My heart is shattered. My Bud, my forever extra child, you will be missed beyond measure! It's said that some people come into our lives for a season and some for a lifetime. You, Connor Hannah, are intertwined with my soul for eternity. I will carry the distinct honor of being your Mom #2 with me always and forever. I admire you. I respect you. I see you for the absolutely incredible person that you are!

Days of Stratego, Wii tennis and MarioKart, and even wiffleball, won't ever be forgotten. I'll hold dear to my heart the chess games lost in a distant time when you were the beginner. Now, I'm the horrible student you tried so desperately to teach. I feel you shaking your head while asking if I'm "sure I want to make that move". I hear your patience (and snarky side comments). I see your brilliance as you literally show me how the next several moves play out and then put it all back as it was in the fleeting hope that I'd improve. Never happened folks!

May the OG chessboard always be a reminder of life's challenges accepted! Here's to praying that all who knew you and all who will come to know your fighting spirit, find and pursue their passion, whatever it may be, with the same unwavering devotion as you've set as an example for us to follow! Your commitment to the betterment on one's self and others is a legacy to be cherished, honored, and shared. Until I can wrap my arms around you again, fly high my sweet angel.

I grieve with you all in this tragic loss of a pure light too soon gone. Lord, I pray for strength and resilience for these family and friends. The storm seems unbearable. Please keep everyone held tight in your ever-strong arms. Amen