(First i must inform my comment was too long i had to break it into 2 parts)

This is for Gaby, my name is Natalie, I do not know you at all, but I've been reading what ppl have to say about their losses and ive been giving small prayers for each individual person on the list.

Aida however brought tears to my eyes b/c she is so young and reading about you, her sister, waiting for her and speaking on news, it broke my heart, Im 20yrs and when I was 17, I lost my 20yr sister.

Almost 3 years now since her accident (she was hit by a car and died instantly) and hearing about someone else going through the same thing brings back the hurt so fresh as if it only just happened yesterday.

i know what its like. Countless people telling you that they are there for you and saying things like "if you need anyone call me we'll talk" and you appreciate them. But you know they'll never understand.

And when you feel lonely and you feel like you need to let it out to some one you grab the phone to call but your fingers dont know what to dial b/c from the countless ppl who said theyll be there, you just cant seem to want to speak to anyone but "her".

its going to be "hard" its not going to be easy. If you were able to speak to everyone on tv when you did that says alot YOU are a lot stronger than I was.

But I want to share something that someone told me when I wasnt letting anything get to me during the hard time... My Uncle said,

"I know this is a hard time for you, but let me tell you something, 'The World Goes On'. You may want to give up on everything and have your life take a break to mourn and feel sorry but this is reality: what may not seem important is important you need to finish school, go to college and work twice as hard because to tell you the truth honey, life goes on with or without you, whether youre ready for it or not. If you don't keep up and continue what youre doing life will leave you behind and let me tell you that it is tough catching up when you've already fallen behind."

To his simply harsh but true words, I never told him but they are what kept me together & strong. Despite the nice and thoughtful things ppl were saying, I held on to his words especially while i felt blind to see the beauty in life b/c my life seemed so fogged up at the time, it was the only thing that helped paint a solid clear path for me to follow and I hope it does the same for you.

take it easy Gaby i know i dont have to tell you this, but keep on remembering her, dont stop thinking about her, talk to her in your head or when youre alone, she'll hear you and in your dreams "you'll hear her".

By doing this you are keeping her alive in yourself. So Keep Aida alive by doing the things that she would do.
And I promise you that there will be times when the conversations you share in dreams will be so real that you'll question whether the last time you saw her, heard her voice or seen her smile was "really" the last time.

Jacob you will truley live on in all of the family and friends that love you and treasure you and that is an amazing amount of people. Angie and Alan, Jared and Jordan our hearts cry with you rip with love Bobby Debbie Jeremiah Levi and Sharayah

I was saddened to hear about the loss of my good friend Howard. I only knew him for a year and a half. We worked together and he always had a smile on his face and such a great outlook on life. I remember I had surgery on my face with stitches and I was self conscious about it and to make me feel better, he put on a bandaid on his face in the exact location also, to make me feel better. He made me smile... I will miss him so very much....

Jacob we love you very much. You made a difference in all our lives and you will truely be missed. We will continue to pray for your family and for Stephanie. We will keep you in our hearts forever.
All our love. Rest in peace.

I worked in the same office with Greg since 2000. Even when he was promoted to a new position, but was still physically assigned to our office, he still would answer technical questions when he didn't have to. That's the kind of person Greg was, always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow employees. In addition, I know he was a great dad because I heard him talk to his son on the phone with great love and respect which was an inspiration to me and others. My prayers go out to his wife and son. I will really miss Greg.

Revelations - 21:4. May god bless the Long family

Donna and I didn't talk everyday, nor did we talk every week. But whenever we saw each other, as we did on Friday afternoon, we took the time to talk and ask about each other's family. And always, always, we ended our talks with a good belly laugh. I'll miss her.
However...It's comforting to know that I have a friend in Heaven.

Gabby
Me and my husband saw you on TV. You stayed in our minds and we stayed tune to any new of hope for you and your family. I was so sad to see your sister did not make it.Our thoughs are with you and your family.

She is from Taiwan. I never met her before but heard she's very kind and care. That day she went to a part-time job to help her sister's college living expenses, not her own. Sad to hear she left at such young age.

Dear Jan,

Our heart breaks for you and your family. There really are no words that we can say that can even attempt to squash the pain! Just know that we are sending you all of our love and thoughts and prayers....

I did want to say, that selfishly, I am now SO glad that your trip to Northern California was cancelled this summer and you were able to attend my mom's 60th birthday party!!! I was just thinking back to all of us singing (LOUDLY) and dancing with the Steel Drum player - and at one point, I was next to Ron - and he just started singing and said to me - "This is so much fun - I am having the best time" - he was giggling - That little memory and the look and smile on his face will be what I will hold close to me forever.

I also want to send my love and thoughts out to his best friends ... his buddies... I am so sorry for your loss as well!

My grandmother taught history at Roosevelt, and to read the amazing tributes from students and faculty of what Ron did to make a differnce with students and how he went above and beyond with many, really speaks to the man he was, and the huge void that will be left there in his absence.

He will live in our hearts forever,