Brittany Leigh Manders

1987 - 2008

Brittany Leigh Manders

Brittany made a huge impact on my life, my happiness, and self-perception. She was one of the best friends I have ever had.

The first time I met Brittany was in junior high school, but it seems as if she was always a part of my life. One strong memory I have of her was when she walked into choir class freshmen year in high school. I was so happy to see her; she greeted me with a giant hug — you know, one of those hugs of hers that practically knocks you over — and I loved her for it!

Brittany was constantly saying nice things to me and always trying to make me feel good. She would often tell me that I was pretty, and that I had a gorgeous singing voice that she loved to listen to. In a time where things were very, very dark for me and I didn't have very many friends, Brittany kept me going. She loved me completely and didn't mind that I had some missing toes on my right foot — in fact, she thought it was adorable. She never said one unkind word about my deformity.

I spent happy summer days swimming around in your pool with her, and eating ice cream-sandwich Oreo cookies. I remember sleepovers at your house, eating popcorn and watching "Moulin Rouge" three or four times a night, singing along with the songs in the movie, practically screaming them. We both swooned over Ewan McGregor and we both claimed that we wanted to marry a man like his Christian in the film, which was just plain, happy, girl fun.

Brittany was always fun and adventurous, and she helped me to loosen up a bit and to grow into myself. At Six Flags I had a black-and-white picture taken with her. I felt exposed and uncomfortable at first, but she helped me to relax and have fun. I now think of that picture often and smile, but without her encouragement I wouldn't have had the nerve to be in the picture at all. She also helped me to make a recording of my voice. I sang "Dreaming of You" with her and Deidra at Six Flags, too, and we named our singing group by putting together the three initials of our middle names. The group name became "RLL," standing for Deidra's "Renee," my "Lavonne," and Brittany's "Leigh." She also introduced me to my first rollercoaster ride at Six Flags. I rode with Linda and Brittany, and threw my arms up in the air and just let go of the fear — something else that I would not have been able to conquer without Brittany's help.

I remember her at Vanderveer Park just before Senior Prom, with her pretty pink dress. She was so pretty she made me cry.

I remember the long, hot, summer days when I cheered her on as she played softball, both in ASA and for North. I remember that regardless of the outcome of the game (or the showchoir competition, or anything that she was putting her heart into) she was always cheerful and had her chin up. Doing things with Brittany made everything better, more fun and enjoyable.

She loved Mountain Dew — I constantly teased her about it. It makes me laugh, now, to think about how she would get all wound up on the sugar.

I loved Brittany, so, so much. She was always a blast to be with. She was kind and considerate, affectionate, and extremely loving. I could always count on her to make me feel better when I was feeling down, because she was a constant glowing ray of sunshine. It was impossible to be sad when I was around her, because she made me feel so loved, and I loved her back. I still do.

I admire her so much for all things she endured. I look up to her and strive to be more like her every day. I learned so many things from her, and she gave me many good gifts that I hope to give to others in the future.

Brittany's mom, Linda, was more of a Mom to me than my own mother. The things I learned from and did with Linda and Brittany helped me to grow me into the person I am today. The time that I spent at their house was a bright spot for me in an otherwise very dark childhood and adolescence.

I love Brittany very much, and I will miss her. She will be in my heart forever. I will always carry with me her memory, her kind words, and the things she taught me.