MESSAGE BOARD This is where we post anything anyone would like to say about Tracy or just general stories and memories about her life. |
This is a letter written to me by an old friend of Tracy's... Boy, it has been many years since I have seen your smiling face. I was made aware of Tracy's death shortly after it occurred and was heart broken to learn that I had missed all of the postings in the newspaper about her funeral. As soon as I learned of her passing, November, 1996, I went to the cemetary to visit her and did so every year since her passing until two years ago. I haven't visited in a while but am feeling compelled to go yet again. As the anniversary draws near, yet again, I find myself smiling recalling all of the good memories I have of Tracy. As you will recall, Tracy was the first friend I made upon moving to Longwood. She was certainly a rebel, even a 8 years old. The first thing that drew me to her was her desire to be my friend and introduce me to all of her friends. She used to poke fun of me and tell me I was in the "lower" third grade class because I was in Mrs. Adams's room and she was in the "smart" class because she had Mrs. Connerly. It didn't matter to me as I just wanted to be her friend. I can remember wanting to be just like Tracy. She had an infectious laugh that would bring the grumpiest of old men to their knees. She wore her Vans sneakers everywhere! She even convinced me to get a pair and pink and purple were her choice for the perfect pair of Vans for me. She never neglected to remind me that hers were better. She was just a supurb human being. Some of the funny times I recall with Tracy were bothering you in your REO Speedwagon, Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks of course) hide-out...your bedroom. Tracy loved to sneak up to your room and try on your clothes as she said how much she wanted to be like you when she grew up. She loved riding in Ross's corvettes...Burgandy and Gold were the two we rode in a lot. I remember your Dad taking a group of screaming, giddy little girls to see E.T., piling us all into the vette and scurrying us away for a night to remember. Spending the night at the house in the Landing's, staying up all night watching SNL and laughing our arse's off at twisted humor displayed in the early '80's. Spending the night on the Saturday before Father's Day and getting up on Father's Day morning and making shamrock green pancakes and eggs for your dad. They certainly didn't look appetizing but sure did taste great! As we grew up and went on to make new friends, we somewhat lost touch but always had the bond of sports. I played soccer with Tracy during the season we won the state finals at LMHS (Go Rams!!!). She helped foster my skills to be a better soccer player. She joined the softball team at LMHS and I helped to foster her skills on the diamond. After graduation, we would run into each other around town and would always catch up on old times. She had a unique ability to make you feel as though no time had passed since the last encounter you had with her. The last time I saw Tracy was late in the summer, 1996. She looked wonderful, said how happy she was and had an overall sense of peace about her. We caught up on old times, hugged each other and went our separate ways, never realizing that would be the last time I would see that smile and hear that laugh. In the words of Reba McEntire, "If I had only known I'd never hear your voice again, I memorize each word you'd ever said...if I had only known." Society, family and friends lost a dear, loving woman on November 4, 1996. My heart, thoughts and prayers went out to you and your family then and still, I think of her often. Everytime I do, I see that brilliant smile and hear that infectious laugh. What a cool chick!!! Please give my best to your dad as I haven't seen him in ages. Imagine my surprise to see the picture of your dad holding Jordan and he had cut off those long locks. It didn't even look like him. I hope you are doing well and life is kind. Terri (Peters) Dube |
TRACY'S DAD, ROSS, MESSAGE BOARD: Sometimes the memory of losing you overshadows the memories of our happy times. And sometimes,thinking of what you have lost by not being here makes it impossible to think of anything else. But at times,God blesses me with wonderful memories of our happy times together. Some of these memories are... · The first time I saw your cute face the night you were born... Love, Dad In Loving Memory of When we think about your life, we remember so many things you mean to us... Your character, talent, and many accomplishments make us so proud; A year ago tonight, the reckless act of a careless person took you from us. Now, we'll miss knowing the man who would have been your husband; We love you and think of you always, Tracy... 12/16/97 I am overwhelmed with the sadness of knowing you are gone! Sometimes the pain is so great I want to join you, but I know I'm needed here for now. Some of the sadness is self pity But more than anything, your own losses grieve me... Some say that you are in a better place, and all your needs are amply met; that it is only us, not you, who have lost by your death. How I wish I could know that! If I could, I'd be better able to cope with my losses; I could better focus on my wonderful memories of you in anticipation of our reunion. Do you exist in a form that is beyond our memories, thoughts and love for you??? I miss you so much this time of year, and always. I will be with you on Christmas morning. Love, Dad P.S. Roxy loves and misses you too! She is treated like your child. Dearest Tracy... 3/24/98 Once again, this morning finds me aching for your presence. As I sit here, surrounded by hundreds of your pictures on the wall, I remember some of the countless joys you brought me, and everyone you touched. How I miss those times. I was so blessed to have you for 24 years. Now I am cursed to a life without you. I have put off writing to you about this next part. The criminal trial of the devil that took you from us concluded last month. He got off! We are all so devastated! How unfair! Once again, our "justice system" let a killer go unpunished because of technicalities. Even the prosecutor wept with us for your injustice that day. It was an extremely emotional and hard-fought battle that lasted 7 straight days, 12 hours nearly every day. The courtroom was always packed with your family and your loyal friends. Although prison for him is now out of the question, be assured we are continuing to fight hard for a measure of justice for you. I was not sure how I could live with the outcome. Then I remembered how insignificant this is compared to your own losses, and our loss of you personally I worry about you every day. And I am constantly reminded of what you are missing here. How I wish I could know you are really in a better place. Last week, your friends invited us to join them in Key West. While there, all of the good times felt shallow and incomplete. The missing piece for all of us was you. It is always that way now! I miss you so... Love, Dad June 1999 Dad's Prayer Thank You God for all of Your blessings to me. In my weaker moments I sometimes feel my life is cursed without Tracy, but please know that I would never trade anything for the 24 years You allowed me to have with her. Forgive me for my hate for the person who caused her death. Help us to gain a measure of justice for her loss of life, then teach me how to channel this enormous energy into something positive for Tracy and others. Sometimes I feel guilty for the daily good fortune You bring my way. Please God, take an abundant share of my future blessings and give them directly to Tracy. I feel so helpless to look after her. My prayer is that You will be with Tracy today since I can't. Take care of her, comfort her, and communicate my deep love to her. Amen. |
TRACY'S SISTER, JULIE'S MESSAGE BOARD:
I MISS YOU SOOO MUCH TRACY!!!! No-one will ever be able to make me laugh and have fun like you did, sis. You were the life of every party! By the way, I don't know what Dad keeps talking about your innovative delicious recipes for because I remember you making me minute rice w/ Campell's ABC soup on it! What about the microwaved bologna w/ ketchup? I also remember when you started a fire in my stove and we called the fire department and 6 cute firemen came to put out the fire after it already went out. Those were some great times that I will never forget!
I just want to let people know a little more about my little sister....
snacks/deserts: drink of choice: CD's in her truck (Nov '96): Tracy hated: Tracy liked: |
TRACY'S MOM, SHERRY'S MESSAGE BOARD: Tribute to Tracy from Mommy Gone now from our world but never from our hearts. The greatest gift so precious and rare, is the love that a mother and her children share. Keep your arms around her Lord, touch her smiling face, for she is someone special, who can never be replaced. May the winds of love blow softly, and whisper for you to hear, that the world will love and miss you, and wish you were still here. The tears in our eyes will wipe away, but our memories of you will always stay. No in God's care you rest above, and in our hearts you rest with love. September 18th.... Happy Birthday, Tracy. You know, I've been saying this a lot lately..."If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk right up to heaven to bring you home again". I miss you more than I can say......Love and kisses, Mommy |
TRACY'S STEP-MOM, CATINA'S MESSAGE BOARD: Tracy was a very outgoing person. She was very fun to be around. I remember so many nights when she was staying with us, how Ross & I would be almost ready for bed and Tracy would come from her room, dressed in jeans and boots along with a vest, ready to paint the town. For her, the night was just starting as ours was just ending. I wondered how she could keep going. However, there were days where she slept most of it away making up for lost time. The other interesting part of her sleep is almost nothing would wake her up. She could have 2-3 alarms going off at the same time and she slept through it. However, let the phone ring, and she had it answered usually on the first ring. I often thought she should get an alarm that sounded like the telephone ringing. Tracy was very athletic. She played soccer very good and I was fortunate to be able to watch her play in a night league she had joined. She was an excellent Sea Doo rider. She was so good she could entertain ya for hours just watching all the tricks and moves she could do on the Sea Doo. We did have some things in common. I knew she liked games but didn't realize how much like me she was until the time you were gone on a trip and Tracy & I were playing Phase 10. It was a new game to her. I can't let anyone win (well, maybe once in a blue moon). She was determined not to quit until she had won a game. I was ready to go to bed but I know how I feel about the other person quitting before I'm ready. So we played till 1:30am or so when she finally won. That is so like me. Also, I didn't play a lot of poker with her, but we both are sticklers to the rules. Everyone tells me that I am as strict as Tracy, when it comes to the rules. Determine to win was another fact we shared. One thing about Tracy that really surprised me was she could cook. I don't mean just follow a recipe. She would come up with ingredients to add to recipes that really topped it off. The one I remember the most is adding alfredo sauce to homemade pizza. Yummy. She could "throw" things together, taste it, and know what was missing. She could pick out desserts at the store that were delicious. I remember one very vivid. At the time I was on a diet. She made Cinnamon bars by Duncan Hines. I thought to myself, that won't tempt me so I will take just one bite to prove it. Was I wrong. Tracy was right. They were delicious. |
TRACY'S STEP-SISTER, ERICA'S MESSAGE BOARD: Dear Tracy, |
This was read at her funeral, by her high school soccer coach, Bill Eissele: Tracy's Smile! Everyone just close your eyes and picture that smile! Tracy played on the 1989 State Championship Soccer Team for Lake Mary High School... I was her coach... and many of her teammates are here today. Immediately after the final game the press took a picture of the team holding the trophy-I looked at that picture early Tuesday morning and there sticking out from under the trophy in the very middle of the picture was---that smile. Yea, Rupp's smile - to our team it wasn't Tracy - it was mainly just "Rupp." "For everything its season, and for every activity under Heaven its time" and for Tracy it's her smile. That smile ranged from innocent to devilish, from sunshine to moon glow, from softness to hard nosed. Once we were on a road trip when I heard this roaring laughter from the back of the bus - Coach Hawk and I sat in the front - and Tracy and Tammy, Tracy's close friend, sat in the back - as far away from we coaches as they could get. Now Tammy and Tracy weren't bad girls, they were just a bit mischievous. I ignored the laughter at first but it kept getting louder and louder. So I decided I better investigate, I quietly got up and meandered to the back of the bus - as I moved one of the players out of the way there sat Tracy and Tammy, Tammy with her usual, "Coach you are spoiling our fun look" and Tracy with that smile. That smile that could not hide her delight, or her devilish nature. Of course I was told nothing was going on but Tracy's smile told me differently. Tammy of course spoke up and said, "Coach just get back to the front of the bus." As I turned and walked away I felt a flow of cold water hit the back of my neck... it was from this funny squirt gun with which they were playing... boisterous laughter broke out as coach had been taken in once again... and there it was... that smile. Another time, we were playing Seminole High School, a team we never lost to, and this particular evening Tracy was having some problems keeping her underwear adjusted as she was playing. I took her off the field for a substitute and I continued watching the game... suddenly there was this giggling behind me. Not just one girl. but every player on the bench. I looked at Tracy and there it was - that smile - that sunshine of a smile brightening up the night. I gave her my best,..."Cut it out," coaches look and turned back to watch the game... with a smile on my face. Later on that evening I was informed that Tracy had taken the scissors from the medical kit and had eliminated the problem she was having with her underwear. Oh that smile. That smile could brighten up a team bus after a loss, or make the grumpiest team member laugh. Tracy's beauty showed through her smile... for to her - like in ecclesiastes: "There is a time to weep and a time to laugh and a time to mourn and a time to dance." To Tracy - there was always a time to smile!!! Tracy's smile was a very important part of our championship team that season... she wasn't the star, but that team in 1989 didn't have any stars... it was a group of girls just like Tracy. They loved the sport and competition, but more importantly - we loved each other Girls, ...you are now young ladies, women, but I'm still "Coach" to you. I don't have any answers, but I do beleive this: Struggling with Life's difficulties makes us a little wiser, a little more capable, which enables us to comfort others who experience pain. Any difficulties we face in life are short-lived ...but all rewards through Jesus Christ,... are eternal. Rupp's smile is a symbol of the love we share for each other. And you know what? Jesus Christ always shown in Tracy's smile... and I think that smile is shining down on us even now. Although none of u8s really understand why; Jesus does!!!! And Jesus has welcomed that smiled home to him!!! Now he can be her "Coach" and he can share in her mischief. Bill Eissele |
These poems were written by Tracy's aunt, AUNT NOMEY IN MEMORY OF TRACY If we should try to build a place Though it were made of marble Or if it were made a garden If wealth and nature and beauty Yet 'twould be far inferior But in our small and feeble way And may all who find the solitude And to other talented ones who've gone The family of Tracy Rupp
In Loving Memory of my Niece Tracy Twas but 25 short years ago You brought with you excitement Adventure, laughs, and mischief, God blessed you with so many things-- Kindergarten, grammar school, High school came and with it College with its friendships, The horror of that awful night, Its hard to think of you not here, You've traveled many places And now we're left with memories-- Now Tracy, we do love you Love, |
Hello, |