Honoring the life of Amalya Mae Wampler

We lost my beautiful daughter Amalya, 19 years young. Amalya died as a result of injuries sustained during a tragic accident Thursday morning 6/20/24.

Amalya was the light of my life and at 7:47 pm 6/21/24 she passed the gift of light on to another beautiful person with the gift of her corneas.

Amalya was a bright and brilliant soul. She adored cats. Regardless of hardships or challenges, she was driven to make the most out of the life she was given. Amalya had just completed her course work at Tri Rivers Vocational School. She had earned a leadership award and graduated top of her class. She also made some very dear friends and relationships that she was looking forward to developing long into the future.

Amalya was a private and reserved person. She did not aim to amass a huge social circle, rather a close knit group of friends worthy of being family. For these friends, the true heart of who Amalya has shone through. She would give all of herself to help those whom she cared for, with little consideration to her own needs and no desire for the favor to be returned. She was charitable, loving, selfless and deeply loyal. Despite her own insecurities, she was fiercely protective of those she loved.

In contrast to her softer side, Amalya was headstrong, determined and deliberate. Amalya never hid her convictions or opinions and you always knew where you stood with her. She was a self starter. She had been accepted by Columbus State Community College where she intended to earn her prerequisites, transfer to university and work tirelessly to earn a teaching degree. Her ultimate goal was to be a history teacher.

In a world into which Amalya did not yet feel she fit, she had discovered a community and hobby that was beginning to open up countless doors for her potential. She was an avid fan of anime, her favorite being Hunter X Hunter. Amalya was very creative and found in this relatively underground community the art of cosplay. She would spend hours crafting her own costumes, applying the perfect combination of cosmetics and embodying her favorite characters, such as Kite and Chrollo from her favorite show or as Venti from one of her favorite games, Genshin Impact. She also made personas of her own creation. Amalya had just begun to delve into the scene, going to conventions, developing online and long distance relationships with other cosplayers. It is a big world that held much promise for her, which at the very least she was able to experience something that brought her joy and a sense of belonging.

Amalya was in our love and care far more briefly than any of us could have ever dreaded to imagine. The loss of her from this life is a wound from which we may never fully recover. She was a rising star of untold promise and potential, walking the very path that would see her to realize its fullest. That which she enjoyed, those whom she loved all remain to remember her bitterly sweet with tears, as well as smiles. It was in Amalya’s nature to try and shield us from this very kind of pain and if she were here, she would. That was her love and it was her hope that others might take that same care of each other.

Amalya, you were only 19 years old, yet you touched so many lives with your kindness, your smile, and your beautiful heart. The world became a little darker the day you left it, but your light continues to shine through everyone who loves you.

I miss your voice. I miss your laughter. I miss our conversations, our shopping trips, our lunches together, and all the moments I thought we would still have. I would give anything for one more hug, one more “I love you,” one more day with you.

Though my heart will never be whole again, I am forever grateful to be your mom. Loving you was the greatest blessing of my life, and missing you is the price I pay for that love.

Two years have passed, but my love for you has not changed. It never will.

Until we meet again, my sweet girl, fly high with the angels. You are loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and remembered every single day.

Forever 19. Forever my daughter. Forever mine.

As a final act of selflessness, Amalya was able to donate part of herself with the care of Lifeline of Ohio, so that a lucky few might have a second chance at life. As Jesus Christ said, “There is no greater love than that of one who lays down his life for that of a friend.”