"Sex and the City"  / Mommy
Hey Sweetie,  Went to see "Sex and the City" last night.  Wow, did it ever bring back memories of all the times every Sunday night that we would call each other and talk about what the girls were wearing, what they were doing and how one day you would be living where your idol Carrie Bradshaw walked the streets of Manhatten.  I remember the last episode when they finally revealed Mr. Bigs first name and it was John.  You called me on the phone so upset, how Ironic that was.  I had a hard time fighting back the tears last night, so I decided to let them flow.  I know that you were sitting right there next to me in the theatre, sometimes I could even hear your laughter.  What a beautiful sound!!!  I miss you sweetheart, but I feel you all around me 24/7.  Keep laughing, keep dancing and keep those miracles coming.  All my love always and forever. Mom   Close

Have you on my mind today.......  / Katy Pitts (Friend)
I think of you at the craziest times. But, today I woke up thinking about you.

I wish you were here. Im feeling so sorry for your family. Today is 13 years since my mom died and I'm feeling the sorrow deep in my chest. I know that pain firsthand.............

anyway.......

I miss you Rikki.


I click it for ya every time I get in the car.

thinking of you forever. KISSES Close

On My Mind........  / Sherrie Kitterman
Rikki,  Mommy called me last night and told me she ran into Ms. Virginia from Dancing Plus.  Wow, did that bring back so, so many good memories.  We talked for a few minutes and when I hung up the phone, I had a sharp pain in my stomach.  Just not right that you are not here with us.  I went back to those days in my mind and remembered every second as if it had just happened.  Those were honestly some of the best days of my life.  As I was watching Dancing with the Stars last night, I imagined you in heaven.......Dancing with the Stars!  We all miss you so much and treasure every second we had with you.  I miss you and love you forever and beyond..........Sherrie Close

Always thinking of you!  / Mommy
Dear Rikki,  I stopped into Miss Tammy's dance studio today and saw Ms. Virginia.  She seemed shocked to see me, and so very concerned about the family and how we all were doing.  We had a nice visit and talked about old friends and old times.  She looks amazing!  After I left her I sat for awhile and thought about all the great times we use to have with Sherrie and Jennifer at competition for both dance and cheerleading. I laughed aloud, than cried for a long time.  Rikki, I miss you soooooo much, mere words could never explain.  I have a never ending void in the pit of my stomach that never seems to go away.  I'm forever wondering what you would be doing if you were still here with us, and constantly wondering why and how this all had to happen to you.  I hope someday, I get my answer.  I miss you, and love you for always and forever.  Mom    Close

Thanks for all the great times...  / Andrew Carvo (friend)
Hey Rikki,

I was looking at some of our pictures from college yesterday and I couldn't stop myself from laughing because of all the good memories we have together. You were a great friend. Thank you for all the great memories. I miss you

Andrew

P.S. - "why you pooching!" LOL
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Gwen & Rick  / Mark &. Jeanette Draizin (Friend of family )

Gwen & Rick,

We recently heard of your loss (we live in Ocala) and wanted to send you our prayers.  We have visited this site several times and to be honest we couldn't come up with words or thoughts worthy of being added to this site.

Rikki was a very special person.. I remember seeing her and her beautiful smile at the football field  (Weston Warriors) and at the roller hockey rink. I remember her laughing at our tripodness as we tried to play hockey in the mens league.  We were blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and be touched by her.

 

I am sorry that we were not able to be there for you as you were for us when we started the football and hockey league but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

We do come down to South Florida from time to time and will make every effort to visit you at Hidden Angels Farm.

Thank you Rikki for touching so many.

Mark & Jeanette Draizin

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just a thought for a mother  / Adriana Opris (none unfortunately )
Dear Mrs Lewis,

I do not know you, I live somewhere in Eastern Europe, I searched for something on the internet, and "in an accident" I came across your daughter's memorial site.
I fell so sorry for your loss.. although I've never met her, she seemd to be such a kind and lovely person, like you and all the people who knew her, have described her. I am sure she know is the blonde angel, watching over you.
She would have been my age, if it wasn't for the tragedy that changed your lives. I turned 25 a week ago, and am very gratfeul to be alive. I am sure she did the best out of her 21 years of life.
I wish you and your family ongoing strenght, so you can do the same with your lives.
Please give your husband and children a big hug from Europe.
I hope my kind thought will fly fast and find you well.

Adriana Close

the news  / Melissa Willard (close friend )
rikki leigh...well, i just received the good news from ur mom, even though it was a text message, i could tell that there was releif in her voice. it makes me smile to know that she can finally feel at least a small amount of peace with everything that has happened. and even though 3 yrs have passed now, it still seems like yesterday. its so wierd how you never forget the way u felt the moment u found out the awful news...where u were, the time of day, the people around you, the sadness in my mother's voice when she had to tell me the news....i don't think i'll ever forget any of that.
Then, 2 months after that tragic day, Brad came back into my life. And though that seems like forever ago, Jan 23, 2005 seems like yesterday. My mom & ur mom swear to this day that u brought him back into my life :) ur mom says how much u loved him!! and if thats the case...u did well!!! and i owe u a million thank yous!!! i couldn't be more blessed!! 
about a yr ago, i read a christian book about what its like in heaven, and wow....what an amazing book. it made me know that the loved ones that r no longer with me today are ok. i read that not only is it the most AMAZING place ever imaginable, but there is no suffering, sadness, worries....that is so comforting to know.
just know how much u are love and missed, not only by ur close friends (like me!!) but ur family!! my heart goes out to every one of them!!! god bless u
love, melissa Close

3 years  / Mommy
Dearest Daughter,  Without getting to personal or to in-depth, I have been sitting here on the eve of your angel date pondering the reasons that you left this earth at such a young age.  Although I don't expect to get my questions answered anytime soon, I believe in my heart that you were sent down to earth to make people smile and learn what real beauty is all about.  A beauty measured not only by physical appearance, but by your soul and the goodness of a heart that was always so willing to step back and let others shine.  I always admired you Rikki, the way you handled yourself with such confidence and grace.  Your wit was unmatched, and  your  passion for life was immense.  Three years later, I sit here still wandering, why you?  I need you to know that you are as much a part of my life today as you were 3 years ago and you will continue to be the driving force behind all I do.  Making you proud of the person I am is how I've chosen to live my life.  I miss you and love you crazy.  Mommy Close

Another Year Without You.......  / Sherrie Kitterman
Rikki,  Tomorrow, another year will have passed without you.  Words cannot describe the emptiness so many feel without you here, this place we all call earth.  Although three years have passed, at times it seems like yesterday.  January 23, 2005 changed the lives of so many.  There is not a day that passes that I do not think of you.  I still hear the horror in your mom's voice on the phone, it echos throughout mind.  Still to this day, I cannot do a damn thing.  I wanted with every part of my soul to somehow change the events so she would not have to hurt so much without you.  So everyone who knew and loved you would not have to feel the pain.  Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do.  There were bigger plans for you.  Plans that so many of us will Never understand.  I miss your smile, your laugh, your wonderful way of making each and everyday better.  I watched you grow and blossom into a beautiful young woman.  If I know you, I am sure where ever you are, you are helping someone as you always did.  Please wrap your arms around your family tomorrow.  Help them feel peace and help guide them throughout the day as it will be difficult for everyone who loved you, but especially them.    Rikki, you were like my own daughter and I miss you more than words can say.  I hope where ever you are, you are dancing.......I love you with all my heart & miss you so.........All my love,  Sherrie   
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Soon-to-be angel  / Ashlee
How do I tell you that my friend is going to be with you soon? I can't even imagine yet another wonderful person leaving this world. But it's reality and only time will tell whether it will be days, weeks or if we're lucky, months. 

Wrap your angel arms around Jason and his beloved Lee. Comfort him; encourage him to keep faith; give him the strength that he so desperately needs.

Thanks Rik- your smile always lit up a room and I know that even in this darknes, you can be the one to light his day.

I love you! Close

Blessings For the Lewis Family  / Sylvia Mortensen (Granny' Girlfriend(Best) )
This is the year of New Beginnings.....Praise God this past year is over and look forward to new things, new people, new ideas, and new loves.
  Let go and let God!  Gwen and family, He so wants to bring peace to you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to each of you. We know that your beautiful angel is in heaven and now we pray that each of us will live in such a manner as to be ready to join her when God calls us.  It has been awhile since I wrote here but when ever I read all the encouraging words...you are a BLESSED family!  People love you and care for you and pray for you.  Not alot of people can say that.
And keep on praying...God can and will restore your family...in His time.  "Do not grow weary in well doing, for you shall reap, if you faint not"
I thank God for you as you certainly have blessed my life.  I am a better person for knowing this precious family.
Love and prayers,
Auntie Sylvia <><  <><   <><   <><   <><

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Merry Christmas  / Sherrie Kitterman
Rikki Leigh,  Another year without you.........so hard to imagine.  I baked all weekend and thought of you so much, remembering when you were young, looking up at me with your big beautiful eyes and your bright big smile as we were making cookies for Christmas.  Those memories will always live in my heart forever.  Please watch over your family and give them the strength to make it through, yet another Christmas without you.  Show them the way to find peace and happiness instead of emptiness and loneliness.  As we all celebrate Christmas tomorrow, we will always remember your presence, how you could light up a room with your smile and how you brought so much joy to all who loved you.  Thank you again Rikki Leigh for touching my life and the lives of my family.  Merry Christmas sweet angel.  I will miss you forever and beyond........I love you, Sherrie xoxoxo Close

My wish  / Mommy
I've heard if you wish hard enough sometimes your wishes come true.  Rikki, I've wished on every star in the sky, I've prayed to God every night, yet, I know the only thing that I want will never come true.  I just want my family back, that is my wish, the only thing I know I'll never have.  So the only thing that I would like is for you to give the kids and me the strength to get through yet another Christmas without you.   Thank-you Angel!  I love you and miss you more than anyone could ever imagine.  Mommy Close

Merry Christmas  / Claire (pseudo roommate )
It is so hard to imagine that such a lively person is gone. We think about Rikki often.  She taught us so much to appreciate life.  It goes by so quickly.  Brad and I are celebrating Christmas with our son for the first time this year.  It is such a blessing. May God bless your family and friends this Christmas.  May they find comfort in the real meaning of Christmas.  Close

I love you so very much  / Mommy
Dear Daughter,  My heart aches so very much just to see your smile again, and to hear that laughter that was so unique.  I have had such a hard time decorating the tree.  It has taken me several days just to get the strength up to open the box of ornaments.  I here you in every corner of the house.  Although it brings back such wonderful memories of you, it hurts my heart beyond belief because I miss you so very, very much.  Please know this and keep being that force that keeps me going everyday of my life. I love you with all my heart.  Mommy  Close

Always Blessings....NEVER Losses....  / Nicole Winkeljohn (Friend)
I was just watching a show they other day, and they we talking about how a mom was able to cope after losing her toddler son...and she replied " Always Blessings, Never Loses".. Meaning if Rikki was ever a part of your life in any way, shape, or form, you were very blessed. If she wasn't that would be the true loss.  I hope these words bring some comfort to you all, as it did to me. Because if you really think about it what that mother said is just so true. Close

Thinking of you  / Jake Shanahan (Friend)
Rikki, 

I've been thinking about you a lot. I hope you know that we all miss you and you are always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. I know that you are watching over us, and that gives me solace during hard times. I miss you. Close

just thinking  / Emily (old friend of paige's )

hi rikki,
 i used to be one of your sisters good friends back when we were in middle school. now were both juniors and dont talk at all anymore(different schools and everything) but for some reasons unknown there are those nights when paige will come to my mind and that leads to you. we met maybe twice and were never really that close but we had one thing in common and that was dance. your face came to my mind tonight rikki leigh lewis and i hope you know how loved you are. and how you will be forever loved and missed. promise me youll teach me a few dance moves when i get up to heaven someday<3

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Thinking of you..........  / Katy Pitts (Friend)
Hey lady!! I've had you on my mind lately. So much has changed for me. I had a little girl on June 5th. But, I'm sure you know that.

Since having her-- I have this new appreciation for life.  I am so lucky. I just can't explain how sad it makes me feel to realize that you won't have this experience. You're not going to have a baby..........i'm crying while i write this......and IT ISNT FAIR. You should be here. YOu should be able to have the wonderful opportunity to be a mom and live life.

I know that you are actually the lucky one. You got to go home. But, it just seems unfair that you won't have the chance to do any of this.

I now know what it means to love something more than you love yourself. I know how it feels to spend every day of your life pouring your blood sweat and tears into a little person, all the while imagining how amazing their life is going to be. Now, I can only imagine what it was like for your mother to do the same, but then have to say goodbye to you at such a young age. No parent should have to part with their child. Since having Kameryn I just can't stop realizing how lucky I am. BUt, I also can't stop realizing how scared I am. It's so scary to put a baby in this wirld and then not have any control over what inevitably happens to them.

I just hold you so close to my heart. Your death has had a profound impact on me. My mother's death was the biggest obstacle in my life-- having Kammy has healed the hole that it left in my heart. But, your death impacted me in such a different way.

I mean, I SAW YOU two days before youdied. YOu were supposed to come to my birthday party. You never made it. How can life be so fragile? How can our parents put so much energy into raising us only to lose us in the blink of an eye?

Oh Rik.................your death was not in vain. You have made me realize just how lucky I am. You have given me the opportunity to view each day as it really is. You have made me a better mother just because I am cherishing every moment (even the exhausted bleary eyed, sleepless moments) because I know that I have zero control over the future. I am holding onto my little girl and breathing her life in. I want each day to be lived like it's the last. You have given me the ability to laugh in the face of adversity and blow off any negativity in my life. Rikki- I wish you were here to experience what I am experiencing. To be a mother is the most beautiful gift that can be given.

 I want you to know that I will always think of you. I will always take a moment to pray for you. Every January-- I will stop and realize how lucky I am to be here. I will tell Kameryn about you. I will always thank you for making an impact on my life (even thought yOu probably didn't even realize that you did).

I LOVE YOU MAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxox See you again one day........................<3 Katy

P.S. How about those Bulls? #6!!!!!!!!!!! <3 USF    ((I saw the Sun Dolls shaking it and I could almost see you out there. I had to blink a few times.................)) xoxo Close