Dear Josh, Uncle Mike, Aunt Brenda, Kevin, Bryan and Mark. . I am so very sorry that I won't be there with all of you today. This is one of those times that I really wish I didn't have an ocean separating me from home. Heather was the kindest, warmest, brightest ray of sunshine and one of the most sincere people I have ever known. I can seriously not recall a time when I was greeted by Heather with anything other than the most beautiful and genuine smile and warmest of hugs. Heather knew how to engage people in the most positive way and always showed such interest in others. I admire her for being so passionate about nature and invested in studying and teaching others about the outdoors. I will always have such wonderful memories of Heather's brilliant smile and infectious laugh, her incredible gymnastic abilities ( impressive things like oversplits and walking on the tops of her feet), of playing board games for hours and coming up with dance routines. Heather had an amazing ability to make others feel comfortable and at ease around her and I am so sorry that we didn't get to spend time together in recent years. I will always be grateful for a sweet message I got from her this summer and all she said about her health was that she had been " down and out" for a while. This was so Heather. Downplaying her own pain to think of others. I had no idea the world was going to lose this incredible light. It's amazing that such a giant, cheerful spirit could be housed in such a small package. It's simply impossible to believe that she's gone. From seeing all of the heartfelt messages from others I know that her spirit and joy for life and concern for others will live on in so many people. And so today is a hard day... And a joyous one.. Because I can say that I knew and loved one of the best people to walk the face of this planet. To all of my little cousin Heather's family and friends, I am so very sorry that I am not there in person today. My family and I are praying for you and for your precious angel. I will miss you forever sweet cousin xoxoxoxo Love Chrissie