Doug, I remember when you arrived.. as I knocked on the back door hoping someone would be around to play a round of Capture the Flag, a visit with Mrs. Forest or a bike ride to the Madison Community Pool for swim or dive team practice.. I hope I helped welcome you into the arms of all of those Libretti girls, as a nearby neighbor showing up for fun -there was usually someone to hang with -thank God. I remember thinking, finally, a brother for Michael, both resting now in peace. A real Indian with dark skin. I loved dressing up as an Indian for Halloween as a kid. You were the only Indian I ever knew. I loved running through the woods with you and the girls.. You were a natural. Your laughter was infectious. What a graceful swimmer & diver you were. A natural for gymnastics, back yard swings, hanging out at the Y or walking home from St. Vincents in the good ole days. Your journey, special and not without bouts of sadness and teenage confusion about life. I kept up on the stories of your time with Sal and Canada. Perhaps, your number was up, for God had another plan for you, apparently. Another other worldly job. I was so glad I grew up next to your family on John Marshall Lane through the woods. I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet your other family and hear about stories on the reservation and your most recent bucket list trip. I hugged & laughed you when you were home & I'm so happy I have you in my heart. See you in the woods, my friend. You were loved by so many. My condolences to all of my Libretti sisters, especially to Mary & Gerry, losing another one can not be easy.

My dearest Doug, 

1. I’m still numb in knowing you are physically gone from this earth. And I search to my childhood memories of when you first came into our lives at 7 years old. How scary that must have been as I think back. But you let yourself be you, running around with your cape on, being Superman. And what a SUPER GUY you were! I was floored with all of the absolutely beautiful Facebook posts from old st vinnies and MHS friends. And that’s no exaggeration and probably an understatement. For it was unanimous as to what a gentle, kind soul you were and the impression you made. when I think of your given burial name from the tribe - ‘he who stands in front’ - it is most apropo, as you made such an impression. I will be forever grateful to Andrea for keeping you tethered to the family as you made your way north; for convincing you to come home at times, especially in June for the graduations. That will always be my lasting and happy memory, with of course, your bellicose laugh!  And may you be rousing it up with laughter with Sam,Michael, grandma and all of your loved ones.  God bless you, Doug. Your spirit lives on and I hope you saw me doing the smudging in your honor! Until we meet again. I love you so

Doug. You were the one who came to my home when coming home into town. I was so honosred loved. I loved

 hosting you and having amazing laughs and fun filled stories about our lives. Bad times included and you always believed in telling it like it is, a lesson learned in trusting my instincts No holes barred. You read people soooo well it was crazy. A gift indeed. I treasure that you got to know Jade and Jaclyn so well, and loved that you loved Ed.  Your words and letters and cards mean the world to me and I will always treasure things we shared about having 2 families , life , PBR , grandma and more.  Will miss u forever my bro. Till we meet again on the other side.

That moment I saw you at the airport on the day we got you, I thought, MINE. He’s mine. And you were. For eleven years, I had you all to myself. You were my other half. My amazing brother. My absolute best friend. My confidante and my partner in crazy schemes.You were the magic of my childhood and teenage years. We may have grown up and grown apart because that’s sometimes the nature of things, but you’ve always been my big brother. Still making me laugh and still giving me something to admire and look up to. Despite all the challenges you faced, and there were many, you always pulled yourself up and carved out your own slice of happiness…and then shared it. It’s amazing really. I don’t think anyone can think of you and not smile. Like “my face hurts I’m smiling so hard” smile. That’s a gift. You were such a gift. I am so blessed that you were my brother. Thank you for being you and for loving me. For being MINE. I wish we had more time. I wish it so bad it hurts. Until I see you again, Godspeed.  Make the heavens roar…with laughter of course.