|
Welcome to Joanne Santiago's Mail Page
Click here to send a note to Joanne
|
|
1/12/03
Laura, like Joanne, had a quiet calming warmth about her, a gentleness
that sooths and comforts those around her. From my earliest memories of
times shared with Joanne, Laura and Joelle, Laura's gentle sweet and
caring nature was extraordinary. Shared meals followed by Laura's sweet
piano music floating through the air; Laura's soft sweet voice singing
Xmas carols and giggles as we rocked Joanne's new car over speed humps
in Hartford's park filled with Christmas lit displays, Laura comforting
my son Peter when his tummy hurt, Laura quietly climbing and wandering
over the rocks as she filled a bucket with hundreds of periwinkles and
then released them back into the sea, Laura bravely running into a chill
early spring surf at Watch Hill, Laura, with Joelle and our daughter,
Alex, in Joanne's living room turned sweatshop, filling hand sown fabric
sacks with corn to make Xmas gifts for the nurses, aides and staff of
Hartford Children's Hospital, Laura quietly laying in her bed writing
the thank you notes we all received, each one written with
thoughtfulness and genuine heartfelt appreciation, Laura's one woman PAC
getting Hartford Hospital to designate a teen room, Red Cross blood
drive and cancer awareness, writing a letter to the Courant about the
goodness of the Catholic church, Laura, quietly watching television as I
pretended to mark up some meaningless paper when in truth, I was just
sitting there alone watching this sweet angelic child drift in and out
of her slumber and silently thanking her for allowing me to be there. 1/12/03 Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. Although we only talked briefly about the Lourdes trip, I always included your daughter in my prayers. Now we can pray to her and not for her right. I wish you and Joelle strength to get through this. I know that it is hectic for the next few months and tends to be a difficult time when things start to quiet down. Your daughter was blessed to have a family like yours. We can all only hope that are final moments when we prepare to enter heaven are as beautiful as your daughters. Love, Karen Last 1/12/03
Everything sounds so beautiful, just like Laura would have liked it. She
touched so many people in her life, many she didn't even realize. My
grandsons, Joseph & James here in Colorado , and Joshua back in Indiana
already plan on doing Laura's Pennies from Heaven. I have a can I have
been putting pennies in, with no idea what I was going to do with them,
but now I do. 1/12/03
Dear Joanne, 1/12/03
Dear Joanne & Joelle, 1/12/03
Joanne-
Thank you for your letter. It was indeed a beautiful service.
I
feel as you do, that Laura is still with us, and that she is now
looking after you and Joelle and all of her friends. As Laura told
you many times, I am sure, she wants you and Joelle to go on and be
happy. Terribly difficult advice to heed, as only you and Joelle
know, but I hope that you will remember Laura's fervent hope for your
peace and happiness when the dark moments overcome you.
How blessed we were to know this young woman!
Wishing you comfort and love,
Tina
1/11/03 My dearest Joanne and Joelle:
Here is part of the notice I send to the Board of AFCC sharing with them who you were. I have not been able yet to write about Laura because I still cry with grief surrounded with joy, for now she is with Jesus. She has been the bravest child I have even known, a contemporary St. Therese of Lisieux. Joelle is truly a Ruth, who served her family with such adult action and faith.
Dear Board Along with my family, I have had the privilege visiting her and her family several times, and of being with her and her two daughters 5 days before Laura's passing.
Joanne was, and has been, a mother of great character, strength, sacrifice, and endurance for these past 2 and 1/2 years holding onto her faith with grace through such sufferings.
She gave up her practice to live with her daughter [since last April 2002] in a small hospital room, sleeping next to her most times only on a reclining chair, knowing the financial consequence. All the while, family and friends cared for her other daughter weekdays until Joelle, too, lived at the hospital on days off.
Dr. Santiago showed to those of us who had the grace filled opportunity to observe this family in action, a picture of saintly mothering. You would also have experienced Joanne as exemplifying the compassion and understanding Mary, our Mother of God. Her hospitality of accepting visitors, known and unknown, to their room was a Christian virtue lived out.
Her core was Christ, Mary, St Teresa, Padre Pio and many other of our community of saints. She continues to need our prayers.
All my prayers today and for the tomorrows.
Dr. Karen Shields Wright Spiritual Director President
Association for Catholic
Chiropractors
Joanne-
My dear friend. There is so much to say, but since I am not thinking
clearly, I will wait, and keep this short and sweet. The services for
Laura, last night and today, were beautiful, precious and so
overwhelmingly sad. My heart is so sad for you. But seeing our babies
in such pain.....that is the worst of anything. I know you
are exhausted, and I hope you can simply rest just for a few days....I
would love to spend some quality time with Joelle. (and you too!!).
We have a long road to travel......I have been on this new journey
for a year now, I hope I can be a support for both of you. Our angels
are in God's paradise together now. I think they were plotting for a
while now...just like when girls want a sleepover, but just a bit
bigger..... (Joelle made me smile when she asked if I could
sleepover...I am honored:) I will call you .....love Gail Joanne: Dear Dr. Joanne:
May the Lord bless
you and keep you;
May the Lord make
His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you;
May the Lord lift
up His countenance upon you and grant you peace.
in Christian love
Alastair
Joanne, Dear Joanne, I share your loss and feel your pain. I lost my only daughter Julie to leukemia when she was 19. These girls are special children sent here to teach us all about loving, caring and giving. At the time of Julies’ death a friend shared the following poem with me. I keep it with me always and would like to share it with you and your family now.
GOD’S CHILD AND YOURS
I’ll lend you for a little while a child of mine he said, for you to love the while she lives and mourn when she is dead. It may six or seven years or twenty-two or three but will you, until I call her back, take care of her for me? She’ll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief, you’ll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I’ve looked this wide world over in search of teachers true and from the throngs that crowd life’s lane I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love nor think the labor vain and hate me when I come to call to take her back again? I fancy that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For all the joy this child will bring the risk of grief we’ll run, we’ll shelter her with tenderness, we’ll love her while we may and for the Happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay. And should the angels call for her much sooner than we planned, we’ll brave the bitter grief that came and try to understand. I am thinking that Laura and Julie will probably be great friends in their new life. May Laura’s love and memories sustain you all in the days to come. God Bless You Rosalee
Dear Dr. Santiago, Thank you for making sure that I know where you are. I went to Laura's rosary mass. It was beautiful. These young people have lost a friend and . . . .a teacher. I only can think about her mother, sister and the whole family but of course, here were her friends in grief as well. And Laura's last day in Avon. There was a reason it was so glorious and the pictures came out so well. And Marie finished the scrap book for you and Joelle. I am here. Call me. I will come by when things slow down but sooner if you call. Hugs. Leslie
Dear Joanne and Joelle,
Dear Joanne,
I will see you tomorrow. Please call if
you want. The fight had to be fought because it was handed to you all
and there was no giving up or giving in. You did what every good
mother should and she did what a strong daughter could and by giving
her permission to go ahead without you is the last kind thing and
strong thing you did for her. It was probably also the most difficult
and at least I think of it thay way, quite often.
Please know that I admire your and both
your daughters' courage and spirit. Luckily, very few people have
been on such a journey in their lives. Yet they do not know the depth
and knowledge and love that their children possess, and they do not
have the closeness that you were able to share, not even if they all
live 100 years. Hold that dear.
I love you all and if you need me, call.
Theresa
Dear Joanne and Joelle.
how wonderful that the value of a life is
not measured by the length of days but by the love that it brings into
the world.
In Laura's 15 years she accomplished more
that most people could accomplish in many lifetimes. And you both were
her team...enabling her at every turn to keep working on what she
wanted most to do....to spread that amazing love that she held in her
heart out into the world.
At this time of Epiphany, we think so much
about those who followed the Star. It seemed that that was Laura's
mission....she saw the brightness of the Star and knew that it would
lead her to the source of all Love.
How fitting then, that her journey would
end at this time...as if she was walking all the way with the Wise
Men...and now beholds the tender Child....the Mighty God, the Prince
of Peace. How joyful to think of how He now holds her so
close...where no harm or pain can ever again touch her.
Joelle, when I was almost 10 years old I
lost my 15 year old brother....he was my hero, my friend, my
protector. He was such a bright light in my life. He died very
suddently in an accident. We didn't even have a warning that his life
might end. It was so hard. I wanted him back so badly. After many
tears and some time of healing I realized that God did let him stay
very close to me. I used to pray to him to help me...I still
do....and he takes my prayers to God and they are always answered in
the way that God knows is best for me. Because I understand your pain
I want you to know how very much I will be praying for you . You are
a very special sister....the very, very best. Laura will always be
close to you and remember how good you have been to her...and now she
will be there to help you. To be close to her, always stay close to
God...because she is probably sitting right on His lap. She'll
say...Look, Loving Father, there's Joelle, and she needs our help.
Let's GO!!
Joanne and Joelle....may God impart our
feelings of sorrow to you at this time...there are not words to
express that. May the countless prayers that rise to heaven carry you
to a place of peace and comfort and healing.
. Sincerely.
Irene and Paul Muhs
(the Bangs connection)
Joanne and Joelle: Dear Joanne and Joelle, I am so very sorry to hear that Laura has passed away. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that in her short life she has touched so many and she has been a true inspiration for all of us. Her strength and love will be a constant reminder for us all to try harder. Please let me know if there is anything we can do. Love, Susan Hacking
Dearest Joanne -
We are so sorry to hear of
Laura's passing. Your great, brave, strong girl! But look where she
came from, who she touched and will forever inspire. She is with you,
not in pain any longer, but in great spirit.
We love you, love Joelle,
and love Laura. And we always will!
Bob
Dear Joanne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Joanne, I hope that you and Joelle have all the love and support you need to grieve and heal for as long as needed. Laura has been and continues to be in our hearts. I hope for peace for all of you. Love..........Barbara, Dan, Danielle, and Angel Michelle. Dear Jo, I feel totally lame...besides sitting at the computer and crying for however long I truly didn't know what to write...condolenses and words seem so miniscule compared to what you have all been through, as always, forgive me for being so inept and pathetic at times like these...I truly feel paralyzed at what I should say or do other than I pray you know how much you, Laura and Joelle mean to us...it is still pretty early there so I don't want to intrude...I will call the house later, but if you don't want to talk to anyone yet I totally understand...I will continue to pray and send you love every minute of every day and I will speak to you soon....Love always, ME
Dr.Santiago
You whose hands have healed so many - I wish there were some way to
heal your broken heart. May God be with you and I hope you find some
sense of peace. You fought for Laura as hard as she did to live. I
am so sorry.
Love and prayers
Kelly
Ms Santiago and Joelle
Dear Joanne, Dear Family & Friends: Our sweet dear Laura, passed away yesterday, January 4, 2003. If you would like to visit the website and offer words to Joanne & Joelle it is: www.laurasurvivaljourney.com. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for Laura and her family all through her illness. I had the opportunity to spend New Year's Eve day with them along with ANthony and Alexa at MSKCC. Inspite of what was looming over all of us, we had a touching, loving day together which will forever be in are hearts. Again, I am so blessed to have had Laura in my life if only for too short a time. I thank God for sharing her, but so wish he didn't have to take her back so soon. Please continue to pray, not for Laura but to Laura, so that she may look over her Mom and sister and help them through this terrible loss. Love, Donna
Dear Dr. Santiago
I work at the Red Cross in Farmington and every day I would see your precious daughter's face on the posters. Every day I thought of her and wondered about her. I didn't know her, but I knew she would have brightened everybody's lives in our department if she were there. She seemed like such a terrific girl. My niece, Brynn Petano, who lives over on Fox Den Road called me today to tell me Laura had passed away. I told Brynn I remembered her sweet face from the poster at the Red Cross and how sorry I was. Brynn and her brother Terry went to the memorial service at St. Ann, and when they returned I told them about Laura's website, and to remember the Santiagos in their prayers. Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family. God bless you all.
Sincerely, Maura Liegeot
Dear Joanne,
Joanne & Joelle,
Joanne,
You are in my prayers. Your love for your
daughters has inspired all of us who know you. Thank you for sharing
this difficult time with us. May God Bless and be with you.
Laurie
Hi Joanne,
Joanne, Now you are left in pain. If
there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me at
860-228-8717. My girls said that she is with her best friend now and
if I know Nikki and Laura, I am sure they are romping it up. I as so
sorry for you and Joelles loss. May you find comfort in your faith,
family, and friends. All my best and my deepest sympathy, jenn the
crazy tutor
My dear Doctor
Laura will be in my heart and in the heart
of so many people around de world, forever.
She was a miracle.
I love you, Joelle and Laura
Amor
Jolie
Dear Joanne,
my
sincere condolences to you & your family. While my family & I do not
know you or your family personally, After reading many enties from
each of the journals and viewing many of the photos, I feel as if I do
know each of you. I am personally touched by the warmth, strength,
unselfishness and caring nature. I'm sure you have deeply touched the
hearts of many others as well. Love and peace to all of you, from
Laurie & family, neighbors on Toll Gate Lane
I sadly read her obituary today.
I am so glad to have met her - she warmed
my life in the short times I visited.
I add a poem which was written by a friend
of mine shortly before he died of cancer.
With my love and sympathy to you and
Joelle, and all your family.
Alastair
I AM FREE Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I am following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one touched. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Joanne and Joelle: Dear
Joanne,
Dear Joanne, Look for the rainbow
Dearest Joanne, and Joelle,
Hi
Joanne,
joanne - Dear Joanne:
1/5/03 Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time - Laura fought soooo hard and tried to live, but God chooses the loveliest flowers for his garden and He needed Laura. We'll be in touch for the arrangements and will dig out from the 2 feet of snow we had last night. God Bless You and Joelle. Jacci 1/5/03
Hi Joanne, words cannot express
what my heart feels for you and your girls. My faith tells me that
things happen for reasons and that salvation is truly all we all live
for. If salvation is the goal for Laura what a fabulous lifetime of
love, giving and sharing she has given us all. Kids with cancer are
amazing, especially those who are living all us mothers greatest
fears. the loss of a child. Although I can not imagine the pain that
you all feel, I can only echo what those around me say. Love and life
goes on. To not feel breath and express both joy and sadness when
looking back or forward would not be living. The theme song from
Titanic seems to echo the many things that others are saying. We love
you and I pray for peace and comfort in whatever form it takes, know
that you are all loved and thought and prayed for daily, love the
crazy tutor
1/5/03
Hi Joanne, 1/5/03
Dear Mrs. Santiago, 1/5/03
my prayers are with you :-)
god bless 1/5/03
.*` , `*.
*. Laura .* `*` If you were with me tonight. I'd sing to you just one more time. A song for a heart so big, God wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends. On sleepless roads, The sleepless go. May angels lead you in.
Mrs. Santiago,
I'm a friend of Billy Powers and
he's kept me updated on Laura's condition..although I didn't know
Laura personally, we were moved by her story. My prayers are with you
through this hard time. <3
1/5/03
Joanne,
1/2/03 1/2/03 Hi all. I just came home from a trip to see family in PA. I was glad to hear that Laura was still fighting and that she was still here with us. How wonderful that Faith Hill contacted her. Absolutely a dream come true for Laura. As always, I am praying and thinking of you all and hoping whatever will be will be. My Christmas gift came true, you all got to be together. much love, the crazy tutor
1/2/03 1/2/03 This note is to let you know that I have received your special
intentions and will remember them in my daily Masses and my prayers.
In addition, they will be placed at the foot of the
Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in Her Chapel here at the Fatima
Center. 1/2/03 Happy New Year. May this year not be a terrible struggle and free of hospitals and pain. Joanne, We are thinking of you. We were with the Amazing Giampolo;s last night to celebrate Nikki's entry into a pain free world. IT was a great mass and we focused on thoughts of both Nikki, Michelle and of course prayers for a miracle for Laura. Take Care, love the crazy tutor,. Hi, Doctor This is a little note to say that I am thinking about you and Laura and Joelle. Me and my family in Venezuela had a thought for you for this New Year. We all are praying for the miracle and have faith. Please receive a hug and a kiss and remember we love you. Con mucho amor Jolie 1/2/03 Hi Joanne, I'm so glad you all had a nice Christmas together. Wow! That was nice that Faith Hill called! You are always in our thoughts. Love, Mary, Anthony, and Evan1/2/03
Dearest Joanne, 1/2/03 KEEP THE FAITH,,,JOEY O 1/2/03 Dear Joanne, Laura and Joelle, You all have been utmost on my mind and the minds of our congregation all during this Christmas season. How joyful to have spent such a loving Christmas together. Joanne, your letters have been painful, yes, and yet so beautiful. Laura is indeed incredible in her strength and grace and wisdom. And, Joelle's beautiful words about what this Christmas meant to her. Please know that you all continue to be in our loving and healing prayers. God Bless, Barb Patterson 1/2/03 Dearest Joanne,
Your voice was almost calm when I spoke with you
- you have such Faith with a capital F. But your pain is so
evident. Please know that all of us are trying to shoulder a morsel
of your pain to ease your ache. Let us do whatever we can to help
in any imaginable way possible.
Our prayers, our hopes continue.
We pray that our wishes are what the Lord plans
for your and your two precious young ladies.
May you continue to feel the love and support of
your innumerable friends.
My thoughts and prayers will continue for Laura,
but also for you, who have endured so much.
I surround you three with hugs.
Love, Paula 1/2/03 We were in Maine for the New Year
but were sending thoughts and prayers your way just the same. We
checked Laura's website the minute we got home and we were very
happy to hear you had a peaceful Christmas together. 1/2/03 Joanne, I am
continuing to pray for you, Joelle and Laura. How wonderful that you
were able to spend Christmas together. It will always be a very
special Christmas. Faith Hill calling is just amazing. It
just proves how many special people there are in this world. May
God bless and be with you. Much love, Laurie
1/2/03
you make life what it should full of love. as it is the most difficult
time for your family my prays are with you and i do pray that there is a
miracle for Laura. 1/2/03 Dear Joanne, 1/2/03 Still praying for that miracle, don't write back Joann--just hold your baby close for me. We love you guys, our church prays every mass for Laura as well. much much love, the Tates 1/2/03 Dear Joanne, I read your updates and my heart is so heavy. What can I say? I can't imagine the anquish that you are going through! Please know that we are praying for you, Laura and Joelle many, many times throughout the day and night....prayers of love and comfort and peace for each of you.....and a Miracle for Laura!! Love, Linda, Patrick, Kate, Mary Rita and Caroline McKenna1/2/03 Dear Joanne, Laura and Joelle, 1/2/03
dearest Joanne - 1/2/03
As always, my prayers are with you. 1/2/03 Thank you for letting me know.....I've been thinking of all of you so much lately, but didn't want to intrude on what, I imagine, was a bitter-sweet Christmas. Laura is amazing, and you're right.....she'll do things in her time, in her way, when she knows that you and Joelle will be okay. Love to all of you.....
Linette
1/2/03
Dear Joanne, 1/2/03 Dear Joanne, Laura, & Joelle, 1/2/03 Joanne, Thank you so much for the update on Laura. I have been checking the site several times a day for an update since the 18th. I was praying that you'd get to spend a peaceful Christmas with your girls and it looks like God made that possible from the sounds of your e-mail. I hope you're taking care of yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with you more than you know. Love, Maureen Ericksen1/2/03
MY NEW YEAR WISH FOR THE SANTIAGO FAMILY IS YEARS OF LIFE SURROUNDED BY
WATER FOR YOUR DAILY DIPS. THERAPY - BOTH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL -
CAN BE BEAUTIFUL WHEN SURROUNDED BY WATER. IT'S CALMING EFFECTS CAN
BRING FORTH MIRACLES. AND THAT'S WHAT WE WANT, ONE DAY AT A TIME. 1/2/03 Joanne, through this difficult time, remember that we are always there for you. Spiritually we know that there are reasons for things to happen. As we pray for a miracle the new year approaches. We are wishing you extra special wishes for the year to come.. Hopefully you can see the ball dropping from Laura's window. Take comfort in knowing that a whole bunch of people are with you and thinking of you. love the crazy tutor1/2/03 Joanne - just wanted you all to know we are thinking
of you. Your last email sounded very peaceful and we
pray that peace stays with the three of you. 1/2/03 happy new year to you! I am so happy to hear that you had a peaceful Christmas with your family! I will continue to pray for Laura! Love, Martha Wassall 1/2/03 Dear Jo, Happy New Year from Down Under....I just got back online after some "technical difficulties" and you have all been in my thoughts and prayers nonstop.. I haven't called because I want to respect your privacy and time together (and besides I didn't want Faith Hill to get a busy signal...pretty cool stuff!!)....I am hoping that 2003 brings the special miracle that we are all waiting for...I continue to pray for all of you to have health, happiness, peace and the best of everything now and forever....Big hugs....Love always, ME Click here to see mail from December 20 to December 29 Click here to see mail delivered on December 19 Click here to see mail from November 5 to December 18 Click here to see mail from October 1 to October 31 Click here to see mail from September 1 to September 30 Click here to see mail from August 16 to August 30 Click here to see mail from August 1 to August 15 Click here to see mail from July 16 to July 30 Click here to see mail from July 1 to July 15 |
