“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” Isaiah 40:31
This is the verse that has been in my head since my visit with Amanda a little over two weeks ago. She was waiting on the Lord with such incredible strength and grace and, while cancer stole her physical strength, I know that she has now mounted up with wings like an eagle. In her words, she now will be continually present in the Light, where there is no pain or fear. While this loss has left so many of us heartbroken, there is comfort in knowing, as she reminded me when I was walking out the door of her hospice room, that this goodbye is not forever. In dying, as in living, she amazed me with her calm wisdom. Amanda lived, loved, and experienced more in her 37 years than many twice that age. And, as many of you know, touched the lives of so many. She will be so very, very missed.
Amanda spent her final days in the hospice center with her family where hospice staff was able to keep her comfortable.
Please keep Charles and their daughter Eleanor; her parents Craig and Deb; her brother Ben and his wife Ilse and their family; her in-laws Len and Nora; and all her family and friends in your prayers.
A funeral service to celebrate Amanda’s life will be held at All Saints Church on Sunday, January 15, at 3:30 PM. A viewing also will precede the service in the church Bride’s Room starting at 2:30 PM. The address there is 3 Chevy Chase Circle Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Her parents will also hold a memorial service for her in Vermont. Details will be forthcoming.
A special final note from Charles who wants to thank all of you who sent messages and prayers.
“Over the last week, I’ve read many of the social media posts and emails you’ve sent to her aloud (at times with great emotion and tears). Your words are wonderful remembrances and I’ll cherish them always.”
(This post was written by our dear friend, Courtney).
Life Upstaged 
I can just hear Jesus welcoming her and saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Great is your reward.”
Praying for the entire family as they slog through the next part of the journey.
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I praise God that Amanda is no longer in pain or striving for life here on earth. She has run a hard race with much grace, growth and love. My heart and prayers go out to Chuck, Eleanor and the rest of her family (parents, brother, etc) for they are now left with the pain of missing her in their day-to-day lives.
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May the peace of the Lord be with family and friends. Thank you Lord for your grace. We will see you again Amanda, and our thoughts of you will inspire us while we are still here. Thank you Amanda for sharing your life with us.
Jan and Wendy
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I am so incredibly saddened to hear this news. Amanda seemed like an amazing spirit and I can’t begin to imagine how deeply she will be missed. I hope Charles, Eleanor and the rest of her family are able to find strength and comfort in their memories of Amanda. Hugs to you all.
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Truly an inspiration to all. Fly with your eagle’s wings. Your grace and courage have certainly earned them for you Amanda! Even though I never met you, I felt like I knew you through your eloquent words. Bless your soul. May it be a peace for all eternity.
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I am saddened by the fact i never met Amanda…..her blog was so truely remarkable. Her faith in God unstoppable. She is truely an angel…and even though her life was short she left an impact on many . My condolences to her family.
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Nora and family I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all. ❤
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Our deepest condolences Chuck, you are in our prayers.
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My prayers and thoughts are with everyone. Chuck, I am here for anything you need.
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Rest in peace, Amanda, although I’m sure you’ll be busy being guardian angel to the many who love you. I hope Heaven is as great as you imagined it would be. To Charles: let yourself be comforted by knowing she’s pain-free now, and you and Eleanor can hold dear the memories and they allow you to smile.
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Amanda, your life has been a blessing to all who knew you. Back in that Easter in Taizé, France, we learned that trust and hope would guide your path. Rest in peace. May you shine within our memories. May your family be comforted with the remembrance of your way of enjoying life.
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