SVINGEN, Amber Lee
1981-2004
With deep regret, we share the passing of our beloved daughter Amber.
Her courage, profound love and gentle spirit remain with us always. She called us to live gently and thoughtfully with each other, to act with honour in times of peril, and to always celebrate life. Her sweet smile and her quiet wisdom touched us all. Friends and family gathered at Hope Lutheran Church in Nanaimo to celebrate her life.
We thank the members of Hope Lutheran Church in Nanaimo, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Comox, and Reverend Beth Paton who helped to create a beautiful service and reception. We are grateful for the loving support of our family, especially Chris Svingen, Melvin and Olive Franklin, and Glenice Newsham. We thank our dear friends, and all those who have extended expressions of love and condolence. We thank the people at Vancouver General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional Hospital Intensive Care Units, Air Ambulance flight crews, community supporters and all those who participated in her care during the past ten weeks. Commemorative donations may be made in Amber's name to the Intensive Care Unit at NRGH through the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, 1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5K8.
We treasure the message that Amber's grandmother Olive Franklin expressed in the following poem:
Amber
Grandchild: specially chosen at age three -
An Arc of our circle for twenty years.
You are on a journey with us,
But on a higher plane.
Those who care for you learn love and patience,
An appreciation of the little/big things -
A hug, a kiss, or holding your hand.
Sitting beside you or telling you a story.
A chair-ride through the Park is an adventure.
Fragile, yet strong, like a butterfly in the wind
Exuding a special magnetism.
Beautiful, with your softly curling hair,
Your easy radiant smile.
Dark, knowing eyes stir the soul.
We love you, Princess.
Olive Franklin