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2/28/03
I am so sorry to hear about the horrendous weather you are having while I am in warm Aussie. My wife and daughters (ages 14 & 11) are left to deal with the steep driveway and walks.

It is Thursday here, I arrive in Melbourne tomorrow to spend the weekend with Robin and her family. The plan is to visit Royal Children's Hospital on Monday. Thanks for all your help with the Teddy Bears, they should be awesome. I will get pics and stories to put on web site.

Some of the roads here have been outright dangerous and I know that Nikki and Laura are looking out for me and keeping me safe.

Love to all,

Charley

2/28/03

Hi Joanne.  Just thinking of you and Joelle and letting you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both.  Knowing that you have a special angel over you watching and taking care of you.  I know that that does not replace your loss but I hope it gives you some comfort.  Here is a big hug from me to you. Love jenn the crazy tutor

2/28/03

Hi Joanne and Joelle,
       Just wanted to tell you that I think about and pray for you everyday.  You, as is Laura, are always on my mind.  I can't even imagine how difficult this is for you.  Yet, I know that God has a plan even though we can't imagine what it might be.  Although sadness overcomes me I can't help but smile when I think of her - her spunk, her fight, her perseverance, and just the great girl she was.  She is up there with God planning something for heaven.  She might even be taking on another "Special Room" in Heaven so she and others she meets can have a place to just be.  She certainly has left an indelible mark on in my life and heart and as have the two of you.  In fact, she has definitely left a mark on the world.  Her wisdom and faith were way beyond her years.  Joanne, you've done well.  You can be and should be very proud, and take a time to just think and SMILE!
Love,
Patti Gould 

2/28/03

Joanne and Joelle:
I see God's newest Angel is already taking care of you ... the trip to Disney. I wonder what else she is involved in organizing? Joanne I am sure that Laura remains with you ... remember we lost her body, not her spirit or soul!
Love to you both!!

Beth Donohue, D.C., M.S.           
Director, Accreditation and Planning
Chair, Public Education Committee
New York Chiropractic College
2360 State Route 89
Seneca Falls, NY 13148

2/28/03

Hi Joanne,

Thanks for the update. I am glad to hear you and Joelle are getting away for a few days; Mexico and Disney!  You have a wonderful family.  You  know what they say, Disney World is the happiest place in the World!!   :-)

My prayers continue to be with you, Joelle and Laura. 

Have a nice weekend.

Love,

Laurie

2/25/03

Hi Joanne and Joelle,   Sorry we did not get together before I left for new Orleans, but Laura was in my thoughts many times these last few days.  I finished the 13 miles, running most of the way!  Yes, that was definitely a surprise to me.    When it started to hurt, I thought of Laura and Jack and all of the other kids who had been through so much.  And I hope more than anything that the money I and the other 600 leukemia runners raised make a difference.   I would like to see you guys, so send me a note and we can try to get together.  Hope you are pulling together.  I know it is a slow process and you feel like the third leg of the stool you were sitting on is gone.  And in some ways, it is.  But like her, you need to be strong and get up off the floor that looks so tempting to  just lie on.  Does that make sense?   Love, Theresa

2/25/03

Very sorry to hear about your daughter. I know it's a little late, but I did read the Courant article. As I have no children, I don't have that connection to that part of Avon where your daughter was apparently very well known.   Looking for something on the Internet, I came across your website and your journal. I can't imagine going through what you did. I'm not a particularly good Catholic any longer, but I can't help thinking that God had a plan, and that your daughter is right there in the middle of it. It sounds like you handled the situation with remarkable courage.    I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but if there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to contact me.   Yours, Peter Stein

2/13/03

hi aunt jo...i miss you and Joelle very much...classes are getting a bit more difficult, but i just have to put more time into my studies...however, I do hope you do get that well deserved relaxation in Mexico...tell Joelle that I'm working really hard (like she told me to) so that i can take her to the board walk this summer , and i quote "so I can play lots of games!" it will be nice, Joelle and I could use some bonding...afterall, i never had a sister!  And as always, I do miss Laura very "deeply" as you put it.  I sometimes think about you and "the girls"...and you know i came to the conclusion that there will always be "the girls" just in a different way Laura will always be a part of us.  Just like there always is grandma and grandpa....they live differently with us. .instead of physically it's in our hopes, dreams, and memories.  they are always there watching over us and guiding us. And we all know it's in times like these we need the most guidance or how would we ever have enough strength to get through it...I love you! Give Joelle a big hug and kiss for me...
Love,
JD

2/13/03

Thank you for the update. I hope you and Joelle have a great trip. Do not be surprised to find some pennies in the Mexican mountains. I continue to pray that God will fill your void with his eternal love. Have a great trip.   Love John

2/13/03

Hi, Joanne,
Elizabeth told me about the Town Meeting and how special it was. You have 2 very special daughters. I hope you find sun and relaxation in Mexico. Best wished for a Happy St. Valentine's Day.
Love,  
Jane Ellen

2/13/03

As you are probably aware, the student council at Pine Grove School has planned a pajama day to benefit the Santiago fund.  My daughter is on the student council and was so thrilled to be able to work on this fundraiser for Laura.  She came home saying, "Mommy I get to do this for Laura because you liked her so much."  Next year she will be at Thompson Brook and I have asked her to help with Pennies from Heaven.  Have a great trip to Mexico, you need it.   

At night, when you feel you are holding Laura's hand, you are.  She will always be with you and she will always have a legacy in Avon. 

CarolAnn Baldwin
Community Education Specialist
New England Marrow Donor Program
209 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06032

2/13/03

Aunt Joanne~
                  I just wanted to let you know that I've been thinking of you and Joelle a lot lately. I can't even imagine how hard it is for you guys. It still hits me at different times that she's really gone. Laura taught me so much about life. I know that she's an angel looking down on us from heaven with Nikki by her side. Yesterday I was able to sort through old pictures and papers that I had saved and put them all into a scrapbook. I'll have to show it to you. It was nice because when I was making the scrapbook through my tears I was laughing at some of our memories. My favorite one would have to be when we were in New Hampshire and the three of us tried to get off the ski doo at the same time and it tipped over in front of all of the neighbors who were sitting outside. We were laughing so hard that we couldn't even pull ourselves out of the water. The memories she has left us with are so great. Laura was definitely my best friend, and I always thought of her the sister that I never got. She was the friend that was always there for me and seemed to understand me when no one else did. She has left an impact here in everyone's hearts. Laura truly fits the definition of an angel.
                                         Love always~          
                                                Erin

2/10/03
I spoke with Robin today and she has been hard at work, what a nice person and devoted friend!

The Aussies have been very supportive of our cause and have really latched onto Laura's message, I only wish I had the chance to know her better.
You are great mom and should be very proud of the blessings and great job you have done with Laura and Joelle.

Love,

Charley

2/8/03
  Joanne,   I have followed Laura's journey for some time now, but was unaware until now that Laura had passed.  I send my prayers for you, Joelle, and other family members and friends.  I pray that God will bless you with strength.  I have been in AWE of the outpouring of LOVE around you, Joelle, and Laura.  What a wonderful mom you are to Laura and Joelle.  And what a wonderful sister Joelle is to Laura, too.  Joanne, you have 2 very beautiful and wonderful daughters that I had the opportunity to spend time with in Italy in 2000.  I know God blessed me when he put me in Italy at the same time, in the same place with you and your daughters.  You and your daughters have touched my life.  Thank you for all you have done.   

Wendy Phillips (the chiropractor from GA)

2/7/03

Joanne,   I have followed Laura's journey for some time now, but was unaware until now that Laura had passed.  I send my prayers for you, Joelle, and other family members and friends.  I pray that God will bless you with strength.  I have been in AWE of the outpouring of LOVE around you, Joelle, and Laura.  What a wonderful mom you are to Laura and Joelle.  And what a wonderful sister Joelle is to Laura, too.  Joanne, you have 2 very beautiful and wonderful daughters that I had the opportunity to spend time with in Italy in 2000.  I know God blessed me when he put me in Italy at the same time, in the same place with you and your daughters.  You and your daughters have touched my life.  Thank you for all you have done.    Wendy Phillips (the chiropractor from GA)

2/5/03
 Hi Joanne and Joelle!
       I met with Charley and Karen on Friday.  The schools will be a part of Charley's journey for Laura............In Avon the teachers had a dress down day last Friday for Laura and at the Middle School, we had a Hats on for Laura day.  Kids could wear hats, if they donated............We collected over $700 from the kids alone at AMS.   Her spirit is alive and we are planning activities and events to help with the Teen Room at Children's Hospital.
       On a personal note, Laura's funeral was a deeply moving and spiritual tribute to a beautiful young woman.   You and Joelle are in our prayers daily.

Lil Diachenko


2/4/03
Dear Joanne,

Recently I learned about Laura through one of your patients.  I remember Laura on a few visits to your old Avon office and remembering her beautiful blonde hair and what a happy, bright child she was.  I know that there are no words that can make the pain go away, but I am sure Laura knew how much she was wanted and loved.    Reading through some of the daily journals, I could not help but feel that this beautiful young lady not only reflected the love and care that she grew up with, but in turn she returned it to you and Joelle.    My thoughts and prayers are with you, and if I can be of ANY help, please feel free to call.    Very sincerely,   Angela Parent  (John's mom)

2/1/03

You have no idea how much I think about you and Joelle lately.  Laura has touched so many lives.  She always made me so happy when I talked to her.  I can still remember the night I talked to her before her dance.  She was so excited.  She said she loved to dance and couldn't wait to go and have fun with her friends.  Laura loved life and I know she's in a better place now with Nikki.  They must love being with each other.  I remember Laura telling me she gave Nikki a best friend necklace, I believe before she died.  It brought tears to my eyes because of how thoughtful she was.  I know Nikki must have loved it.  Thank you for putting the pictures up, they are beautiful.  I'll always think of you and your family.  God Bless.
Love Always,
Michelle Carey