"A Cousin's Challenge" -- by Amy's Cousin Donna

For me Amy was so many things..a cousin, an annoying little sister, a partner in crime, a tattletale, a burden and a joy. She was my introduction to family rivalry. I was the first of many grandchildren in our family, and she was second. But second place was not where Amy was ever meant to be. She was always out shining me...for better or worse. And she always kept me on my toes, always kept me honest (she was never shy about anything, especially letting you know when she thought you were full of **it!), and she always kept me guessing. In essence she was a challenge! This is the title of the poem I've written for Amy...to share all that she was to me at least in some small way. Those of you who attended her memorial service 9/8/04 may remember it:

The Challenge

She is contrast
She is change
She is confusion
And passion and strange
Unintentionally irritating
Charming and infuriating
She is lovely
And she is loved
She makes me laugh
And dream
And hope and scream
She is optimistic
And afraid
Intense and uncontained
She's a challenge
And she loves it
And she hates it
And I get her
And I don't
She is beauty
And she is gone
And I miss her
I miss the challenge!

Donna Wasser(for Amy)
cousin and friend

I miss her so very much, and I hope we can all remember to continue to challenge each-other the way she challenged us!