In loving memory of Carissa Artz

I never imagined that I would be sitting here putting together a fundraiser to help pay for a funeral for my youngest sister. But here I am searching for the right words to say. These last 2 days have been surreal and I keep finding myself hoping this was just a bad dream. The world lost a little light yesterday when God called Carissa home. Though we still do not know the actual cause, the doctors suspected it could have been a heart attack at the young age of 27. All we know is that our carissa girl is gone and the world became a little darker place.

Our story started a little over 16 years ago when I met this bright eyed little girl. Little did I know that same sweet girl would not only turn into family but her life would tragically be changed forever. They say no parent should ever have to bury a child, that the pain is almost unbearable. Well for the Artz family, this is their second child whos life was cut short. No amount of time, nor im sorries can ever make losing a child hurt any less, and for that I truly am sorry Mom (Maria) and Dad (Butch) and Ty.

I never imagined that in 2005 at a candle memorial for carissas brother AJ, would i meet this swollen eyed little girl who would not only become my baby sister, but would be one of my best-friends, an amazing aunt to not only my children but our nieces and nephews, and the Godmother to both of my children.

I am trying to find the words to say but as i type tears roll down my face and across my keyboard. This cant be real, we cant lose both AJ and Carissa.

Carissa had so much life to live with so many more people to meet and children to help create our future generations one classroom at a time. She loved her family, loved her life, loved her doggies and most of all loved the kids she taught. The world will never be the same. They say that tragedy brings people together, but right now Im having a hard time seeing the good in this.

I hope we as Carissas family/siblings/friends/coworkers can all come together and help offset some of the unexpected funeral costs and that is why this was made, to help the Artz family lay yet another one of their children to rest. Life isnt fair sometimes and nothing about this is fair but I hope we can come together and try to ease the financial burden to say goodbye to one of the greatest people any of us have been blessed enough to know. We love you sis, I hope you are dancing in the sky!