Savannah Diane Lucy Burry

Will remember Savannah's smile, her laugh and her love of life. In some ways, Savannah reminded me of when I first encountered SGI-USA. While I was hesitant to be surrounded by an organization that encouraged me to dream big dreams for my life. Savannah was not. She was two thumbs up - I'm with that. She had no trouble accepting the love and support of people she might otherwise think of as strangers. I remember the glimmer in her eye when she was asked to think of what she wanted in life and make a list. That list changed over time. At first, she wanted to work only one job, get a car, and have her own place. Then several months later, she was bubbling over about her determination to become a phlebotomist and convinced me that I would never have to have another painful blood test. The last time I saw her was in jail. Our hour flew by like it were a matter of minutes. We talked as if we were long lost friends. We laughed, we cried, we compared the crazy inside to the crazy in the world. In that last heart to heart, Savannah shared that she wanted to become a counselor who would help kids who were in trouble. She revealed her big heart of compassion as she wanted to help other kids avoid the pitfalls she had been through. She was so exuberant, so fearless, and so full of determination. I will carry that determination with me, reach out to young people, and try to guide them to a path of hope. Thank you for reminding me of how important that is Savannah. NMRK