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From: Andy Lewis
Date: 06 Nov 2000
Time: 02:10:30
Remote Name: 207.218.245.6
Wendy was always one of the most incredible people I have ever met. I feel very lucky to have known her right when I think she was really starting to figure out that she was already someone really special. I met Wendy in lotsa various church stuff - and right away she stood apart in my mind because every weekend when I asked her what she wanted to do with her life she had a definite different answer! I've been wandering around this website for a little while now and it seems that she was still living her life actively every single minute. Like most people posting to this site I have memories of Wendy that feel like they could just keep going and going...just like Wendy herself. I also remember how damn stubborn and sure of herself Wendy was. I think if Wendy had wanted to, she could have convinced this entire country of anything and everything. But she didn't. I remember Wendy as always being generous and kind. and stubborn. and sure of herself. Once she came up to me and said out of the blue, "You know, anything you want to do in the future is alright with me." and I thought, what the hell? why was this kid telling me this and who did she think she was? Another time, she convinced Karen and me to spend a fortune at Jack in the Box and take armloads of junkfood to her Hockaday lunch period where she passed out burgers and finger food to starving and grateful friends in a scene right out of a U.N. publicity campaign. Another time on a ski trip while I was trying to teach someone how to snowplow (and look like a complete idiot) she convinced us to try to learn how to ski backwards! It's important to know that she didn't know how, herself...she just kept falling down on her ass and trying again. She mostly slid down the mountain that way: on her butt. And I know she loved every minute of it. But she was also one of the most giving people I have ever seen. She always thought of other people's happiness. I remember the day when she decided that it was time I met her sister - and finally found an opportunity to throw Karen and me together: there the three of us were, standing dumbly in a vacant sunday school classroom, Karen and I saying to ourselves, okay..., and Wendy looking at her sister's face and mine with all the true hope and happiness of a puppy. For that moment, I will always be thankful. Not only did Wendy introduce me to one of the closest friends that I have ever had, but introduced me to two of the most devoted parents that have ever walked the face of this earth. I mean, come on! Who else do you know who would devote a large percentage of their living room to a full-scale drum set? And who do you know who would actually encourage someone to bang on the blasted thing whenever she damn well pleased? All I know are that some of my happiest memories in Dallas are from the Soltero house. The incredible love and breath-taking closeness that exists between the four people of that house will remain with me always. And I know that I'm a better man because of it. Mr. Soltero, you raised one hell of a daughter. You should be proud that Wendy felt the freedom to pursue all of her zany dreams, and you should be proud that you were probably the person to put them there. Mrs. Soltero, I have always loved your relationship with Wendy. I can't imagine the pain that you are going through, and I don't really know what to say. I know that phrases of condolence will never really fill the void in your heart, but I pray that you feel the peace and love of your daughter all around you the rest of your life. And Karen, my God, Karen. You have been the truest friend to your sister that has ever existed on this earth. I have always been in awe of the way that you held Wendy close to your heart and soul. I will never, EVER, forget you and how you and Wendy seemed to read each other's minds, and hearts. My whole family, and every ounce of being that I am, sends you and your parents our deepest love and hope. And Wendy, know that we're thinking of you. and missing you. and I for one, am really looking forward to hearing your voice again to fill me in on all the wacky crazy stuff you're pulling NOW.