To all our friends of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding communities:

Tess’ drowning on June 26 is indescribable – words cannot begin to wrap around the tragic reality as we have come to experience. There simply are “no words” for the loss of a child.

In this dark hour, we have walked on the shoulders of giants. We want to acknowledge the tsunami of love, bear hugs, prayers and silent support we received from the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle and so many other souls as a result of the loss of our angel, Tess.

We want to thank Bill Weller from North Bend QFC for the mountain of food donated after the memorial at Mount Si High School. We also want to recognize the tireless contributions of our Snoqualmie United Methodist Church faith family, pastors past and present, the Snoqualmie Tribe, plus the AV/CD, pie, Minnesota and North Dakota food committees at the church. We also want to especially acknowledge the Italian food donated by the Angeline Division of the Italian Club. Likewise, the “soul food” from Gianfranco’s and Robertiello’s has been devoured delicately. You have all been spiritual inspirations for our family during this darkness.

Most of all, we want to thank Tess’ Posse’ – our adopted young people and their parents, who provided the music and guidance when she wouldn’t listen to us to guide her life’s soundtrack. From Ames Lake, Spring Glen, Fall City, Wilderness Rim, the Middle Fork to Issaquah and beyond, only God knows how far. You taught Tess to think, learn and sing the song of life. They include, but are not limited to, Brandon, Dominic, Sean, Brittany, Kelsey, Danielle, Shelby T., Chelsea, Lauren, Traci and so many more, you know who you are. To you and the entire Mount Si High School, know we have adopted you as a way to begin to fill the huge hole in our hearts caused by the loss of our beloved Tess.

Have “no guilt,” and be empowered by Tess’ intellect and humor; for the faces she expressed, which were the faces of reality, comedy and tragedy; in life as it is, what we really feel at different times, in different situations; and her athletic ability, her “relentless” fight when it seemed as though it was a lost cause; her extremely infectious smile and laugh were expressions at the worst times of happiness and of sorrow.

We tried to teach her to be real, to be what she was and more importantly, what she was feeling at the time and not be afraid of the outcome. We pray that this is her legacy, to be who you are, extend your hand, especially when your afraid to do so, and welcome any stranger to be your friend, hold them close and pray they will become who they want to be.

We love you all and cannot thank you enough for your outpouring of love to our family in this, the most difficult time of our lives.

God bless you all; we love you.

Mark and Becky Sollitto and family

North Bend