Just my thoughts... / Michael Fitzsimmons (None) I just wanted to say how touching this story has been to me and to my life. I first heard of Shelby when my aunt, who lives in Galloway, New Jersey mentioned the it. I live in Fort Myers, Florida and my mother actually sent Shelby's father a picture of some holy figure and told him how she felt about Shelby's story and that she knew she was in a better place. My mother actually met Shelby's uncle here in Fort Myers Accidently. Small world I guess. I just wanted to say that the photo album from when she was a baby throughout the doctors visit was one of the most inspirational videos I've ever seen. The love, passion, drive, determination, strong-will, warmth, heart, and overall angel like qualities I saw in Shelby through just a picture was so heart warming and inspirational. There was one picture that said "Bad news-great attitude" which brings tears to my eyes every time I watch and read it. I am a 21 yr old college student who often has a hard time believing in God, but when I see the smile on her face it leaves me no choice but to believe. I read a book called "many lives, many masters" and it told a true story of a doctor who helped cure a patient...point of the story being everybody is born with a purpose from which they choose before coming here. Shelby has helped motivate many, many individuals throughout the world, especially me. I have found a faith in God, I am more focused in school because of the appreciation I have for my time here and I am just a happier person who doesn't take anything, especially time for granted. Thank You for bringing such a great and positive person into this world and I am terribly sorry for your loss. We can never understand why such devistating things happen to people, we are just told to accept them...Which is the hardest thing to do.
I can't even tell you in full the joy her positive attitude brings to me. How someone can smile during those doctors visits is heaven-like to me..I thank you for this wonderful website and I applaud everyone in Shelby's family...You must be great people if Shelby had that much love in her heart...
I'm sorry that I never knew Shelby but I did grow up with Richter boys in Absecon and I have 2 boys of my own now> My Michael is 9 and Nicholas is 8. I just drove past my parents house and was sitting at "5 corners" when the sign for Shelby's day at Rifices which
I hope to go to this year and in the middle of the day and sitting in my car I started crying I mean really crying and Brett and Bart will tell you I was always the kid that laughed all the time, suddenly I found myself needing my kids to come home and give them a giant hug and thank God that I still can and feeling so terrible that you no longer can just know this *** today somebody that didn't even know your precious Shelby often thinks about how many lives have been touched by her life and her death and that she truly makes me
appreciate my kids and love them just a little bit more and makes me pick my battles and let them get away with alittle bit more!
Thanks for this opportunty to tell you my thoughts
nancy robinson(no not SUE )
if only... / Lauren Black (She was my only friend. ) i don't know who is going to read this but i used to live across the street from Shelby (the house in Absecon). We were the Black's. Greg and Linda Black (my parents) and then the kids Paul, Sarah, Shane, and me, Lauren. We lived right next to Ms. Priscilla Schultheiz. I was so young then and there were not that many little kids around. But, Shelby was always right across the street. It almost seems like a dream it was so long ago. She was always there to play with. She was my first, only, and best friend in Absecon and i only wish i could have gotten in touch with her. i miss that little curlyheaded, happy girl that i could run over and play with. She will always hold a place in my heart because she extended such kindness to me and didnt even know it. But, i know she will always be my friend whether we are close or far apart.
i miss you baby angel.
i lov u and miss u shelby rip babe / Valerie Rubi (Friend) omg shelby i have no words to explain my feelings right now i miss you sooo much and im so sorry shelby that i didnt attend your benefit i feel so stupid for not attending i missed a whole bunch of fun well shelby i got to go back to class and shelby we will always remember you and love you.....
we lov u and miss you shelby rip babe rip sweet angel
luv, valerie
CONGRADULATIONS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD GREAT JOB!!!!! / Brett Richter (Uncle Brett )
I JUST WANTED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE ON THE BOARD INVOLVED WITH THE SHELBY RICHTER FUND.ORG FOR THE FANTASTIC JOB YOU ALL DID ,AND UNSELFISH SACRIFICES YOU HAVE ALL MADE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. YOU GUYS PULLED IT TOGETHER IT WAS QUITE THE EVENT. OUR LITTLE ANGEL IS SMILING EAR TO EAR KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE ALL WORKED HARD AND TRULY PUT YOUR HEARTS INTO KEEPING HER WISH ALIVE. BART YOUR A WONDERFUL BROTHER,FATHER AND FRIEND TO MANY AND THE LORD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A GREAT GROUP OF LEADERS TO CONTINUE ON WITH YOUR ENDEVORS IN SHELBYS NAME. MAN ON A MISSION
'time heals all wounds' / Frannie I dont usually post anything on sites (but my moms), but i do visit often (my cousin is friends with Bart (Richie Thomas)) My mom passed away suddenly 10 mths ago and everyone would tell us the pain goes away, I didnt believe them. One day I came accross this quote and it hit home,HARD! It is so true and it is a quote I live my life by now and hopefully it will give you the little bit of comfort it gave me.
"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone. -Rose Kennedy"
Shelby/ Alice Capuano (Great-Aunt) Sweetie,
Today your relatives on the west coast are
thinking of you and your family. You're all in
our hearts and prayers always, but especially
today.
God Bless you all!
Aunt Ali and Ralph, cousins Caren, Aaron, Josh
and Nick - and cousins Jan, Anthony, Ethan, Dani
Moriah and Jordan.
The Night Shelby Passed / Bart Richter (Big Daddy ) I have not written alot on this web site due to the fact that sometimes silence is bliss but tonight I want to talk about the night before Shelby went to be with our Lord. We were all in my living room and Shelby & I were sitting on the loveseat, I was feeding Shelby watermelons and since there were no Bing Cherries in season, her cousin Stephen went to Wawa to get her a Cherry Slurpee. Shelly, Stephen, Kelly, Justin, Tina, Shannon, Charlene, Shelby & myself were all at my house. Rodney was at home watching Haley and making the video that we all viewed at Shelby's Service. About a week prior to this, I slowed down giving Shelby her medicine. The Drs. had told us that as her tumor got larger it would press against her kidneys and as they start shuting down they send her own bodies endorphins to handle the pain. While Shelby and I were sitting on the couch I was feeding Shelby Cherry Slurpee's. So we asked her cousin Stephen to come out and tell us a few stories. We sat back and were cracking up & laughing our butts off. As I was feeding Shelby the Slurpee her Aunt Tina started to yell at me. Aunt Tina thought I was giving Shelby the major brain freezes. I asked Shelby and she was just loving the cool cherry flavor dripping down the back of her throat. She was munching on watermelon also. That night I suggested that Charlene stay over my house and sleep in Shelby's bedroom.
Blessings to Bart,Justin, Shannon and All Who Loved Shelby / Brett Richter (Uncle Brett )
Today is two years since we all lost our little Angel SHELBY LAUREN RICHTER and like every day since it has been difficult, I know and dont know the hurt you experience daily ,yet dont forget she is watching over you all , and proud of all that has been accomplished in her name for all childrens sake, Thanks for your help and support with the illness of my granddaughter Giavanna and realize you have made great strides , keep up the good work,stay strong, Love Always Proud Brother ,Uncle & Friend
Special Events Manager - Tun Tavern Restaurant / Diane Tharp After meeting Shelby's Dad, Bart, at Wolfgang Puck's, I felt compelled to reach out and offer a donation to your fundraiser next month. Bart was such a sincere and kind man, who took the time to explain to me what had happened to his beloved daughter. After reading about Shelby on the website, I realized that our youngest, Lindsay, a freshman at Ocean City High School, was born only a few weeks after Shelby. I cannot imagine the sorrow they have gone through. My heart breaks for this family and my prayers are with them. The Shelby Richter Fund is a great tribute to Bart's daughter's final wishes.
I'm thinking of you and your family / Lynne Smejkal (friend) Shelby, I was away this year on "our" birthday but I wanted you to know I think of you often (several times on groundhog day) and I say prayers for all your family. I know they miss you terribly but you'd be so proud of the strength you've given them. Peace and love to you and all your loved ones! Lynne
Happy 15th Birthday, Shelby!!!! / We Miss You!! Shelby, Tomorrow you celebrate your 15th Birthday in heaven. We are thinking about you and missing you on your special day. Wish you were here celebrating it with your family and friends. Happy 15th Birthday, Shelby!! We Love You!!
Birthdays in Heaven
Birthdays are a time for celebration Not a time for tears But what happens when the birthdays No longer mark the years
A birthday marks the moment A spirit enters life To share its special love and joy And learn from earthly strife
Before a spirit comes to us, It knows when and how it must depart It chose its path carefully, We are honored from the start
The sadness we now feel on such a joyous day Is longing for our loved one's touch It's natural to feel this way
For even though the birthdays No longer mark a spirit's stay Love continues on forever To touch us every day
I found some beatiful poems. / Valerie Rubi (friend) Children Who Die Are Not Really Gone Children who die are not really gone, But go to a place that is something like home, Where they sleep the deep sleep, as quiet as stone, Until we can join them when our lives are done.
Children who die are not really dead, But just like good children tucked into bed, Wait the long wait while we go ahead Till our tales are all told and our tears are all shed. Children who die feel no pleasure or pain In the place where they wait till they see us again, And all of us dance in a world washed with rain Where the sun shines so brightly no sorrows remain
I Didn't Get a Chance to Say Goodbye I didn't get a chance to say goodbye To you, to tell you that I loved you, to say What now must be one long, unbroken cry Of pain, now that at last you've gone away. I cannot tell you what a joy it was To be the one to tend you in your need. The burden was a gift, for giving does Not burden one who loves, though loving bleed. I wish I could have been with you when you, Perhaps aware, perhaps not, turned towards death Alone, with no one there to wonder to, To share your fear, your hand, your one last breath. I wish, I wish, I wish . . . but it is done, And now I must surrender what is gone.
I have more poems that remind me of shelby but these are the best ones. RIP shelby. We love you and miss you.
The Heart / ** *
"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll
cut your heart open," he continued,
to see how much damage has been done..."
"But when you open up my heart, you'll
find Jesus in there," said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who
Sat quietly. "When I see how much
damage has been done, I'll sew your
heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The
Bible says He lives there. The
hymns all say He lives there. You'll
find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell
you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood
supply, and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording his
notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged
pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy:
painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:, "
here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there was
more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud.
"Why did You do this? You've put
him here; You've put him in this pain; and
You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The boy,
My lamb, was not meant for your
flock for long, for he is a part of My
flock, and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and
will be comforted as you cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace, and
My flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
anger was hotter. "You created that
boy, and You created that heart. He'll
be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb,
shall return to My flock, for He has
Done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him,
but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept.. The surgeon sat
beside the boy's bed; the boy's
parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and
whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.
Author Unknown
Poem2/ Michaela
It was a normal day, Some people would say, A child was born no doubt, but God had sent an Angel out She grew up caring and kind, when she turned 13 we knew what was on her mind, It was a fact, that God wanted his Angel back. She was taken away in the arms of her dad, when we got the news we were all terribly sad, She had a kind and warming touch, and we miss her very much.
Poem/ Michaela
She was a young girl who loved to laugh and play,
we all still love her even to this day,
she made us laugh,
she made us cry,
that's why our hearts sank when we said good-bye,
She had strength everyday,
and everyday people would pray,
for this girl with something so very rare,
had people who loved her and would care,
she still had a smile,
that would stretch for a mile,
she's in our hearts everyday,
she looks down on us in everyway.
This poem is beautiful Thank you
Our love for Shelby and the Richter family / Renee And Sid Brounstein (great-great Aunt & Uncle ) Dear Shelby,
Even though you aren't with us in body, you are always in our thoughts and heart. We miss you and pray for your family.
Aunt Renee and Uncle Sid
Christmas in Heaven / ;) "Christmas in Heaven" I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face?
I'll ask him to lift your spirit as I tell him of your love so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing for I am spending Christmas in heaven and I'm walking with the King.
~ by Wanda Bencke
Candles, Candles everywhere... / Aunt Tina
Shelby, Wow did you see all the candles that were lit on Sunday?? I'm sure you did. Thanks for being with and looking out for your Dad as you always have. What happened on Sunday just proves to me your still watching and running the show the way it should be done, with Love, True Honesty, and True Heartache. Love you more each day babygirl xoxoxo Aunt Tina
Don't Tell Me Please don't tell me you know how I feel, Unless you have lost your child too, Please don't tell me my broken heart will heal, Because that is just not true, Please don't tell me my daughter is in a better place, Though it is true, I want her here with me, Don't tell me someday I'll hear her voice, see her face, Beyond today I cannot see, Don't tell me it is time to move on, Because I cannot, Don't tell me to face the fact she is gone, Because denial is something I can't stop, Don't tell me to be thankful for the time I had, Because I wanted more, Don't tell me when I am my old self you will be glad, I'll never be as I was before, What you can tell me is you will be here for me, That you will listen when I talk of my child, You can share with me my precious memories, You can even cry with me for a while, And please don't hesitate to say her name, Because it is something I long to hear everyday, Friend, please realize that I can never be the same, But if you stand by me, you may like the new person I become someday.
Tributes and Condolences
EAR TO EAR KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE ALL WORKED HARD AND TRULY PUT YOUR HEARTS 
MAN ON A MISSION
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