missing u  / Ricl (Daddy)
been a while...... sure u understand

missin u terribly. wish so much to have u back in this life. Please keep you mom strong and help guide her now and forever....she needs u, go to her if u can.

love ya baby girl

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Forever! / Mommy
Dearest Daughter,  I can't stop thinking about you and wishing with all my heart that you were here with me.  Rikki, I miss you so very much and I don't understand why You had to leave, it's just not fair.  If their was anything at all I could do to have you back here in my arms, I hope you know that I would do it.  My life will never be the same and sometimes I wonder if anything at all will ever be normal again.  Rikki, I want you to know that I still and always will include you in any decision that I make. I know that you are with me, guiding me and helping me to open my heart, but it just keeps getting hurt.  My pain is so real and so raw, that sometimes I feel like I did on the day that you left us.  Sometimes I think if I start crying that I will never stop.  The reality sets in a little more each day and it's a reality that I would rather not have to face.  Sweetheart, please know that you are thought about and missed every second of my day and my love for you will continue on forever.  Always and Forever, Mom Close

Angel of the Heart  / Visitor
The angels teach us about our hearts, our hearts teach us who we are.

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My daughter and friend forever  / Mommy
Dearest Rikki,  When I woke yesterday (Mother's Day), you were the first that came to mind.  While you were away at college, I remember you always driving home to nspend the weekend with me. Last Mother's day  John called first thing in the morning. This year it was your friend Liz.  I know that you are sending me special wishes through the hearts of your friends and it means so very much to me.  Rikki, I started the day sad, but ended it feeling so very blessed for the honor to have three amazing children that have blessed my life with such love and compassion.  Yes, I will continue to miss you for the rest of my life and the pain that I feel everyday will be with me forever. Yet, I thank God everyday that he chose me to be your mother.  A gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life and beyond. Yesterday, I spent it with Kris and Paige.  It was such an amazing day, just having them together brought peace to my heart and brought back such wonderful memories, memories I will cherish for a life time.  Sweetheart, I want you to know you were right there with us all and the laughter that we miss so very much was in our hearts.  Thank-you for always being by my side through heartache and sadness, and through good times and happiness. You are my special angel.  Love Mommy Close

Mothers Day Thoughts  / Sylvia Mortensen (Granny's Arizona Friend )

As I sit here and read again the thoughts, love, prayers, wishes, and memories that so many who knew Rikki and those of us who didn't are writing down;  I think how pleased God must be because of all the lives this family has touched and continues to touch daily.  Even strangers are blessed. 
What the devil means for evil...God will always turn it around for our good.  I know that  God is using this family in a way that noone else could ever do.  I pray a Hedge of Protection over each of you, over your thoughts and emotions, your coming in and your going out, in your work and in your play.  You are the head and not the tail....that no weapon formed against  you can prosper, for greater is He that is in you than he that is in this world.
I speak these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen
><> ><>  ><>  ><>  ><>  ><>  ><>  ><> 

 

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You are missed so..................-...  / Sherrie Kitterman (Family Friend )

Rikki Leigh,  On the eve of Mothers Day I wanted to let you know that you were such a special part of my life.  From the tall & skinny 2nd grader to the young, beautiful woman and all the years inbetween you touched my life.  As the sun rises and sets everyday, 365 days a year, the memories of the times we shared run through my mind every single day.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your beautiful smile.  I miss you so much.  I did however learn an important lesson from your death.  Life is so precious and everyday so fragile that we all need to appreciate each & everyday. When we leave this earth, it won't matter what kind of vehicle we drive or what kind of house we live in or how much money we have in the bank, what will matter is what we did while here on earth and whose lives we enriched.  Rikki, what you did while here on earth and the lives you touched in your 21 years, most people will not do that live 80 to 100 years.  You are such a special angel to all of us & I hope you know that.  To the entire Lewis family, I love you with all my heart and to Gwen, my dearest friend in the world, I love you and you are very special to me.   Rikki, tomorrow as I share the day with my children, you will be in my heart and you will always be part of our lives.  I love you Rikki Leigh and miss you so much.  All my love always,  Sherrie xoxoxo

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Hey Rik,  / Ashley Swedler (Old Neighboor/Friend of the Family )
Rikki,

Just wanted to say I was thinking of you. Your missed so much. I think maybe you were just to good to be on a planet that latley, hasn't been so pleasent. God picked a perfect Angel. I was just talking to Kristofer, hes doing okay. 
I hope you are being with your family as much as possible, they need you.
Miss you Rikki!

Love, 

Ashley Swedler Close

Gwen You are so dear to me  / You Know Who
Guardian angels are perhaps the most popular kind, probably because we all know how fragile life can be.... We desperately need protection from unexpected circumstances and unseen dangers. Just the thought of good angels hovering around us gives people a feeling of safety!
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Gwen, remember this always  / Your Friend
Love is the closest a human can get to knowing how an angel feels inside.

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Gwen, this is for you!  / A. Good Friend
Ask your angel "Is there anything I need to know right now?" Sit quietly and see if you can feel a message coming to you.

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Untitled / Visitor

Even though I visit daily,  the right words never come easy.  There has to be a better,  more profound way to express how we feel about those we have lost and love so much.   Darling Angel, your spirit exists within our souls.  You bring love and strength and hope.  You get us through each difficult moment.  You were born an angel and you lived a celestial life,  tendering touching the hearts of so many.  Family and friends come here to remember.  And it's those memories that will live for eternity.   Others visit because we are in awe of your inspiring legacy, your magnificant garden, your beautiful family and your glorious smile.  It is here where we feel the closeness....and the never-ending love for You.

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Missing you...  / Ashlee (Roommate)
Hey Rik~ 
   I wish I could hear your voice just one more time. I wish I could hug you one more time. Our last conversation is still crystal clear in my head. Your initials in my tattoo remind me everyday of our friendship- the laughs and tears. 

 Thank you for your strength. Thank you for teaching me to love and to forgive.

I miss you so so much. I can't explain the pain I'm feeling right now, but know I'm thinking of you and missing you always and forever.

~Ash Close

wish / Rick (father)
Hello baby girl,

If you are among us. I would like to ask you to watch over your mom, brother and sister. Lighten their hearts and give them faith and strength with each passing day. Help guide them through the days ahead, and keep love in their hearts.
Thank You.. Close

Your Angel Garden  / Christy (Gunnels) Czarzasty (Friend of family )

Dear Rikki:  Today I got to share the story of your garden that your Mom, Dad, family and friends made in your memory.  A co-worker lost his 4-yr old little boy, Aaron this past Tues from a backyard pool accident.  His parents loved him so much.  It was his father who found him in the pool.  He cannot go in the backyard and feels so helpless and so lost right now.  I sing with his neighbor in the church choir.  This morning she was relating the story to me and when she talked about how hard it was for his Dad I immediately thought about your garden.  I haven't seen your garden in person only in the pictures on this website and what Granny has shown me.  Seeing it's beautiful in pictures is one thing but knowing the love and tears put into making it carries it's beauty and meaning to whomever is reading your tributes or looking at your pictures.  I know it's a place of healing and time sharing with you for your Dad & Mom.  I thought it was such a beautiful way to think of you every day and see the flowers and they grow and bloom and the butterflies that carry it's beauty to wherever it may fly next - as if you were on the wings of that butterfly stopping by and saying hi.  I ask that you hug little Aaron and help him understand how much he was loved and will be missed.  Although only here on Earth for a little while he touched the hearts of everyone around him. 
I continue to keep your Mom & Dad in my thoughts and prayers.  I've thought of you so often these past few months as my oldest son Brandon is getting ready to make his way to college (he was accepted at USF and UF and decided to become a Gator) but walking the grounds of USF while touring it I kept you close.  I know that as he heads off to live away from home it will be one of the hardest things to do - begin letting go and watch him become a man.
Angel, with the brightest smile I've ever seen, keep watch and know you are missed so much.  Love Chris

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Our Angel  / Christina (Best friend/college roomate )
"If  tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again" Close

goodnight / Amanda Murray (Friend)
Dear Rikki,

I am sitting here with Jimmys ashes and I cant stop thinking about you two. I know in your very short time here with us you have both done everything God had needed you to do. You are such a special person and I am glad you are takeing care of him. Thank you!!!
Sweet dreams Close

Brad and Melissa  / Mommy
Dearest Rikki Leigh,  Tonight is going to be a very special night.  As you know, Melissa is getting married and has finally found the happiness that she so deserves.  I know that as she walks down the isle, you will be there to guide her and to join this new family together in happiness.  Rikki, Sherrie believes that it was you that brought the two of them together.  Their is no doubt in my mind that you are watching over all who love you.  I know you will be with all of us tonight, and as that memorial candle is lit, memories of you and all the loving times that both of our families have shared together will brighten each one of our hearts.  I love you, Mommy Close

Wanted to send my love tonight  / Leah Stilwell
Its 1am and I can't sleep.  As you know, I haven't been able to for some weeks.  Before God decided it was your time, and you were needed up above, I never thought for a moment about  "life without Rikki"  I just assumed you would always be there and whenever I needed some quick advice I could just dial 541-5378.  Your number replays in my mind over and over. Not sure if its because I was so used to dialing it on a daily basis or when I needed to talk to someone, you were ALWAYS the first person I would call.  This website has proof that you have touched so many live,  it baffles my mind!  One can only dream of being this loved, and it is a reality for you, and I must say you deserve every ounce of love that this world has to offer.  As human instinct, one misses another once realizing that they are no longer there, especially when one is in dire need of them.  This is one of those times for me Rik.  Everything traumatic that has happened in my life ended up happening during the time period when we were so close, you were my best friend.  This is the first time that I am encountering some life changing challenges and you are not here to talk to, cry to, and embrace me with your endearing hugs.  I miss us passing out after just spilling our guts to one another, giving eachother the best advice we can give.  You may not be walking this earth, but you are certainly living in my heart as well as many others.  We will always keep your spirit alive.  This is the strength that allows us to continue everyday, knowing your watching over us.  I know you read what everyone writes....please stay and keep us strong.  Continue giving the signs that let us know you are right here.  I need you to stay by me (even if its just for a couple of minutes everyday, I know you have lots of people that need your presence too :)  Love you Rikki Leigh Lewis... always, always and always ;) Close

just to say hi  / David Angove (cousin)

HI RIKKI  I justed wanted to say Hi and to tell you that my uncle Keith's dad justed past awayed  from a hartattack  his name is douglas neumann I hope you get the chance to meet him up in heaven  I hope you are doing good .             LOVE DAVID

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I need you...  / Ashlee
Hey Rik- You know what's going on...I just wanted to thank you for being with me this week. I didn't sleep or eat all week, but knowing that you were with him when I couldn't be, got me through. Please help me be strong for him, please be with him on Monday. This all is happening so fast and I just can't imagine loosing another person so close to me. I need your angel wings to carry us through this tough time. And if you don't mind, send me a smile, I've cried so much that I really need your smile.

Thanks for your help, I miss and love you so much.

Love
~Ashlee Close