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'Her life counted'Sunday, November 11, 2007
But they also pledged never to forget the Cape Girardeau 13-year-old who inspired people at home and overseas, and to use her life as an inspiration for their own. Sahara's parents Shannon and Amy Aldridge and their many friends both mourned their daughter's passing and celebrated the good that she inspired with a service Saturday at Lynwood Baptist Church. An estimated 500 people attended the service to mourn Sahara, whose 17-month battle with brain stem cancer ended with her death Monday. But they also praised the girl who several speakers called a hero and an inspiration for living a better existence. "The ... number of people here is a testament to the fact that her life counted," said Steven Bradshaw, pastor of students at Lynwood, during his opening remarks.
The church was decked out with reminders of Sahara and pieces of her life -- her multitude of basketballs were everywhere, reminding those present of the zeal she had for the sport and for life. Her father Shannon clutched one of the balls throughout. A banner made by her classmates at Central Junior High School hung in the church lobby, with messages like "Hoops we love you," invoking Sahara's nickname, the one she preferred to be called instead of her given name. The orange bracelets with the slogan "Hope for Hoops" that were sold as a fundraiser to help pay her medical expenses were piled on a table. Inside the church sanctuary, orange and black balloons were tied to the pews as if there was a birthday party, a reminder that the service wasn't a funeral, but a celebration. Bill Tegel, a friend of the Aldridge family whose daughter was friends with Sahara, captured the duality of feelings, relating his anger at hearing of Sahara's death and his subsequent acceptance. That acceptance made him realize that, despite the pain she endured, Sahara's battle was undertaken not just to try to save her own life, but to help others. Tegel related a story about a brave little soul who, while in heaven, took on the challenge of coming to Earth to suffer so that the suffering would bring out the love in people's hearts. Sahara was that soul, Tegel said. "She possibly unlocked the door for a lot of people to give of themselves," Tegel said. "As tough as this is to deal with for you, Amy and Shannon, your daughter was a hero, and she did many great things." The next speaker, Morgan Dambach, said Sahara didn't lose her battle, but won through the inspiration she gave others. By the end of the celebration, the tears that flowed throughout started to dry up and give way to joy. Shannon and Amy Aldridge addressed the audience, expressing their thanks, relating their story and the roller coaster of emotions they've felt over a long 17-month fight. Amy encouraged Sahara's classmates to honor her in a special way. "Please do something in your lives that will make a difference. Do this to honor Sahara." Shannon told the audience about learning of Sahara's cancer, and related the one time during her fight that she ever mentioned death. "She told me, 'Dad, if I'm meant to go, that means God needs a point guard,'" Shannon said. Springfield followed by saying a few tear-choked words, then performing his song. And at the end of the celebration, Shannon Aldridge introduced his daughter as the starting point guard in heaven, No. 21, Sahara "Hoops" Aldridge, while the crowd chanted the nickname she loved so much. 335-6611, extension 182 Comments  Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or Create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable. Please also note that those who post comments on semissourian.com may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
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I followed the life of Sahara through the blog created by Pam and by her parents, Amy and Shannon.
Sahara's spirit will live on in all of us who had the honor to get to know her in her 17 month battle with cancer.
God bless the Aldridge family
To Amy, Shannon and all of Sahara's friends:
Well, we are sad and empty because another angel left us to return hom and take care of all.
I had the pleasure of meeting Sahara and getting to know her when she was five years old and coming here to Las Vegas to see Rick Springfield in EFX. We used to sit together and she would discuss Chanel lipgloss, pink purses and Barbies -- yes, little Hoops was a girlie, girl at one time before discovering her basketball career.
During one show, Rick's [Springfield] hand dry from touring and no humidity here in Las Vegas, cracked and began to bleed. He asked the audience jokingly if anyone had a band aid. Up jumps little Miss S and plops her pink Hello Kitty band aid on him. It was then I fell in love with this plucky, no fear girl. Audience of 2000 people or no, she was handling the situation.
She had a smile that lit up the room and a deeper spirituality than anyone could possibly imagine someone her age could own. She understood and "got" the greater picture. She is and was Sahara and I was lucky to know her.
A hug to you Amy and Shannon, you did a remarkable job as parents and Sahara, the Angels in Heaven and the Universe know it as well. Remember her note Amy and Shannon: Be Happy -- she truly wants you to be. It is and was an honour to make your acquaintance as well. I am a better person for the three of you.
Laura W. in Las Vegas
The night after the celebration, I went to my closet to clean it up. I discovered a hand full of pictures in a package. I opend the package and saw many pictures of my days at CMS. Nonetheless, I discovered a picture of Sahara who seemed to be looking directly at me. I placed it to the side and continued looking through the other pictures. Lo and behold, I found another picture of Sahara. I yelled to my wife who was upstairs and showed her what I had found. My wife told me that Sahara was speaking to me. I went back down stairs and picked up the rest of the pictures and found anoter picture of Sahara. At that point I started crying and told her that I will never forget her. A little later, my wife gave me another picture of Sahara that she had upstairs. I sincerely believe that Sahara is present in heaven and working for Jesus. And Amy and Shannon, I will be by to see you and tell you of this wonderful story in detail. Sahara has been on my mind constantly. I sincerely believe she will have something to do with me making it to heaven as well.
U R 2 good 2 B 4 gotten!