Hi Teg, Roe, Joe, liz, Matt and the rest of the family. I am not too sure if you remembered me from a long time ago, but I was the Aussie who came courting Shelly in around 1985, just after her Toymaker and Son tour in Australia, and then LA for the Olympics.
I am not too sure where I should begin, but by saying that Michelle, and indeed your family left a very long lasting impression in my life. I have read her obituary, which, for me was quite difficult to do, even after all these years.
Anyway, I am sure you have heard a lot of stories about Shelly in her YWAM years. Everyone I knew, who knew her, loved her. It was just so easy to become her friend. We first met in LA, when she was getting ready to fly to Australia. I gave her the first Australian money she had seen. We talked from time to time about life in Australia, and what to expect. Then she left. I thought I would not see her again, as I stayed on in LA for a year, working with street kids and prostitutes, pimps, and Hollywood Lifeline.
After my Hollywood experience, I went back to YWAM Australia, and loe and behold, we bumped intp each other again. We then joined the Toymaker and Son team, and as time went on, become really good friends. Hanging out with her was so easy, although she did seem to like being in the middle of everything. We went water skiing... so cute in her wetsuit, and it was then that I was more than fond of her. We spent heaps of time together over the next few months, building on our friendship. I watched, as she always had this compultion of compassion for every one that crossed her path, especially people who were hurting. She gave the best hugs, and was always looking to brighten up a day in anyone's life.
When we said our good bye in Sydney, she was heading home for a couple of weeks to be with you guys. She was so excited when I called her up one day, that Liz was going to come to LA for a little bit. It was so awesome to meet another Allegretto family member... so much simillar to maichelle. That was a lot of fun, having Liz around.
Coming to the end of our Toymaker tour, we were in Palm Dessert in CA. Michelle and i were sitting with our legs dangling in the spa, chatting about her going home, and me going back to Australia. YWAM had a policy that we were not alown to talk/discuss anything about relationships while on tour. With 2 days before the end of tour, she wanted to know more. I had told her that I had been praying for ages about her and I. I believed God had given me the green light to head to Youngstown, but not too sure what that looked like. Her response was...'Well, I guess I have no say in it, if God has given you the word" But I assured her that I may get the 'word' but she had a position in God to confirm it if she believed it to be, of not. And that I would not pursue it any futher if she thought not to. We had many talks following that, and it seemed that she had found herself in a state of 'stuck', not knowing what was on God's heart, or His plan. We had a week in LA to see what would happen. During this time, while staying at Church On The Way, and her at her friends, I said..'If God is not talking, maybe you can pray, and ask Him to answer yes or no. But the bible says 'Turn to the left, or turn to the right; then I will show you which way to go'. maybe you take the step to say 'yes' or 'no' to God., then say .."you are faithful; if I go for this relationship, You are faithful, you change it"
So that is how I ended up at your house. Michelle use to talk about her older brother Joey all the time. She was so proud of you and the whole family. She wanted to take me to Akron to meet you, said we would get along great. I know she was nervous in returning from YWAM, having grown in her independance while away.... and coming home to a lot of people in the one house.
Everyone in YWAM loved her. I don't think, of the 2 years that I knew her, that I did not hear one negative word from anyone. It was an honour to be a part of her life for that little window I had, as I watched her grow through situations that were a challange to her. She looked up to thoes who were in her life as leaders, both as her parents, and pastors, and YWAM leaders too. We had our letters pass each other while I was in Australia prior to coming over. God had convicted her that in me coming over, that I was not her 'savior', to which was interesting that I wrote in her letter that was passing over the pacific at the same time..God had convicted me that I was not her savior. That was inportant for her to know, that her Savior was Jesus, and she believed with her whole heart that He would lead her, weather she could hear Him or not.
I am so greatful for your family opening your home to me for that brief time. I loved playing basketball with Joe, snowblowing with Matt, and listening to Al Ankervich do 'eat It'. Although it was a little confusing time for me for a number of reasons, my main delight was to spend time with the woman whom I loved to be around.
Anyway, time moved on, and I bumped into her friend from school, Felicia, while in Canada 1 year later. Her and I would talk about YWAM, I talked about this girl I liked from Ohio, and she talked about her best friend who joined YWAM and went to Australia. I knew that Felicia was from pennsilvania. For almost 3 months, we would have hot cups of tea and chats, then one day discovered that they were the one and the same, and that in fact Michelle and her husband along with her boyfriend, were coming up for a visit that very weekend. So there was a little scary reunion there.
The last time I saw Michelle was at my wedding reception in Youngstown... funilly enough. She had heard I was getting married, I invited her and Dean to our reception, seeming all of Dennise's family were from there.... go figure. She offered to rent a video player and 2 televisions for the reception, so people could view the cerimony that took place the Friday before in Indianapolis. For sure, Michelle was one of thoes people that, if you had known her at any stage at all over the years, when you meet back up, it seemed like no time was lost at all. She just loved life, and had a wonderful love for God's people, and anyone else that would come across her path. She was very popular on the Base in Australia. I heard stories of her and Claire going on a road trip... Michelle driving, Claire in the passenger seat, asleep, when Michelle piped up and said... "Claire... why is that man waving at me?" and Claire looking behind at the car follow, on a country road, with blue and red lights flashing on the car roof, replied.... It's a police car... pull over. The police car came up behind her, so she sped up. He sped up... so she sped up, till at last she was speeding. And all she said was...'I didn't want you to be slowed down. So innocent. Or having her fingers ripped apart while picking cotten to get fees for Tpymaker, or passing out while ordering a sandwitch in a deli, colapsing on the floor. I remember one really hot day, on our way to the California dessert, where the bus stopped for us to take a break, and Orlando saying, 'The bus will be locked, so you can keep everything on the bus". to what I replies to her when most had exited the bus...' You have to stay on the bus...' (curioesly looking at me.. 'Cause you are everything''' and left her standing there... Thoes were the fun times, and she was just so full of fun. She had her moments of dispare and doubts, just like all of us do, but she had a ferver for God that I knew would see her through.
I hope this has in some way been an interesting read. My heart broke when my brother told me of her passing; him and his now wife knew Michelle as well throughYWAM. Reading the day by day accounts of her stay in Mexico and CA. And although it's been 30 years ago this past Wednesday that I last danced with her at my wedding (we just had our annaverasy) I know that one day, with all thoes who have Jesus in our hearts, we will be reunited again. I know of the love she had for all of you as family. They were short but memorable for me, but how much more will you guys be blessed over the moon and back when we all see each other again. As her friend, I wanted to thank you all for the woman that she became, even though I am sure that some of the times were hard, and some of her struggles were real and I am sure, painful.
In ending, I know that it has almost been a year. I trust you all are continuing on in the Lord, as she would want you to do. Oh... and I was soooo touched by Joey, when he was talking about what God was saying to him when in Mexico, about pride, how far will you go, what will you give up.... your life, your wife, your child. That touched me in ways you may never know. If any of you have an urge to drop me a line. I would truely be blessed. (auzzieallan@yahoo.com) I hope I have not waffled on too much. Bless your family.... Allan
Dear Joy, Liz, Mr. and Mrs. Allegretto and the entire Allegretto Family:
God is Good!!! I first met Joy while working part-time at Pizza Works (while she was in high school) a kind, sweet and respectful teenager.
Little did I know that God would, years down the road, Bless me with another Allegretto or two. My massage therapist was leaving town and recommended Michelle. What a BLESSING!!! I spent many wonderful massage hours with Michelle over the years starting out on Chester and continuing onto Griswold. Many hours of pain... lol, (she loved to hurt me), laughter, tears, prayers, and those AWESOME HUGS!!! Michelle was the kindest, sweetest, beautiful soul I believe I have ever known. We shared the same birth month, although not the same day or year. We were talking about our upcoming birthdays, during a massage, and I had mentioned that it had been some time since I had a birthday cake. Don't you know that on October 30th I came home from work to find a cake and card on my porch from Michelle! Selfless, caring, and loving Michelle! The little things that impact us for life!
I had the pleasure of meeting Liz, along the way, who welcomed me into her home as if I was family. To Mr. and Mrs. Allegretto, thank you for a job well done in rearing such beautiful, loving girls. I only wish I could be with you this Saturday to meet and hug you all.
I will never forget Michelle!!! I Praise God for her Faith and the knowledge that through Jesus Christ I will see her again. My heart breaks for all of you as the loss of her presence here on earth must be unbearable. I consider it an honor and Blessing to call Michelle my sister in our Lord and my unforgettable friend.
Hi Liz, I will be in Youngstown next week for my Uncle’s funeral. I wish I could stay for Michelle’s memorial, but I need to get back to the kids. Instead, I thought I would ask if you are around on Friday? I would love to see ,and possibly your parents, to offer hugs and prayers in person. What’s your cell number? Or you can reach me at(860) 707-3140. Much love, Lisa
Hello Liz and family,
I think of Michelle often and the beautiful difference her life made in so many lives. I am thankful to be one of those lives that Michelle impacted. So many memories both in everyday life, and work. My prayers continue for God’s Peace that passes understanding to surround you and your family. I love you,
Rosie
I am not too sure where I should begin, but by saying that Michelle, and indeed your family left a very long lasting impression in my life. I have read her obituary, which, for me was quite difficult to do, even after all these years.
Anyway, I am sure you have heard a lot of stories about Shelly in her YWAM years. Everyone I knew, who knew her, loved her. It was just so easy to become her friend. We first met in LA, when she was getting ready to fly to Australia. I gave her the first Australian money she had seen. We talked from time to time about life in Australia, and what to expect. Then she left. I thought I would not see her again, as I stayed on in LA for a year, working with street kids and prostitutes, pimps, and Hollywood Lifeline.
After my Hollywood experience, I went back to YWAM Australia, and loe and behold, we bumped intp each other again. We then joined the Toymaker and Son team, and as time went on, become really good friends. Hanging out with her was so easy, although she did seem to like being in the middle of everything. We went water skiing... so cute in her wetsuit, and it was then that I was more than fond of her. We spent heaps of time together over the next few months, building on our friendship. I watched, as she always had this compultion of compassion for every one that crossed her path, especially people who were hurting. She gave the best hugs, and was always looking to brighten up a day in anyone's life.
When we said our good bye in Sydney, she was heading home for a couple of weeks to be with you guys. She was so excited when I called her up one day, that Liz was going to come to LA for a little bit. It was so awesome to meet another Allegretto family member... so much simillar to maichelle. That was a lot of fun, having Liz around.
Coming to the end of our Toymaker tour, we were in Palm Dessert in CA. Michelle and i were sitting with our legs dangling in the spa, chatting about her going home, and me going back to Australia. YWAM had a policy that we were not alown to talk/discuss anything about relationships while on tour. With 2 days before the end of tour, she wanted to know more. I had told her that I had been praying for ages about her and I. I believed God had given me the green light to head to Youngstown, but not too sure what that looked like. Her response was...'Well, I guess I have no say in it, if God has given you the word" But I assured her that I may get the 'word' but she had a position in God to confirm it if she believed it to be, of not. And that I would not pursue it any futher if she thought not to. We had many talks following that, and it seemed that she had found herself in a state of 'stuck', not knowing what was on God's heart, or His plan. We had a week in LA to see what would happen. During this time, while staying at Church On The Way, and her at her friends, I said..'If God is not talking, maybe you can pray, and ask Him to answer yes or no. But the bible says 'Turn to the left, or turn to the right; then I will show you which way to go'. maybe you take the step to say 'yes' or 'no' to God., then say .."you are faithful; if I go for this relationship, You are faithful, you change it"
So that is how I ended up at your house. Michelle use to talk about her older brother Joey all the time. She was so proud of you and the whole family. She wanted to take me to Akron to meet you, said we would get along great. I know she was nervous in returning from YWAM, having grown in her independance while away.... and coming home to a lot of people in the one house.
Everyone in YWAM loved her. I don't think, of the 2 years that I knew her, that I did not hear one negative word from anyone. It was an honour to be a part of her life for that little window I had, as I watched her grow through situations that were a challange to her. She looked up to thoes who were in her life as leaders, both as her parents, and pastors, and YWAM leaders too. We had our letters pass each other while I was in Australia prior to coming over. God had convicted her that in me coming over, that I was not her 'savior', to which was interesting that I wrote in her letter that was passing over the pacific at the same time..God had convicted me that I was not her savior. That was inportant for her to know, that her Savior was Jesus, and she believed with her whole heart that He would lead her, weather she could hear Him or not.
I am so greatful for your family opening your home to me for that brief time. I loved playing basketball with Joe, snowblowing with Matt, and listening to Al Ankervich do 'eat It'. Although it was a little confusing time for me for a number of reasons, my main delight was to spend time with the woman whom I loved to be around.
Anyway, time moved on, and I bumped into her friend from school, Felicia, while in Canada 1 year later. Her and I would talk about YWAM, I talked about this girl I liked from Ohio, and she talked about her best friend who joined YWAM and went to Australia. I knew that Felicia was from pennsilvania. For almost 3 months, we would have hot cups of tea and chats, then one day discovered that they were the one and the same, and that in fact Michelle and her husband along with her boyfriend, were coming up for a visit that very weekend. So there was a little scary reunion there.
The last time I saw Michelle was at my wedding reception in Youngstown... funilly enough. She had heard I was getting married, I invited her and Dean to our reception, seeming all of Dennise's family were from there.... go figure. She offered to rent a video player and 2 televisions for the reception, so people could view the cerimony that took place the Friday before in Indianapolis. For sure, Michelle was one of thoes people that, if you had known her at any stage at all over the years, when you meet back up, it seemed like no time was lost at all. She just loved life, and had a wonderful love for God's people, and anyone else that would come across her path. She was very popular on the Base in Australia. I heard stories of her and Claire going on a road trip... Michelle driving, Claire in the passenger seat, asleep, when Michelle piped up and said... "Claire... why is that man waving at me?" and Claire looking behind at the car follow, on a country road, with blue and red lights flashing on the car roof, replied.... It's a police car... pull over. The police car came up behind her, so she sped up. He sped up... so she sped up, till at last she was speeding. And all she said was...'I didn't want you to be slowed down. So innocent. Or having her fingers ripped apart while picking cotten to get fees for Tpymaker, or passing out while ordering a sandwitch in a deli, colapsing on the floor. I remember one really hot day, on our way to the California dessert, where the bus stopped for us to take a break, and Orlando saying, 'The bus will be locked, so you can keep everything on the bus". to what I replies to her when most had exited the bus...' You have to stay on the bus...' (curioesly looking at me.. 'Cause you are everything''' and left her standing there... Thoes were the fun times, and she was just so full of fun. She had her moments of dispare and doubts, just like all of us do, but she had a ferver for God that I knew would see her through.
I hope this has in some way been an interesting read. My heart broke when my brother told me of her passing; him and his now wife knew Michelle as well throughYWAM. Reading the day by day accounts of her stay in Mexico and CA. And although it's been 30 years ago this past Wednesday that I last danced with her at my wedding (we just had our annaverasy) I know that one day, with all thoes who have Jesus in our hearts, we will be reunited again. I know of the love she had for all of you as family. They were short but memorable for me, but how much more will you guys be blessed over the moon and back when we all see each other again. As her friend, I wanted to thank you all for the woman that she became, even though I am sure that some of the times were hard, and some of her struggles were real and I am sure, painful.
In ending, I know that it has almost been a year. I trust you all are continuing on in the Lord, as she would want you to do. Oh... and I was soooo touched by Joey, when he was talking about what God was saying to him when in Mexico, about pride, how far will you go, what will you give up.... your life, your wife, your child. That touched me in ways you may never know. If any of you have an urge to drop me a line. I would truely be blessed. (auzzieallan@yahoo.com) I hope I have not waffled on too much. Bless your family.... Allan