I may have lost a sister, but these two lost a child. Losing a sister, has been the most difficult thing I have ever went through, granted I am only 18-years-old. If it’s hard on me, think about my 14 and 5-year-old sisters who have the same questions and feelings that I do.
My mother was 16-years-old when she had Angie. She was young, but her whole family helped her out and gave her a wonderful support system. A few years later she met my father, they met at the job they both worked at. My dad took on a big role as Angie’s father. He never treated her any different than the rest of us and neither did any of the rest of the family. Angie is not his step-daughter she is his daughter. Thank you dad, for always being that role model in my life and being one of the many people to prove just because you’re not blood doesn’t mean you aren’t family. And, that is very important to me, I have cousins, grandmas, and more that aren’t biologically related to me but I will never refer to them as anything less than family.
Thank you both for being so strong for us. I know it’s hard, I know some days you don’t want to get out of bed — and that’s okay. Thank you both for staying by each other’s sides, loving each other trough the good, the bad, the ugly, and thank you for not giving up on angie, or each other. 
As a family we have good days, and we have bad days. But, that doesn’t define who we are. We are strong, and we will get through this day by day. You’ve taught me it’s okay to be sad, and you say to be sad as long as I need, and I appreciate that truly.
Mom, we may fight and argue but I love you. I will always love you. You’re so beautiful and strong and I don’t tell you enough. You’re one of the greatest role models I will ever have. Thank you for being you and thank you for raising us the best you could. I know it wasn’t always easy—trust me we know we’re a handful but thank you for dealing with us anyways.
Thank you dad, for always being my shoulder to cry on and always being a wonderful father and someone to count on even if I ask for money every week and get annoying lectures. Thank you for always making sure I had food, clothes, and a roof over my head. The older I have gotten the more I understand why I couldn’t have everything I wanted, it’s because you gave me everything I needed.
I love you both, I admire you both, and I’m proud of you both. Thank you for raising me into the big haired, big hearted, goofball that I am. Thank you for everything. You are truly the strongest people I know.
There is no tragedy in life like the death of a child… – Dwight E. Eisenhower
Gone but never forgotten, and we will make sure of that.
In loving memory of Angie Barlow a victim of murder, a sister, and a daughter. We love you always.
1993-2016
a good soul taken too early.
Words from Wendy B. 