Sermon2

She has blessed us richly as a daughter, a sister, a treasured friend, a cousin, a niece, and a
wonderful spouse. Although 28 years is a short time to live on this earth, we know her by
example that what matters most in life on this earth is not the duration of life, but the donation of
life. Certainly this was illustrated by the thoughts that Joe shared with us.

We would do well to learn from Cindy's example of the high value she placed on friendship. H.D.
Thoreau said, "A friend walks in when everyone else leaves." For Cindy a friend was a friend
forever. Certainly such companions in life as Jen, Abbe, Pam, Marci, Sissy, Tracy, Stephanie;
her cherished graduates from Northampton High School; her friendships formed at the University
of Tampa, or at Columbia University, her co-workers at Carr Futures; her special New York City
friends such as Shelly and Sharon - all have come to understand the blessing of genuine
friendship, even beyond life's tragedies. I think it was Steph who said, "Cindy is one of the most
special people I know. She's very brilliant and is always shining." I notice those words were
spoken in the present tense as if Cindy still was here. And isn't she? Isn't she here among us?
Isn't our grief a sign or our love? And did not Paul say ,"Love bears all things, hopes all, endures
all things? Love never ends?

Our hearts and minds flooded with love is a testimony to the continued presence of Cindy in our
lives.

Even though she was tiny in stature, she was huge on the love of life and people. Even though
lost in the wreckage of a mighty tower, her love stands tall - well above 107 floors - through
eternity - into our hearts.

Just as all of Cindy's friends become best friends, she always made it a point to stay in touch with
her network of friends and family. We would do well to learn from her that life is too precious to
take people for granted, but rather for gratitude - an appreciation of being part of each other's
lives.

And so it is with her family. Too numerous to mention, the cousins, aunts and uncles know they
have been blessed richly for having had the privileged to have Cindy call them family.

Cindy's brothers, Richard and Joseph, always special to her, will have many wonderful memories
of their little sister so big in their hearts. cherished memories for the special relationship between
brother and sister.

Cindy also has touched the lives of her step-parents, Stanley and Christine, who have been
respected and inspired by her in such an encompassing way that they too proudly call her
"daughter".

Her father-in-law Roberto, also loved her as a daughter and will carry memories of love with him
with the high honor of knowing that she chose to love his son as her husband. Though the
marriage was only for two years, Tomas will be comforted for a lifetime knowing that he and
Cindy made that commitment unique to husband and wife of forever.

And what a blessing for Patricia and Joseph to be able to say that Cindy was their daughter.
What could be more painful that to lost a child? Yet, what could be more rewarding that to have
a had a child like Cindy, who grew up super intelligent and happy, blessing countless others along
the way with her personality, her overflowing spirit, and her ability and compassion to listen to
others.

We hold on to those precious memories. We cannot live in the past anymore that we can hold
back the waves of the sea. But the memories of the past will help us forward into the triumph
song of life. What we love most with Cindy can be part of us every day, making this world a
better place.

And as we go through the valley of the shadow of death, remember the word "through." We are
able to walk thru the darkness. We know that Cindy had no fear, nor need we be paralyzed by
fear - for her spirit is with us.

We have this blessed assurance - that the Lord himself has promised that "lo I am with you
always." We are not alone. The memory of Cindy and the presence of God will allow us to
move forward in life - thru every storm unto the light of day.