I'm walking in memory of my twin, Amanda "Mandie" Keefer Peterson.  Except, we were born to different parents, cousins technically but who's counting.  Our moms said God knew no one could handle both of us at one time so He separated us.  Our best memory, hiding under the clothes racks while our moms shopped.  We never heard them call because we were having too much fun.  Or maybe, all the impromptu dance and gymnastics we performed for our family during holidays.  A forced audience counts right?  Then there's the lady at the eye doctor that tried to give me Amanda's contacts when I was only there for an appointment.  And should I mention my daughter sucked on the same fingers as my  twin when she was little?  Or how my daughter would lay back in Amanda's arms when generally I was the only one able to hold and soothe her.  

No matter the memory, to know Amanda was to know love and life.  She knew her time was short; it didn't stop her from living.  Thanks to experimental therapy early on and double lung transplant in 2006, we were blessed with 41 beautiful years.  She lived fiercely, loved with her whole heart, celebrated your triumphs, and picked you up if defeated. If you knew her, you were so blessed, if you didn't, you missed someone truly exceptional.  When she was born, local doctors said her life wasn't worth a penny but she was a fighter, and fortunately they were wrong.  Join me as we celebrate Amanda.   If you can't join us, maybe do a monetary donation.  No matter what, please consider organ donation.  You never know how many lives will be affected.  Amanda's donor gave us over 15 extra years with her.  Please help us do the same for others and pray that one day there will be a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.