I started to build my Tribute to Roxanne today. I'm at a loss of what else to do. My heart aches, my body aches. I decided a memorial page that I could refer to, add to, and keep a journal on, may help in the grieving / healing process. So, with pen in hand I will do what I have always done when I am at a loss. I will write. I will keep a journal. Roxanne lived a life that was spontaneous and free, and walked a different road than what we might travel. Rocky, as we used to call her was a daughter, a sister, niece, friend, and a warrior inside and out. She laughed easily, loved easily, had a good sense of humor and was always on the go. The beach was her favorite place, pink her favorite color, the summer her favorite season, and she was a ham in front of the camera…she loved to pose. She also loved animals and frequently brought home strays, including a couple of the two legged kind! When Roxanne was born, we got two for one. By that I mean she was an absolute joy to be around one minute, and you wanted to pull your hair out the next minute. She was spontaneous, inquisitive, cheerful, imaginative, curious and could be the best company. But she was also inconsistent, restless, and emotionally detached, to a degree that was difficult to understand. Roxanne was a very complex young soul. She had an enormous inner strength and tolerance. She never complained, she never said Why me, and her belief in God and Jesus Christ never waivered. God has his own special plan for Roxanne’s new life. She is safely home now. I am home in Heaven, dear ones, Oh, so happy and so bright? There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light All the pain and sorrow is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever. On August 9th, 2011 at 8:40 pm, Roxanne passed away from complications associated with pneumonia that ended her fight with AIDS. Roxanne is survived by her mother Regina, her sister Kimberly Ann, nephew Cody James, and several aunts and uncles. A memoiral service will be held at St. Anne's in Barrington, Il on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 11:00 am.