This is the most difficult thing I've ever done as there are no words to describe a life with a person who, as my mom says was a "shooting star". I have many memories of my auntie Faith whose relationship with me was a little of everything rolled into one. She was an aunt, sister, second mother, and friend. I remember dancing to music in her arms my feet dangling at her hips. I remember the feeling that she was nearby and knowing she was there without really needing to see her. I remember laughing and joking. I remember playing games. Faith was there as long as I can remember and its beyond difficult thinking about the rest of life without her.

   Favorite memories have been flooding in and I keep remembering the time Faith literally scared the pee out of me when we were walking out of the movie theatre. Faith loved to play jokes and one day we were getting together for a girls night with Missy, Mom, Grandma Green, and Faith. We went to the movies first to see Pirates of the Caribean but Faith had to work and was not able to make the movie. She was going to meet us at the restaurant later and as we walked out of the theatre we stood at the light to cross the street when suddenly Faith jumped out behind me from out of nowhere and yelled "rarrr!!" I jumped so high I almost fell over and litterally peed right there. Faith laughed for hours and years later she was still reminding me of the time she scared the pee out of me. 

   I also remember the time my dad hurt his back so my mother was unable to go on a trip to Vegas with me that was already paid for. I really wanted to go and asked Faith to come in my moms stead to care for me and help me enjoy the trip. Faith was right there and did not hesitate to step in. She helped me with all the ability needs I had on the trip and we enjoyed the excitement of Vegas together. I will always remember the joy on Faith's face when she saw the Treasure Island show as we walked down the Boulevard. Pure joy like a child seeing something for the first time. When Faith smiled the whole world smiled with her. She always made me feel normal and special all at the same time.

   One of the last times I spent with Faith was the day she took my mom to see the Steely Dan concert in Portland. We went to eat at Tommy O's Hawaiian restaurant in Vancouver. The food was great and we had such a good time talking, laughing, and just being. Those are the best times and there were many of them. The family trip to Euphrata, WA will also always be a favorite as we played so many games (well mainly Quelf). I could not stop laughing every time Faith said "Hear me for I have spoken". It was awesome.

Faith Laine Sanders...you will be forever missed and never forgotten. 

 RENE here is a few of my memories of our FAITH. ONE WAS WHEN SHE WAS LITTLE SHE WOULD SEE THE GARBAGE MAN SHE WOULD SAY MAMMA MAMMA THE MESS MAN.
 ANOTHER WAS WHEN THA CHURH LADIES GVE A BABY SHOWER FOR MISSY FAITH WANTED TO COME WITH. I TOLD HER NO .SHE WAS CRYING AND SAID I WANT TO SEE THE BABY GET. A SHOWER. ONCE SOME MONEY CAME UP MISSING AND FAITH GOT BLAMED. COME TO FIND OUT ALL THE KIDS WERE IN ON IT.   FAITH LOVED BUNNNY RABBITS. SHE HAD ONE AS A PET. A GIRL WE THOUGHT. WE TOOK IT IN TO FRIENDS WHO RAISED BUNNIES TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. THE GUY SAYS NO CAN DOTHIS BUNNY IS BOY. FAITH SAID I CAN NEVER FEEL THIE SAME ABOUT THIS BUNNY. NOW THAT I KNOW IT'S A BOY. GO FIGURE, SHE BEET UP A BOY OLDER AND BIGGER THAN HER BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT HE MADE HER BIKE TIRES FLAT.  LATER WE FOUND OUT HE DID NOT DO IT. ONCE SHE CAME HOME FROM PLAY WITH HER HAIR CUT IN FRONT. SHE SAYS TOMMIE DID IT. I MARHED HER OER TO TOMMIE'S HOUSE  AND SAYS TO TOMMIE'S DAD LOOK WHAT TOMMIE DID TO FAITH. THE DAD SAYS WOULD LIKE TO SEE TOMMIE. ENOUGH SAID!  ONCE SHE AND TOMMIE BROKE SO WINDOWS IN A NEIGHORS HOUSE.  SHE KEPT LIFE EXCITING THATS FOR SURE. I COULD GO ON AND ON.  THIS IS JUST A FEW. NEVER A DULL MOMENT FAITH,S MOMMIE

October 12th just won't be the same. And I came into this world in your birthday month, so I guess I was your birthday present, maybe? I was that annoying little sister who adored you and wanted to be just like you. Not sure if you were ok with sharing birthdays until later when we had so much fun planning each others. So many many wonderful crazy fun memories; way to many too list. We shared so many good times together, and you were there for me in so many ways! One very special thing I have to mention, that you did for me, was when you looked at me and saw past my funny glasses, my wild curly hair, and my braces and you convinced mom to send me to modeling school. That was the best thing for me ever because at that time I was so very awkward and shy. That school taught me how to lift my head up and gave me the confidence that I truly needed. Although, you just didn't know you were creating a monster, did you? Cuz later you couldn't get me out of the bathroom. My make-up and hair had to be just perfect, lol. I think I can honestly say, you were truly the wind beneath my wings. You and Rene both are!! And I can also honestly say that You, Rene and John, with as much teasing you gave to me and each other, you also were there with the same amount of love and support!! We have all been there for each other and we are all there together now for you! I agree with Rene, we have all these photos of you, and all these wonderful memories to carry in our hearts, but what we truly want is You! When God made you, Faith, He truly broke the mold because He knew that He could never create anyone as special as you. One who is as spirited, spicy, loving, caring, fun, beautiful and creative! And no ones sweet grin could ever compare to yours. You are so so missed Big Sister Faith! I Love You soooo MUSH!!! (and yes I mean Mush ;) ) And one more thing I agree with Rene on is : love on people while we can because you just never know....

We have All been there for each other and we are All coming together through love, prayers, support and comfort. We all are comfirming this family bond we have in honor you!!

Here are just of few memories i can recall that showed how much my mother loved me.

When i was her little boy i used to leave for the summers and go visit my Dad. I remember being so excited to return home to her even though i had alot of fun with Dad. Every time i came home she would have my entire bedroom reorganized. One year the room was filled with sports themed items, one year she got me a steel tip dart board. that one kinda backfired on her as i threw the darts at my posters more than the dart board. (by the way i got in big trouble for that). another year was a fish tank and a room full of black lights with glowing stars on the walls and ceilings. That was the best surprise cause she new i had a hard time seeing the real ones. Each year the furniture in my room would be moved around and new bed covers to be found. She made every return home an adventure for me.

When i was older and living on my own in Idaho, she drove down the ford ranger so i would have a vehicle. She had put multiple decorative sticky notes in all sorts of places that said things like Smile, I Love You, I miss you. It took about a week to find all of them and they remained in the truck till the day I sold it ten years later. She also came and rescued me when my heart was broken and I just wanted to come home. Shortly after leaving idaho and living with my mom again I met the love of my life Angel and my mom adored her from day one. Way more than any other girl i ever brought home.


A Few weeks before her passing she had told me that she doesnt worry about me anymore, that i have a good life and a great wife and that she was proud of me. I Love you Mamma and I feal those words of encouragement even after you are gone.  

  

Left to right~Faith, Kathy, Cindy, John, Rene, and Grandpa

She ADORED Tucker!  She loved animals.  When we were looking for a dog, she tried to persuade us to find a rescue home to get a dog at.  As recently as a couple of weeks ago, she shared with me about how she struggled when picking out Tucker.  She badly wanted to bring home 2 puppies instead of just 1. 

Faith was.Faith is and will always be in our hearts and our memories! I hurt alot that she isn't here to be able to call or see her!!!!! So now we have pictures and videos not near enough!  But her love for her family and friends will be with us always as love abides! So always love on people while we can because you never know when they will leave you.

Dear Faith,
I don't remember the last time I ever was so angry, confused, sad and yet happy.  Angry because you are gone.  Confused because I don't understand why.  Sad because I'm going to miss you.  And happy because I had the joy of knowing you.  We had many long talks, about you, me, and family.  Although we weren't the best of friends, we did call eachother sisters.  You, Faith, were amazing.  It's obvious, in your heart you were hurting.  But you never allowed the hurt to break apart that glorious smile, and still continued to bring joy to many lives.  When I think of you, I will promise to smile.  You not only brought me much joy through smiles and laughter, but through the life of your son.  Thank you for sharing sharing your amazing family, and thank you for sharing your amazing son! As I told you so many times before, I promise to watch over him and care for him as always.  Your baby boy will be taken care of.  I promise.
Much love forever and always,
Angela