On the path

May31

In good handsAbby chose to start home hospice last week, and has been resting, snuggling with her children and Merlin, and staying as comfortable as possible with the help of wonderful nurses and the care of family and close friends. The cancer continues to spread, and in the last day or so she has begun sleeping more and speaking less. The time for long conversations and intense goodbyes is past, but when we have a few moments with her awake, we remind her of the love and care everyone has been sending, and give her hugs. The children and Elsa the puppy (now, to no one’s surprise, a permanent member of the family) keep the house lively and make it impossible for us to fall into despair. And the support of so many friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family members has been a balm to the soul.

– Cynthia Freeman

106 thoughts on “On the path”

  1. Please tell Abby and Merlin how much I love them.
    I am just another soul who has been inspired and enriched by both of their presence in my life.
    A friend always,
    Amo

  2. I am sending all my love to Abby and the Freeman family- one of the most kind and strong families I have had the pleasure and luck of knowing.

  3. Abby you were one of the first people I met when we moved to Belmont. I have such nice memories of our childhood friendship. Thanks to you and your amazing family for always making us feel welcome. I wish you peace and comfort my friend, and may wonderful memories bring the same to your family. You are in my prayers. Love, Caroline

  4. It has been so many years. I have such wonderful memories of working with you Abby. Always prepared and a willingness to try anything. What fun we had on LAUNDRY AND BOURBON! At the opening of the show we’d hear Patsy Cline singing “If You’ve Got Leaving On Your Mind” and then the lights would slowly come up. There you were, staring down the road, having transformed yourself from an 18 year old to a 35 year old. It was such strong work Abby! Your intellectual curiosity, imagination and generosity always made you standout. Thank you for your trust and passion. Joe

    • Amen Joe. I will never forget that experience with Abby. I have often thought of her thru the years and have such fond memories of her laugh, her creativity, her stage genius, her kindness to anyone and everyone. To know her is to love her.

    • Joe – so good to see your note. In many ways you began Abby’s and my friendship (and my entire high school
      social life) when you cast us as 9th graders in that fall’s children’s theater production, Rip Van Winkle. Ever since that time, she and I have been dear friends. The honor of being cast beside her in Laundry and Bourbon in our senior year is to this day one of the proudest achievements of my life. Being on stage with Abby – being in a friendship with Abby – is an inspiration and an honor that lasts a lifetime.

  5. Despite being miles away on the east coast, Jim and I feel the enormity of the Abby’s choice and the strength of your families love. there are no words.

    We love you all
    Pat and Jim stanton

  6. The most valuable lesson learned by all of us who know Abby is how to live. So we are as beloved when we depart.
    Your family is tremendously strong.
    Jillian Hahn Kohl

  7. Reading Joe’s post above, I was in that audience and will never forget the magic you brought to life on that stage to me and all those around you back at BHS. Your smile and energy lit us all, and I hope you can feel the love coming back to you – it will always continue forward.

  9. Abby, always so beautiful and full of life. All the love and support you inspire is a reflection of you. You and your amazing family are deeply set among the building blocks of my own life and the lives of so many others, and we are all so lucky for that.

  10. My heart is heavy to read this latest news. Abby, I still remember your smiling bright face when I first met you in 6th grade home room. You are a remarkable woman, and am inspired by all you have achieved. It’s a blessing to have known you. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family xxx Shara

  12. Abby – You are such a beautiful soul! You and your family played such an integral part of my childhood in Belmont. Thinking of you and sending loads of hugs and prayers to you and the rest of the Freeman family. We love you all so much!

  13. Dear Abby, When I first met you, you were about 12 inches long. I held your head in my palm and your feet touched the crook of my elbow. Now I must say goodbye, although much too soon. Rest, Abby. I hope it doesn’t hurt too much…Remember all the people you have touched in your too short life, including me. Don’t worry about anything now; your beautiful children and your amazing husband will be okay. Be at peace, and know that we love you. Love, Uncle David

  14. Sending all my love and light to the most beautiful family. I love you Abby! We love you so much!
    Xoxo brook notary

  15. Abbicita mi querida,
    Such a precious soul you are, with the capacity for the rarest most loving relationships… Ours is but one, among so many. i have always felt your loving presence, no matter the distance and passage of time… and i always will. I miss you now and always will. I wish you, your beautiful family and all who surround you comfort, love, and peace.
    Abrazo fuerte,
    Aunt Sooz

  16. Dearest Abby,

    We have never met, but I feel like I know you. Your beautiful face has lit up my Facebook feed, in these past months, thanks to my dear friend, Cynthia. I have enjoyed seeing photos of your childhood and teenage years and more recent ones of you, with your gorgeous family. Every photo is incandescent with love and joy that are incredibly contagious. So I want to say thank you, for lighting up my life. As you journey towards the light, consider that you have one more true friend who will miss you, deeply. With all my heart, I send love to you and your incredibly circle of family and friends.

    Deepa

  17. Dear Abby and Merlin,
    I’ve always deeply admired both of you, taking inspiration and motivation (and maybe also a little ass kicking) to be a better version of myself and maybe someday find a love like yours. I remember the night of your first kiss up at the farm, seeing how Merlin changed from one hour to the next. It was like, after you took that stroll together he went from walking on eggshells to walking on air, and has been that way ever since.

    We’ve been in very distant contact of late but you’re always cherished by me and all of us. I love you both so dearly.
    Sincerely,
    Trev

  19. Abby – Beautiful Being. You shine always so bright. So much love to you and the the entire clan

    love, hrana

  22. Love to all. I’m holding your family in my heart – today, and in the days that will follow.

    I wish comfort and peace to you, beautiful Abby.
    xo, buick

  23. Love love love to you and your amazing family! I feel so privileged to have worked with you and climbed with Merlin (Potrero!) and have always felt amazing when around you guys. Be strong (you are) be brave (you are) be wonderful (YOU ARE!!)
    Love love love,
    TA

  25. Love to you and your beautiful family, Abby. I am happy you are home and can be with them now to warm yourself in their arms. Your strength is an inspiration.

    *Big Ethan Hug*

  26. Oh Abby….my heart is heavy and I’m filled with incredible sadness hearing this latest news. I had hoped you were responding to chemo and beating this horrible disease. You are incredibly courageous and I’m so glad you are surrounded by your loving family and friends. You are an amazing woman, incredibly talented and have always been adored by all who knew you from the time you were a little girl. I send my love to your whole family who have meant so much it us over the years and will reach out to your mom and dad. Feel the love from us all …..Diane Burrus

  27. Abby,
    I hold so much love for you in my heart. You have such an open heart and spirit. Holding you and your family continually in the light. So much love. Ana

  28. Abby & Merlin,

    I haven’t seen either of you in almost 15 years as our lives have taken different paths, but I have the best memories of you both. You are both such kind, wonderful people. I can’t even express what I feel right now, but know that you both are loved.

    Larry

  29. Abby, I am sending so much love and courage and peace to you and your family. All my prayers and thoughts are with you.

    All my love,

    Amy

  31. You guys were both part of the most exciting time of my life, so far. The little that I have been able to find out about this has been since I recently moved back to NYC and reconnected with Billy and Gwynn. Now that I’ve finally found this blog, I’m catching up, and I’m finding it hard to believe/digest even though I’m no stranger to this situation.

    I hope, in the future, when our paths cross again that I can be a source of inspiration, strength and dedication as you were for me when I had the privilege of calling myself a colleague and friend of yours.

    I find some of the words we used to say to each other right before doing “Enroscado” strangely appropriate: “Go ahead, have faith, and jump. We’ll always meet in the middle”

  32. Abby,
    I have a memory of you soaring — high above my head — turning, twisting, moving with both grace and force. A performance that was magic to witness. You are an inspiration to me. I am thinking of you and of your very special family as you cuddle and love each other.
    Love,
    Amy

  33. Abby and Merlin, I love you both more than I can verbalize in this moment.

    “May you know, without any doubt, the precious gift that you are.
    And may you be welcomed by a presence so loving that all fear subsides.”
    (Michael Stillwater)

  35. i love you all. sending you prayers of peace and love your way. you are all in my thoughts and may angels sing to you dear abby!!!

    love,
    ryoko

  36. Love and support coming your way from Merlin’s cousin Fawn in Brooklyn. We haven’t met, Abby, but I’m so sorry to hear of your struggle, and it’s clear that you and Merlin have faced it with strength and grace. Wishing you unlimited amounts of both.

  39. You were cutest and nicest little girl at the Burbank school. I always smile when I think of you. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

  41. I had no idea. I am so sad. I am Merlin’s cousin Misty. I wish I had been able to meet Abby. I have always admired the pictures of you and your family over the years. I noticed in pictures, the tenderness between you and Merlin and your beautiful children. I am so happy you were able to have so many happy memories and adventures together and have such a beautiful love. I am so sad that you have been suffering 🙁 love to all. God Bless xoxo

  42. Abby: I love you – so many wonderful, treasured memories. You have always been – and always will be – a light to all around you. The strength of this choice and the strength of your family are an inspiration.

    I love you, sweet friend.

    Erin

  43. Dear Freeman clan,

    We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. There are no words… We will hold Abby in the light. With huge love, respect and admiration,

    Maya

  44. All the love in the world is with you. You’ve brought inspiration to us all and me specially. Your light burns bright in me and I cherish all our adventures together.

    I will feel you always and provide strength to your whole family.

  45. Grief stricken beyond words….reading everyone’s reflections and stories provides peace and comfort-knowing how her magical soul touched so many people in a profound way is inspiring.
    My soul sister….I love you mostest.

  46. Oh Abby. I have always been taken by your strength and ferocious grace. I’m so happy you are surrounded by such beautiful family at this time. What you have created here is important. And as a side note, you have encouraged me to be more vigilant about breast exams and check ups, which I never have been in the past. Thank you for You.

  47. “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.
    We are spiritual beings on a human journey.”
    Sending your family love and prayers

  48. You were, are, and will always be an inspiration to me. From your sparkling eyes and warm heart, to the joy that you shared with Merlin and the rest of us motley performers that had the grace and auspiciousness to work with and be friends with you, you are a light in this world. Your light will always burn brightly here on this plane and on and on into future lifetimes. I love you Abby and Merlin, and I wish so many things for you, and especially peace in these final moments. So much in my heart, and no more words. I love you.

  49. Abby and family, I have only had the past year to be a part of your lives. But in that short time I have grown to admire, respect and love all of you. Owen has a spot in my heart reserved forever just for him! Please know Abby that I think of you daily. I hold and hug Owen extra tight each day with hopes that he knows just how special he is and how very loved he is by me. God bless.

  50. Abby, I don’t know how it is possible, but I still remember the moment I met both you and Cynthia, so long ago at Temple Beth El Nursery School – such an outgoing, friendly, sister team and probably my first friends on my journey into the outside world. And then there was the time in high school when we were little activists frantically licking stamps and stuffing envelopes to change laws for LGBT rights. Fast forward half a lifetime and another coast away, and I am still bumping into Cynthia randomly at various supermarkets throughout Los Angeles staying keeping updated. I regret not having been able to see you more these last few years, though I am grateful that you have been a part of my life, and comforted by the fact that you are loved by so many. Thank you for believing in me. You always have and always will inspire me to do better and live to my full potential and I want to send lots of love to you and your family at this time and in the coming days, weeks, and years.

  51. Abby and Merlin,
    You are both such an inspiration in many of our lives, first as individuals and then as a family that became more beautiful with each addition.
    From the beginning you showed us all how to love freely and live fully.
    May it always continue to touch lives and warm hearts.
    I love you enormously.

    Hartzee.

  53. God bless you guys. Abby, in the next life, be love and loved as much as you are in this. Merlin, much more work to do but she remains with you always. Be light, love her, and know that we all live on in our children. May you always succeed in the future.

  54. This breaks my heart.
    Wishing so much love upon this family.
    Be strong. Raise beautiful humans.

  55. Abby. I just saw you, I’m sorry I didn’t have the words. But, I hope this message may pass your ears. You have made an immeasurable imprint on so many of our lives. As you transition, you will continue to do so in the most profound way ever. Peace, my BEAUTIFUL friend. All love surrounds you and your EVER-supported family. With deep love.

  56. And as you said “I found the man of my dreams…” Beautiful Merlin, you are her light, and to behold you both is such a gift in this life.

  57. Abby,
    You are such a compassionate and amazingly giving woman. This is shown in the beautiful and deeply rich world that surrounds you. This is a world of love and creativity and play and hard work. And we are all reminded of beauty and magic of every moment, be it spectacular or mundane. I love you and will miss you, Abby, and I strive to never forget the value of the present moment.

    Here is a quote by Pema Chodron

    “There is a story of a woman running away from tigers. She runs and runs and the tigers are getting closer and closer. When she comes to the edge of a cliff, she sees some vines there, so she climbs down and holds on to the vines. Looking down, she sees that there are tigers below her as well. She then notices that a mouse is gnawing away at the vine to which she is clinging. She also sees a beautiful little bunch of strawberries close to her, growing out of a clump of grass. She looks up and she looks down. She looks at the mouse. Then she just takes a strawberry, puts it in her mouth, and enjoys it thoroughly. Tigers above, tigers below. This is actually the predicament that we are always in, in terms of our birth and death. Each moment is just what it is. It might be the only moment of our life; it might be the only strawberry we’ll ever eat. We could get depressed about it, or we could finally appreciate it and delight in the preciousness of every single moment of our life.”

  60. Abby,

    Always extraordinarily talent, smart and kind. A beautiful person with an equally beautiful soul. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
    Lauren Voce Gibbons

  61. To all the Freemans, the most beautiful and dedicated family, with the coolest sisters I know- I’m sending you all my strength and love.
    With warmth,
    Beth

  62. Abby –

    Sending you love, prayers, light and peace. Remembering your kindness and beauty and wishing your family strength and courage
    xxx

  63. I have no good words – just love and support and sadness. Please hug everyone for me and feel the love that we are all sending. xoxo Kate

  64. Abby,

    You are and have been and will always be an inspiration, a mentor, an amazing loving human being, a huge heart, a magnificent smile, a bright light, a soulful, selfless, energized, powerful woman, mother, wife, sister, daughter, Aunt, friend, who will in all of your superlatives be in my heart and in so so so many others who you have touched across this planet!

    I know you will not let me be heart broken and you would tell me to play hard and live a deeply connected life instead. And through the tears I now shed, I remain forever your friend and to Merlin, to the kids, and to your amazing family.

    I walk in this world differently because of you and my intention with you as my guide is to always spread goodness.

    I love you Abby! I am smiling through my tears so you know the party in this parting is one of profound joy in celebrating your life!

    Miss you all!
    Derrick

  65. Oh my word, I just learned of Abby’s illness. I am shocked and saddened and sending all of my love to Abby and the whole family.

  66. Dearest Abby and Merlin,
    You are both loved so much. Abby will soar high, higher than any ropes can take her. Merlin will always be getting her back. It’s the destiny of your love since you first met in a magical theater. I’m profoundly inspired by your love for each other, your beautiful and soulful family, and a wide community that has been touched deeply by your love for each other. I’m so proud to have been touched by your presence, Abby. Sending much healing love to you both. Love, Heidi

  67. Dear Abby and Merlin,
    Just letting you know that you are in my thoughts and am sending love, light and will pray for you.
    -Janie

  68. Oh m’gosh. Good grief….You will be with us forever in our hearts. May your journey be filled with as much love, wonder, and excitement as this last one. We will hold down the fort here, and meet you in the next… All my love to you and yours…

  69. Dearest Abby and Merlin, I will never forget your love and connection with each other. I was your childbirth educator as you preparing to become parents, what an honor that was.
    I am sending love, prayers and peace for the two of you and your family.
    with so much love, Ana Paula

  70. We just heard the news and I send love and prayers from the east coast. Abby, you are such a beautiful person and I too, like so many others, have wonderful memories of the UU Church and growing up together. You are in inspiration to all. Love, Michele

  71. Abby – you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and love always.

    xoxo
    Kelly

  72. Dear Abby,
    We prayed for you this morning in church, when we heard how difficult it is now. We all loved you and still, despite the miles and time, love all your brightness and life. All that is part of those who know you and have shared life with you.
    Much love from the Widmers,
    Jeanne and Mike

  73. Abby, we were not friends but I’ve never forgotten the grace and beauty you had in undergrad at Tisch. You have lost none of it, you are as strong, graceful and gorgeous now as you were then. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.

  75. Dear Abby

    Our path have only crossed for a short part of our lives but I think you often because you are one of the kindest, most generous and warm people I have met. Your grace and beauty is an inspiration.
    I send you, your wonderful husband Merlin and your kids all my love and support.

    LOVE, susana

  77. I haven’t been able to bring myself to post anything until now…maybe because it makes me feel the physical distance… but reading this outpouring of love and support is very moving and got the tears flowing. Abby, you have been such a gift to all of us. So much love, intelligence, integrity and beauty inside you that you have shared to make this world better. You have always had a brilliant mind of your own and a passion for experiencing life fully. That drive to get things right. The courage to push boundaries and your generosity with people. A deep inner strength and grace. I admire you and feel so grateful for our long friendship. It was was very special to spend that time together a few weeks ago — for me and Fernando who loves you too. I’m glad you have such an amazing family and community. We will take care of each other. I’m burning a candle here for you, and hope you can feel us all there with you from all corners of your life, holding you with love and connection. I love you with all my heart.
    Sierra

  78. Abby: Dearest fellow Adler-ite, I remember you as effervescent, lovely, and sharp-as-a-tack – able to wax poetically insightful, while looking effortlessly chic and stylish (no mean feat, as the rest of us would tend to look rather grubby after hours of rolling around on the floor and “yawp”ing in our sweats). It appears that the intervening years have only deepened all of those traits in you.
    From up north in Oakland, I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and sending buckets of love your way.

  79. Shnabbers,

    Even when there were long stretches of time between seeing each other, as soon as we met up it always felt like no time had passed at all. How glad I am that we made the time to see each other whenever you were back east or whenever I was in CA. I will treasure those moments together for the rest of my life.

    In my teen and adult life I have always considered you one of my closest friends – and I was always so proud of that. My beautiful, all around awesome, creative, super talented friend. It is inspiring to see how many people feel this way about you, and how deeply you are loved.

    Abby, you’ve inspired awe in others from the moment you entered this world. You always have been and forever will be an Angle.

    I love you and that I will carry you with me for all of my days.

    Loving you always. xoxoxo

  80. Abby,
    Some of my earliest memories are of our fun times together in Belmont. Hopping the fence between our yards, climbing trees, swinging on my rope swing, riding tricycles in your driveway, picking pears from my tree, Chinese takeout, sleepovers and saturday morning cartoons in your den. We had such good times with Cynthia, Hilary and Hannah and I will always cherish these memories. I remember that one year the first snowfall was on your birthday and I was very impressed. Now every year on december 8 I think of you and that magical snowy birthday you had. I remember all the years of monday night choir practice at church and of course the annual plays with Alfa. Even at a young age you had such poise and confidence and so much beauty and joy to shine into the world. You were absolutely amazing as Rose in Bye Bye Birdie; the audience was floored, the applause went on and on. When I saw that performance I realized how gifted you truly are. Abby, I am so impressed with your authenticity, grace and integrity and how you lived your life with such beauty, artistry and confidence. Your ability to follow your heart and live your dreams is an inspiration to so many people.
    Thank you for the wonderful memories your friendship has provided me. Thank you for inspiring my life in so many ways.
    Much love to you and to your family.
    Heather

  81. Thunderstruck doesn’t cover it. So many vibrant memories! Your clan is awesome. Our hearts are with you all as you walk through the valley.
    Love, Sandy

  82. Dear beautiful Abby,
    I’m thinking of you and your warm, sunshine smile……and your kind and loving way. Sending love and peace to you and your amazing family from New Zealand.
    Your friend and admirer from afar,
    Rachel

  83. Dear Abby and Family,

    My sister just told me about what’s going on and I haven’t stopped thinking of you all since. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with Abby, Cynthia and the Freeman family: our time at the UU church, at Belmont High School, in all of the many musicals and plays at both church and school, and a special weekend boat trip your family was kind enough to include me on. I remember riding a swing on your boat and it reminded me of the beautiful picture on this site of Abby flying through the air while at the same time holding such a graceful pose.

    Please know you all are in my thoughts and in my heart,
    Alissa

  84. Dear Abby,
    I’m remembering your kindness in middle school, at a time when that didn’t come easily to all of us.
    I’m thinking of you and your family,
    Dan

  85. My very first day at NYU we were in studio together at Stella Adler. I remember thinking how stunning and chic you always looked. Of course I quickly found out all that gorgeousness and style was only matched by your talent, kindness, and witty sense of humor. Sending you strength and love, Abby. xo Ari

  86. Hello you wonderful creature,

    Thank you for sharing you warmth and compliments, there are a couple of times when you caught me off guard with your beautiful words of encouragement via FB, it was always something at the perfect time, when I needed to feel better. Thank you for making me feel as though I weren’t invisible, thank you for reaching out to someone you didn’t know and telling me just enough to get me through a painful day of self doubt and scrutiny. I’m sending you love and light and hugs and kisses, you gorgeous lady!!! XOXOXOXO

  87. Dear Abby and Merlin.

    My heart goes out to you both, sending you Love and Blessings, your whole family is very special to me.

    With much Love,

    Linda

  88. Abby, My heart goes to you and your amazing family. It’s really hard to read and accept this latest news. I remember your kindness, beauty (inside and out), and cheerful presence at Chenery and BHS. You are indeed a remarkable woman, wife, mother, sister and so much more than you probably know. You truly have inspired those near and far by all you have achieved. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Anna

  89. I join in unified love and embrace as I hear the news of the path you are on Abby. I have spent hours now looking through yours and Merlins and Gwyns pictures, taking so many memories in as I send my energy collectively with all these folks who love and support you all, Creating a Web of community for you to dive into. Abby your presence was always a very graceful and calming experience for me thank you. Merlin and Family I love you very much and see that you are moving through this with the courage of a heart that is immense. I will be holding personal Vigil here in our small town of Rosendale contributing to the everlasting life that we all share

  90. Your joyful smile, grace and talent have touched us , Abby. We savor our memories of the months and years we were in and out of each others’ lives, day to day… Weren’t we lucky then , sharing our lives through neighborhood, school, and church communities? Memories of your beautiful, unique self will live on in the memories and hearts of those of us who have known you… and for that, we are grateful indeed.

    The Moore family

  91. Abby – we are new friends but in that short time I have been truly amazed by you and your family. You have a remarkable beauty and grace that is mirrored in your children. Sending you love, wishing you peace.

    Debbie

  92. Dear Abby, Merlin, and family,

    Thank you Gwyn for posting the link to this blog and journey. I’ve always felt like I hit the cousin jackpot by birth, and then the winnings multiplied when my cousins found beautiful, courageous, loving, and genuine partners and then grew the family some more. Abby, there’s something about you that I’ve found inspirational since we first met one cold Thanksgiving on the farm. I can’t put a name to it, but I think it’s how many people carry goodness in their hearts, but you seem to exude it through your pores, making all those around you better for it. Thank you for that. We love you all and have you deeply in our thoughts and prayers.

    Peace and love,
    Janet, Bill, and M

  93. grace and beauty from the deepest of places. every step of the way. with so much love,
    john.e.o

  94. I am so sorry to hear of this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you an eternity of love, peace and grace.

  95. Abby,
    I have so many great memories from NYU and Adler studio and your energy, smile ( especially dimples) and laugh are very much a part of that. I loved seeing you in De La Guarda and loved seeing pictures of your beautiful children over the years. Your warmth and spunk are incomparable. Much love to you and your family.

    xoxo,
    Danielle Stilli

  96. When I think of you Abby, I smile. I’ve known you since nursery school and have watched you grow up (sometimes from afar). You have always been an amazing person and an inspiration. It’s so easy to take the little things in life for granted and you have inspired me to hug my family and friends a little tighter today. Sending love and hugs to you and your family…

  97. Beautiful Abby, although we’ve shared few moments on this adventure our connections are strong. Of only one thing I am certain: all that matters now and forever is love. To you, Merlin all of your family and friends my warmest intentions and love. I am grateful to know you. Love Love Love.

  98. I can only speak for myself, but I’ve got a strong sense that I’m not alone in one particular sensation, and that’s a profound feeling of gratitude for the time I’ve been able to share with you. For getting to know something of you. For being able to call you friend.

    Thank you for lighting the way Abby. I will continue walking this well-lit path, around every corner another opportunity to enrich the world, as you have.

    With love, warm love, for you, Merlin and all of Team Abby…

  99. Thinking of you pretty lady….your gorgeous smile and great energy. We love you so much.

    Love, Pauline, Bob, and Luna

  100. My twin sister Abby. te quiero mucho. I love you very much and my pain is very deep, with this news …. But think of your smile and your “HOLA VANIIIIIIII” makes me smile! Abbicita…..
    We liked to say …. we were twin sisters who were born in two distant care in the world.And so it is …. From the first day at De La Guarda we have chosen as sisters, friends of the soul, of companieras life with the same energy and the same love …. always.
    So many shared experiences that have united us for life. From Argentina I send all the love that can fit in a big hug and tell you that I love you, you’re a living example of struggle, mother. Your smile has brightened my life forever ….
    Mucha Fuerza y besos desde Argentina con todo mi amor.
    VANI

  101. Abby,

    I’ve been following this blog with shock and sadness for a while now, and I’ve sat here starting at the computer trying to think about what to write for approaching half an hour now. Then I scanned up the comments on saw Dan Millman’s comment that “I’m remembering your kindness in middle school, at a time when that didn’t come easily to all of us.”

    And it’s perfect.

    We ran in very different circles back then and in many ways since, but despite your many amazing attributes–talent, beauty, and brains among them–your kindness was probably your most defining trait. You had a truly special abiilty to make people for good–both about themselves and about the world.

    The thoughts and prayers of the whole Kobayashi family are with you and with our wonderful friends the Freeman family.
    Dan Kobayashi

  102. Dear Abby,
    I’m writing to give you all my support and love and to tell you that your friends at the Stella Adler Studio are thinking of you and your family.
    Warmest,
    Tom

  103. Dear Sweet Abby,
    I only knew you for those fleeting years in middle & high school, but I will forever remember you for your MANY talents, foremost of which was your kindness. It is inspiring to read a few of the comments on here and on FB & get a glimpse of how many people you touched with your warm heart. I struggle to know what to say at a time like this, when grief is so raw for those closest to you. My heart is swollen with compassion for the empty space left in their lives by your passing. My only comfort is knowing in the depth of my soul that your spirit lives on & that those who miss you so fiercely now will one day enjoy a sweet reunion with you. I pray that angels will soothe their hearts. Having lost others I loved in recent years, I personally believe that you are one of those angels who will have the privilege of comforting those you love most. You are still nearby.

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