Laura and Amanda...

Mr. Warnock,

First of all please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of your daughter. I was informed of her passing today by another USS Stennis spouse. I didn't recognize the name but I googled her non the less so that I could learn more about the girl that brought my friend to tears when she told me that she was gone. I found your blog and quickly realized that I did know her, not in name but in face. You see I met Amanda last year at the NEX in Washington. I was a frazzled mother in the checkout line with a 2 year old and she was the sweet young lady playing peek-a-boo with my son. She could tell that I was having a rough time with him throwing an absolute fit and she just wanted to make him smile so that I could have a moment of peace.

I'm horrible at remembering names but I never seem to forget a face. I'll never forget her's that day when she tried to help a stranger with a sad little boy. For days later my son asked if we could go see the lady with the pretty hair at the store. We never saw her again but tonight when I saw her picture he climbed in my lap, and a year later he said "Look Mommy it's Pretty Hair Lady"

I hope my memory could bring you some joy. You raised a remarkable young woman that could touch someone's life with a simple smile. Thank you.

All our prayers,

Laura Benner