative events when you should be here with us, allowing us to give you birthday presents, we miss you even more.

Below is a picture of Amy sending off a lantern on her 43rd birthday.  It’s heart breaking to know that that was her last birthday here with us but to honor her 50th birthday this year and extend our love up to her in Heaven, we will be sending Amy 50 lanterns. Happy Birthday Amy!  You are missed more than you could ever imagine.  And if we had just 1 birthday wish, it would be a stairway that reached up to Heaven so we could bring you home.

We love and miss you Amy!  Happy Birthday!

Amy sending off a pink lantern for her 43rd birthday! 11-29-11

Today is my birthday
Celebrate my life with you

And remember the good times
Not the bad and
Do not be sad;
Look up towards the sun
And catch every ray of light
Upon your cheek.
For I am there with you.

Today is my birthday
Be happy for me
I lived short, but full
I had the pleasure of love
And the joy of my family.
Do not be sad
Look up towards the stars
And catch each twinkle
In your heart.
For I am there with you

Today is my birthday
My legacy is not wealth
Or mighty belongings,
My legacy is you and your life.
Spend it wisely and carefully
Guard it always
Do not be sad
Feel the wind on
your face
And in your hair
And know that I loved you
For I am there
with you in your laughter
And in your hearts.

Today is my birthday
Learn to live again without me,
Take my strength with you
For you are not alone.
Do not be sad
Feel the rain on your face
Feel all life’s treasures and
Know that you are alive!
At each step of the way
I will help you
For I am with you always
Until we meet again.

Today
is my birthday…