Let me start by saying to all of Karisa's family and friends how deeply,deeply sorry I am for your extreme loss. I can not imagine how broken your hearts are. I have been praying for you long before you knew who I was. I never got the chance to meet your angel and I am sorry for that. I met Denise & John just after the accident through my close friend, Ann(who is Kari's aunt). As I went through each part of this dedication to Karisa, I was struck by her quiet strength and of course beauty. It's so clear what an intregal part of each of your lives she is. I know that she is in heaven with Jesus and that her light will continue to live on and shine brightly in each of you. My continued prayer for you all is that God would comfort you and bring you to a place of peace.

Kari, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I still have such vivid dreams of us in school and I wake up and cry. I am still not over what has happened; but I know you're in a far better place. I will never take for granted all the times we shared. I will never regret skipping classes with you to spend time with you and do stupid little things. You gave me a chance to be your friend and since that point you stuck up for me like no one else ever has, to this day. You were the epitome of a best and true friend. I honestly don't think I could ever get over you not being a part of my life anymore; I know you're up there smiling and dancing around. Everything you once loved, I have taken it in and embraced it. I will never let go. You and your family are the greatest people I have ever met and I will forever be thankful for each & everyone of you. You will always be in my prayers and in my thoughts. I love you forever, little birdie.

kari i miss you a lot. you're lookin down on us though

I miss you so much.

merry christmas, kari.
i still can't believe you're gone.

Merry Christmas Kari!

I was thinking of you all day as we celebrated Jesus' birthday. I really missed your beautiful smile, your laughter and most of all, giving you hugs. Everybody was thinking of you as we opened presents.

We all miss you

Love, Dad

Merry Christmas Samuels family!

Happy Birthday Kari
We miss you dearly!!

Happy birthday for tomorrow, Kari.
I still think about you all the time.

Tomorrow is your birthday and I wish more than ever that you could be here to celebrate it with everyone! I miss you so much.

P.S.-Thank you for the cookbook!