“Amanda Panda”
Caring, loving, bright, intelligent, very family oriented
Amanda Panda. The nickname evokes feelings of cuddly cute sweetness. She was that and so much more! Amanda showed her love and compassion for family, friends, animals, and nature in many ways. She was light-hearted and caring; always dedicated to her family. The youngest of a set of identical twins, her youth, and laughter was infectious.
A funny memory her mother Justine shared was of a past Thanksgiving. Amanda hungrily bit into her corn on the cob, and the juice shot across the table and hit her sister in the face! They all began to giggle. Everyone was caught up in the humor of it and laughed so hard that by the time they finished laughing, the food was cold. There was much love shared between Amanda, her mom, and siblings, Shauna, Jasmine, and Aimee.
Amanda was also a loving aunt to Collin, Felix, Josie, and Isabelle. She eventually wanted to have her own place, get married, and have children to love and care for. She looked forward to the time that she could share family traditions with her children, such as decorating and creating crafts, gathering on Christmas Eve, sharing a special meal, exchanging gifts, and playing games. And when the family was together, there was always laughter and love.
Amanda Panda shared her love for animals, not only as a reflection of her nickname, but in many of her activities. She loved that she could go to the zoo and play with the lemurs and help take care of them as a part of her desire to help all living creatures.
As much as she loved to share her creative nurturing side with her family, she also was a very bright person who could weave her caring into her professional life. She moved up the ladder and became an assistant manager. She did very well wherever she went.
Substance use disorder was not a stranger to her family. Her mother, Justine, grew up with it around her, which helped shape an understanding of substance use as a disease. When Amanda became engulfed in her addiction, Justine recognized it for what it was. This knowledge did not change the loss, sadness, and guilt that they all felt as Amanda became a shell of herself. There was a fleeting spark of hope the day before she passed away. The family sat down and watched TV together all day, giggling and laughing. They had a great time. Amanda Panda was going to move back in with them. They were going to help her get substance free and stay that way. The disease took her before they had that chance. Justine misses her smile and laughter, her hugs, and just hearing her voice. Amanda was a loving, beautiful light, taken too soon.
Despite the deep sadness her entire family feels, they also know that Amanda always knew in her heart that she was loved and had her family’s support through it all.
Amanda’s mother, Justine Trant, provided the information for this narrative.
October 3, 1996-December 1, 2021-Age 25
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Lynn McKnight
