Lovely Spowell

Sid and Diane Simmons' daughter Stacey Simmons took her place amongst the angels on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, just 3 days after over 100 people celebrating her 30th birthday while in ICU at St. David's. Today was her funeral services and it was one of the most moving tributes to a woman who touched so many lives. Sid and Diane, your angel will be missed by so many. May her beautiful life bring you some peace. You are the best parents I have ever met.

Stacey & Diane

Stacey, Diane, "FranJessica," and Sid

Tributes were given by some of Stacey's closest friends/family including her Big Buddy Sarah Ortiz.

The services also included some of Stacey's favorite songs including:
"Hero" by Mariah Carrey
"Dancing Queen" by Abba
"Over the Rainbow" by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo`ole
"Firework" by Katy Perry

Here was her obituary from the Austin-American Statesman:
Stacey Simmons We were blessed with our special girl, Stacey on October 6, 1982. Stacey took her light to shine with the Angels on Tuesday, October 9th. Stacey was born with Alfi's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which brought many challenges during her lifetime. Stacey beat the odds over and over through the loving support and encouragement from the many wonderful people that touched her life. Stacey was a shining light with an infectious smile and a childlike innocence that drew people to her. She loved the Longhorns, her cat Samantha and her special sisters, Ashley, Angela, Sarah, Jessica, Chelsea, Cara and Regina. Stacey had the opportunity to travel to many fun places but loved coming home and just hanging out. She was not shy in telling her parents daily how much she loved her life. She was the best daughter ever. There are many individuals who helped make Stacey's life special and meaningful. These include the staff at AISD, the Go Project, the Best Buddies Program, all of her Recreation Therapists, The Adventures Academy, the 9p- Network, Visible Changes Staff, Chili's Brodie Oaks and all her Special Transit drivers. The family would like to give special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stanley Kim and the nurses in St. David's ICU for their care and compassion during a very difficult time and to all of the doctors and nurses who have contributed to Stacey's well-being throughout the years. Stacey is survived by her parents Sibley and Dianne Cochran Simmons, aunts and uncles: Debbie Cochran, Celeste and Jeffrey Elder, Stephen and Teri Cochran and many cousins. Stacey was preceded in death by her grandmothers Helen Cochran and Jewel Simmons and Aunt Margie Walker. All were so special in Stacey's life. Donations may be made in Stacey's honor to The Adventures Academy of Lifelong Learning, 7106 Shadywood Drive, Austin, Texas 78745 (www.Austinadventurers.org) or the Chromosome 9p- Network, P. O. Box 524, Appleton, WI 54912 (http://www.9pminus.org/). Services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home's Colonial Chapel, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, where everyone is asked to wear pink or purple for Stacey. Burial will follow immediately at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks, 6300 West William Cannon Dr, Austin, Texas. Following burial, the family invites you to Stacey's home for a Celebration of Stacey's Life.

The XXX Olympiad was the best Olympics EVER! My life has felt a little empty since the Olympics ended. Sadly, even though the Paralympics followed a few weeks later, the NBC networks only aired a few hours.

I'm only left with the great memories and great photos. Highlights for me included:

Oscar Pistorius from South Africa