It’s weird to transition from grief to planning, but it’s also a little bit of welcome distraction. We’ve met with the Funeral Home Director, our Priest, and the Cemetery Manager. We have picked out a casket, a cemetery plot, and hymns for the choir to sing. It is all so surreal, and so very very sad.
We will hold a Wake for Amber Friday (Dec 21) evening in Taftville, and the Funeral Mass will be Saturday (Dec 22) morning in Baltic. A private family-only burial will follow. Anyone that would like details on the Wake or Mass, please contact me, Caron, or one of our family (off-blog, by email, phone/text, Facebook, or in-person please). The Wake will be Open Casket (parents – please note this in case children would be uncomfortable seeing Amber).
** Update – details published in Norwich Bulletin Obituary **
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph School in Baltic, CT or the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, CT.
Again, thank you all for the messages of support. We appreciate every single one of them.
Amber's Way 
Matt and Caron, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. I would like the information for the wake please. If there is anything at all I can help with please let me know. Sincerely, Erica Coutu (her teacher for about a month last year…)
My heart aches for you as you walk this sad journey. Know that you are in my prayers and my family’s prayers, and we pray for the angels to speed Amber to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.
❤️❤️
Matt and Caron, I am just devastated about the loss off Amber. Just know she is shining down on all of us now and forever. Could you please give me information on Amber’s wake on Friday. Sending you much love and prayers as you go through this difficult and painful time.
Please send me the wake information. I’d like to give you both hugs from all of us at Backus who were touched by Amber’s journey, and your incredible faith and openness.
There is no words for what you both are going through. I want to offer my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful angel Amber. I am sorry you both had to experience this in your life. Amber was blessed to have you have loving parents as you were blessed to have Amber in your life, along with your other children.
Thinking of you all and will be praying for you today and always.
Rita Hayes
Dear Matt and Caron,
Once again, my heart goes out to you as well as to Marie, Brianna, and Ryan. There is nothing worse than losing a child. Yet, with all that you are going through, you came to school to bring gifts to the staff here at school!!! Your children are our gifts!! It is obvious that you taught them to always have a giving heart! Amber never thought of herself – always others. She is a little angel and I will always hold her dear to my heart!