Audra was lucky to have grown up on a block filled with children. Most of all she was lucky that they spent so much time at our house. Her built in playmates included, Becky, Tracy, Shannon and her brother Jake.

They made no allowances for her disability, taking her wherever they went and tolerating no more then you would from any other kid. From regular Brownies, where activities included hiking on trails that often left Audra and her wheelchair precariously perched on the side of a mountain.

To our own home, where 4 year old Jake and Shannon would be playing with Audra in a bedroom and upon becoming bored and wanting to move play spaces come up with a plan to take Audra with them. Since she wasn't in her wheelchair, but laying on the floor, and they were too little to pick her up they devised an ingenious way to move her.

Rolling her onto a small blanket, each would take an end pulling her along as they navigated the hallway and dining room to thier formal destination, the livingroom. Audra laughing all the way at this great adventure and getting rug burn all over her elbow where it hit the carpet. They never left Audra behind.

If Audra laughed when they fell or got hurt, Becky would yell at her "It's not funny Audra", just like another kid would.

To them Audra was just Audra, they never thought much about it.

The mom's on the block also treated Audra like one of the "Anna Street Gang" Becky and Tracy's mom going out of her way to adapt sprinklers and birthday parties to fit Audra's needs.

Shannon's mom finding a "Pageant" for Audra to take part in for girls who were physically challenged and then going all the way to Sacramento to support her.

Hanging out on the front lawn, playing dress up and Barbies, they were always together.

And now years later, they are still there, Audra's friends.

They remember her at their weddings and on her birthday. They helped me through those difficult months after she died and most of all they carry her in their hearts and they remember.

We are all so blessed to have had them and to still have them be a part of our lives and a witness to Audra's life.

Her very best friends the "Anna Street Gang".