I just spoke with Daktota's Dad, Tommy. They are waiting for them to get Dakota ready for viewing. The funeral home called also. I told Tommy that ES members are here for anything he needs. Hugsss Ranchy

I just got the phone call and I am so saddened by this news... In shock really. I can only hope that she is with Timmer's and the other ES members who have passed on.... I am trying to focus on the positive and how fortunate she was to have made so many friends on this website. With her health issues she was pretty isolated, and we became her whole social life. I thank everyone who took the time to get to know this special young girl fondly called "baby girl" by so many... I remember when ebayrodeoco asked her to dance at a get together one time and she told him it was the first time a boy had ever asked her to dance. I am grateful that so many people took the time to make a difference in her life. I will always remember how happy she was when her parents brought her to the Labor Day weekend party at Countryfried's house. I hope that we can all continue to be a support system for her Dad. I think it was just in the last year that her mom died and I am sure he is feeling completely devastated and alone. Rest in peace, Kota and know that you were loved by many... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... Marcia

My deepest sympothy's to kota's family,,,,,so sorry for your loss,,,,,,will miss her dearly

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dakota123's family.I am so saddened by this news.She will truely be missed.She now is with Tim and all the rest of our ES family members that have passed.You are at peace now with no pain and no worries. For Dakota's family I am so deeply sorry for your loss.She was a wonderful person who brought sunshine to everyone she was around. God Bless You Dokata123.GOD will take care of you now and forever. Paradiselady

I'm so sorry to hear of your passing (((((123))))). I guess God needed someone to chat with that will keep him laughing like you made us all laugh kiddo. You're going to be sadly missed. topaz

Oh I am so saddened by the news of our good friend Kota passing.I will keep her and her family in my Prayers. She has gone to a Place where there is no pain or sorrow.God will watch over her now.We all Loved her so much and she will be truely missed. Good Bye My Friend...Judy

Story added by Admin to original post: Why is there a chat room named Dakota's Lounge? Dakota's Story Though she was born with only half of a heart,Dakota123 had a heart the size of Texas! She was one of the first ES members joining in June 2003 and made so many friends during her short time on earth. With her health issues, she was mostly housebound with no friends, always feeling isolated and alone. When she discovered ES her world instantly changed. For the next four years, the website became her entire social life as members took the time to befriend a girl who had remained invisible for most of her life. They fondly gave her the nickname, "Baby Girl." Dakota was over the moon when her parents agreed to drive her to Texas for a Labor Day gathering so she could meet her new friends in person. It was one of the happiest days of her life. When everyone went out dancing, member, ebayrodeoco, asked Dakota to dance. As he led her around the dance floor she began to cry, saying it was the first time a boy had ever asked her to dance. After the party, Dakota continued to frequent chat every night for 4 years until she went in for heart surgery. For the first time in her life, she had made true friends as was evident from all the posts she received after her passing. Sadly, she never returned to chat as she died due to complications from heart surgery. After her passing, her aunt called to say how grateful she was for ES and how it had changed her niece ?s life. Dakota also loved rodeo and shortly her passing, Roy Carter named a bucking bull after her, called Dakota's Dream. We decided to named a chat room after her so she wouldn?t be forgotten, but mostly to remind everyone how a kind word can make a profound difference is someone?s life. http://www.equestriansingles.com/profiles/viewprofile.asp?memberid=23635 Dakota123 passed away today from complications from heart surgery...