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11/3/04
Hi Joanne,

I just wanted to tell you that I was praying for my friends who have passed away at mass today. I prayed for Laura as well and when I came out of church I found a penny...It felt like she was talking to me..!  I couldn't help but smile and feel warmth in my soul.

Take care and I hope you're doing fine!

Gilda

10/18/04
I have been wanting to share this story with you for weeks!

Charlie and I went to Woodstock, CT for Labor Day weekend together.  One day we were riding our bikes.  It was very hilly and I don't do hills very well, I often have to walk them.  Anyway, We were on the last hill, and I decided I was not going to stop or walk the bike up the hill.  So I kept my eyes on the road and didn't look up at he hill I was climbing.  So there I was huffing and puffing, and what do I see on the ground ahead but a shinny penny sparkling on the road. It was amazingly bright. I came up on it and felt the most comforting warm breeze, there was Laura pushing me up the hill, I am sure of it!  All I could think of was Laura.  I left the penny for someone else, since I knew I would never get started again, made it to the top and had lots of energy and my heart had stopped beating out of my chest. She and I parted with a thank you love ya!
I love when these things happen, and I am actually paying attention!
Have a wonderful day!
Love ya, Mary

8/19/04
  I have a story- On Sunday the 8th, Erin had a baby shower and I gave her a few gifts and one of them was a leopard blank with little ears. So when Erin went home she opened it up and out fell a penny, at that moment she felt Laura was with her. Erin said she felt so warm. Love ya

7/13/04
Joanne~ I wasn't sure whether to tell you about this, but it's been nagging at me all weekend and I think Laura is telling me that it would please you. I have prayed for and to Laura, and for you, numerous times, and found numerous pennies along the way.  I wrote to you about the penny under the poinsettia at the holidays. This past week, though, I prayed and prayed.  We were awaiting the results of blood work and a biopsy for our littlest, Michael.  I found a penny here and a penny there, getting me through the week.  Whenever I saw a penny, I prayed to the Blessed Mother for Laura and for you, to thank her. One night, when I of course wasn't able to sleep, there was a story on CNN about a man who forty years ago bet his brother that he could save a million pennies!  He did. It wasn't a single penny, but a million pennies, and I was sure that Laura was sending us love in abundance. Michael is okay. Our love and prayers continue for you. God bless, Terri

5/18/04
Dear Joanne, What do you think of me dedicating a mile to Nikki? It would be nice if the two girls were both there. We could have them in back to back miles. They should be next to each other in the swim. People are starting to ask me at the pool "Who is the Girl?" I  tell them "My Motivation" . Instead of you trying to meet me at the pool because my schedule changes from day to day if you could mail me a copy.  It would greatly be appreciated. If you like the Nikki idea let me know how to contact the family and I will. Thanks for everything. Mike. The swim will take place the week of July 26th. Web-site is Geocities.com/mmaier262


4/14/04
Hi Joanne,

This is beautiful.  How are you and Joelle - I hope well.  I was thinking about the two of you this Easter weekend and how much Laura touched my life.  I have been busy hurrying here end there these last few days and on EVERY errand I have come across a penny on the ground.  It's almost as if she's telling me to slow down and take some time to smell the roses!

Then I logged on and saw this message from you - she was pointing me in your direction.  Please let me know how you are doing.
Take care,
Love Susan

3/25/04
Dear Joanne,
We returned home after a couple months in Florida on the 17th - the 5th anniversary of our daughter Jill's passing.  So, when your email arrived it really tugged at my heart.  Your story about the 5 pennies gave me goose bumps.  I'm so happy your Pennies from Heaven project is so successful.

I have so many experiences with butterflies.  I never believed in signs, until 5 years ago.  So many times when I am thinking of Jill or wishing that she could be experiencing what I am,  I will see a butterfly.  The last time we were with Jill was at this place so everyone has been so nice to us.  I can't tell you how often a white or orange butterfly floats by when I am walking the beach or sitting by the pool thinking of her.

Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and I was glad to read your email on my sad day.
Take care.
Cindy Hopper

3/22/04

Joanne, I am so glad you, Joelle and Laura had a great time on your b'days. I know Laura is always with you as you see the signs all the time. Just remember we all are from the same fire and will all return there some day. I know it is hard but Laura smiles when you smile, so keep smiling no matter how difficult! Lots of love, Sushma

3/22/04

Hi.  I think about you all often.  It has been a bad winter to think about walking, but we need to get with the program.  Soon the weather and the footing will be better.  I have a close friend who has found great strength in Compassionate Friends.  I am glad that you have found a group here.  We need to get together.  Leslie

3/22/04

Wow! What a beautiful, well written thank you note. Obviously Joelle is as sweet and compassionate as was Laura. You were blessed with 2 special girls and the girls were blessed with one great momma!   Looking forward to our lunch.   Love, Colette

3/19/04
 Joanne –
Hi!  Thanks for your update.  I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday, though a belated one.

I’m glad you shared that you have started to go to Compassionate Friends.  Though I’m not familiar with it, I do feel very positive about your getting some support to help you on your journey.  I hope it helps.  At some point, when you’re ready, I’d like to hear more about your experience with this group.

Love, Joan

 3/19/04

 Joanne,

Thanks for the note.  I do still check the website as it does remain a great
inspiration for me.  You and Joelle continue to amaze me.  Please know you
continue to be in my daily prayers.  Thanks for all you have shared. 
Love,
Laurie

3/10/04

Hey Jo: 
Hope you and Joelle were not too tired  when you arrived home on Sunday night.  Thank you both so much for coming.  It was so great to see you!  The "pennies" were a little miracle - Laura letting you know she was with us.  I get chills even now when I  write this.  More so because I, like you, know she is placing these pennies to be found.  How wonderful that her presence is continually felt!  I love the feeling I get when I know she is among us.  It is truly a warm, closeness, knowing she is right beside us.  I felt it on Sunday, as I am sure you did.  It is funny; as I have told you before with any of these encounters in the past, I always have a good feeling; never upset or frightened.  She is always with you and Joelle, mothering over you both. God Bless Laura! 

3/7/04
 

Hi Joanne! Think about you and Joelle everyday. Once in a while I go to the Website and read Laura's Journal, somehow it inspires me to get up each morning and get on with life. I know your Birthday is either just happened or about to happen (I can never keep the date straight). I don't get to speak to you or see you as often as I would like to, but you are always on my mind and in my heart. Love You Oldest and Dearest Friend Nidia

2/27/04

Joanne,    I start Monday March 8, 2004. As for Laura she actually left me some pennies to find on my daily walks at lunch time. Every time I see a penny I say hello and have a brief spiritual connection. I know Laura is watching out for me because all during my search any time I would get frustrated or down I would look down and find a penny to let me know Laura was trying to lift my spirits. And as she did while she was here it would truly lift my spirits. I hope I never loose the spiritual connection. It is the only thing that gets me through these trying times as you surely know. Thank you for the kind words and I hope to see you soon.     God Bless You    John

2/25/04
 

Hi Joanne,     How are you and Joelle doing?  I think of you often, and Laura also.  In fact, the CCD program at my church is collecting "Laura's Pennies From Heaven" and they are so excited.  If you could inform me how to or where to disperse the money once we collect each $100. and how that works I would appreciate it..  Please let me know and I will keep rolling and turning in pennies.     Hope is all is well (or as good as it can be).  You are in my prayers, Patti

1/21/04

Hello everyone-   I just wanted to share this with all of you. Attached is a photograph I took at a memorial birthday party for my friend's daughter, Laura, who passed away last January. I took a picture of her photograph that was on a table with flowers. I took many photos that day as many friends showed up to help celebrate her birthday and we had a balloon ceremony; releasing hundreds of balloons into the sky simultaneously. We had written messages on our balloons to send them to heaven for Laura on her 16th birthday.   As you will see in the photo there are ghostlike apparitions that appear in the photo above her face and the flowers. Three of them are easy to make out. What are they? Nothing else showed up in any of the photos I took that day, nothing was wrong with the camera or with the developing. Also, nothing else has shown up on the many rolls I have shot since then.   I believe they are angels and that Laura was with us on her special day! I also have a great photo of 3 beautiful purple (Laura's favorite color) pansies that appeared out of nowhere in my yard! I had never planted them there and even if I had they are annuals and do not "come back" each year! In the photo of the pansies you can easily see three angel forms in the face of the flowers. I took the photo only to commemorate the special appearance of the flowers but once developed it was amazing what you could see! As a side note, pansies also appeared in the yard at Joanne's house at the same time! Laura was extremely close to her sister, Joelle and to her mother. They were a loving family of three and I think that's why the unexplained images appear in "three."   So, that is my special story. We all have read about these type of things in books or via e-mail from friends and we rarely know the original source. Well, I can tell you I am the source here and, while I can't fully explain the reasons behind these events, I'd like to think it's Laura's special way of letting us she is OK. She was an amazing young woman and I don't doubt she, if anyone,  possesses the power to continue to enrich our lives.   Gabrielle

    Click on pictures to see full size

1/21/04
 

Mrs. Santiago,  I am not too sure you remember me but I was a friend of Laura's.  I just wanted to tell you what an amazing woman I think you are.  I also wanted to tell you that I think G-D does everything for a reason.  I truly believe that Laura is out of pain and peaceful.  Her attitude and beautiful voice have brought all of the people here in Avon happiness.  I believe that she is singing with the Angels in Heaven.  You are loved by so many.  Please stay strong. Love, Lindsay Fitzgerald

1/20/04

Hello Everyone-
Well, the entire CCMC team finished the marathon. Over 25,000 athletes ran the race, needless to say you were never alone on the course. Disney did a great job organizing everything and it was an unbelievable experience.

The race started at 6am. We arrived at the starting area around 4am and it was cold. The temp at race start was 38 degrees, which was better then it was in CT. I hadn't brought my cold weather running gear, and had to make a pit stop at the Nike outlet in Kissimmee Saturday evening. I met several other runners at the store who hadn't anticipated a cold front either. By the end of the race the temperature was around 65
degrees, which made for perfect running weather.

We started in the Epcot parking lot and ran into Epcot then Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom then MGM and finally back to Epcot. At different spots along the course there were Disney character. Which I did have to stop and take a few photos. This really isn't a competitive race. Along the way I met a few runners who also ran the Hartford marathon. What a small world!!

It was amazing to see all the purple team in training jerseys. That made it a little hard for my friend at the finish line trying to take a picture of me when I came across. I told him I was going to run in a white long sleeve shirt with the purple team in training shirt over it and my white Syracuse hat, and long black running tights. From what he
said, a lot of people wore the same outfit.

I wrote my name on the front of my shirt, so when I ran by people would yell "Go Jen". That was really helpful, especially the last mile or so. I felt pretty good the whole run. Poor Erin had a rough day, but to her credit she stuck it out and finished.

At the end each runner got a Gold Mickey Metal. Which I wore proudly all week at the parks.

Thank you for supporting me during this adventure. We raised a lot of money and it was truly a great experience. Anyone interested in running the Hartford Marathon in October???

Jennifer M. Martin RN, BSN
Infection Control Practitioner
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
phone: 860-545-9392
fax: 860-545-9371

"Learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to fall back"
Chinese Proverb

1/8/04
  Joanne~
Really must tell you about this~
Read your reply this morning, finished my coffee and began to tidy up around here~but hesitated before trying to vacuum around the poinsettia plant in the alcove~was afraid it might clog~so stooped down and grabbed a handful of fallen petals and hidden beneath the branches was a single penny! No other change was to be found~and had I continued to vacuum, I might've missed it or swept it up! Really, Joanne, I came across quite a few pennies this past year, some in unlikely places, but this was amazing! I am sure Laura heard and was thanking me for the prayers! Thought this might bring you some comfort and joy~ Fondly, Terri

1/8/04
 Hi Joanne:   I have few memories of Laura but, I will never forget how her beautiful voice filled the church during her funeral mass.  It was as if an angel came to take away our sorrow and tears of sadness and filled our eyes with tears of joy as we heard her angelic voice.  Thank God for the good memories. She's an angel who'll always watch over those she loved.   Love, Dina   p.s.  Hope to see you and Joelle soon.

1/8/04
Joanne –
Hi!  Thanks for your recent e-letter.  You may have seen this article in the Hartford Courant.  Thought you might like an email copy.  Laura is mentioned in the 7th paragraph, starting “Jennifer Martin . . .”

Take care, Joan

1/8/04
Joanne, Not a day goes by without looking out our window to your house and remembering you and Joelle, and saying a prayer to Laura. God bless you now and always, Anne

1/6/04
Dear Joanne.....thank you.  Today we are also thinking of Laura, Joelle and you.    Our angels....I feel their love all around, in the midst of great loss there is great love.
      So many memories, and so many significant dates right now.  Now that we are both home, (back to school and work of course....) lets plan a date for a get together.  
      We love you.  I wish you peace on this special day of Laura's journey to Heaven........Can't you just see those two little angels and what they are planning up there:)  Good Stuff ....we know that!  Love Gail

1/6/04

DEAR JOANNE AND JOELLE, WE ARE NOW IN PALM SPRINGS BUT MY THOUGHTS ARE THERE WITH YOU. CRAIG JUST GOT OUR COMPUTER HOOKED  UP....I TOLD HIM IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT I SEND AN E-MAIL TODAY. YOU  HAVE BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS ALL DAY......I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE EMOTIONS YOU ARE FEELING ON THIS THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF LAURA'S DEATH. I KNOW HOW I AM FEELING. IN THE BEST OF TIMES, I SMILE THINKING OF A LOVELY YOUNG GIRL WHO HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES....ENRICHED SO MANY LIVES.....AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. SHE  WAS TRULY A GIFT NOT ONLY TO HER FAMILY BUT TO HER COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. I HOPE IT BRINGS COMFORT TO KNOW THAT LAURA IS WARMLY REMEMBERED BY ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HER. TONIGHT I WRAP YOU BOTH IN MY LOVE AND PRAYERS. FONDLY, NANCY

 1/6/04 How can a year have gone by already! Even though we only knew Laura when she was sick, whenever I think of her, it is always of her smiling. I know this must be a horrific time for the two of you, but try to remember that she is in the happiest place in the whole world smiling even more.   Our prayers are always with you. Let me know when we can get together again for lunch.   Love, Colette
 1/6/04

it was so nice to read your entry.  Joelle sounds like she has her act together.  sometimes we think that kids are not as prepared as we think, but they fool us don't they?  I'm glad everything was ok at the hotel.  well, one year ago.  i think that it went fast.  it is also my mothers birthday on 1/4.  your town sounds like its a storybook kind of town where everyone knows everyone and friends young and old are helping each other.  well i wish you continued well wishes and hope that you both can keep on coping the best that you can.  love, nancy

1/6/04
Joanne~ Thoughts and prayers for you, for Joelle and of course, for Laura~yesterday and always~ God love and keep you, The Sands

1/6/04

DEAREST JOANNE:  WE THOUGHT ABOUT YOU, LAURA AND JOELLE ALL DAY YESTERDAY.  IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE A YEAR HAS GONE BY, AS I FEEL AS THOUGH LAURA'S PRESENCE IS WITH US ALL, ALWAYS.    YESTERDAY IN CHURCH WHILE PRAYING FOR LAURA, I  BECAME WEEPY, AND TRIED TO FOCUS ON FATHER BRIAN'S HOMILY.  DURING THAT TIME, I DUG INTO MY JACKET POCKETS, A JACKET I HAVE NOT WORN IN AGES, AND LOW AND BEHOLD, I FOUND A  SINGLE SHINY PENNY.  IT BROUGHT ME COMFORT TO KNOW LAURA WAS THERE WITH US.  FATHER'S HOMILY WAS ABOUT THE EPIPHANY, AND HE WENT ON TO TELL THE STORY BY O.HENRY, "THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI".  HE DISCUSSED THE COUPLE AND WHAT THEY GAVE OF THEMSELVES IN ORDER TO SHOW THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.  HE FURTHER STATED THAT THEIR GIFTS WERE EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH AND CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS.  I CANNOT HELP BUT THINK OF LAURA AND HER UNDYING FAITH, BEAUTIFUL VOICE, AND SELFLESS PERSONALITY - ALL GIFTS OF LOVE TO JESUS.      JOANNE AND JOELLE, KNOW WE PRAY FOR YOU, AND KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS.  LOVE, THE SQUILLARO'S

1/6/04

Dear Joanne Here is a quote from Padre Pio from Send me your Guardian Angel which brought you to my mind and heart.   "Your tears were collected by the angels and were placed in a gold chalice, and you will find them when you present yourself before God."   Love always, Karen Its me I am sorry I missed you at Michele's. I heard you guys went away. I hope
you had a good holiday. I've been thinking about Laura lately and when that happens
I just play her song and it makes me sad but it also gives me strength, I remember
her fighting. I can listen to the song and feel that she was singing to me
and it makes me strong, thank you for blessing me with Laura I am a better person
because of her. I felt that I did my job as well as I know  how, to be there for these
angels and make them happy because they are special to me and I love being there
for them, I wish they didn't have to go through this terrible sickness but I always
give my all to make them feel special. and that is not only my job but it is my honor
to be there for them. Love you , Lucy Joanne, It sounds as if Laura with Jesus is giving you both much peace and comfort through this. All my prayers for you today. Karen

1/6/04

Hello....

I just wanted to let you know that you have been in my thought more today than an other day and on my way home from work this morning the tears were rolling down...I wanted to talk with you today but before I knew it the it was 11:00pm...I was going to try to make the mass but I had worked all weekend...and I haven't gotten much sleep...But I want you to know that I love you and how hard today is for you. we will talk soon....Big hugs and Kisses to you and...The rain today was Laura letting you know that it was okay to cry and that she was crying with us

1/6/04

Joanne
Thanks for your thoughtful update.
Keeping you and Joelle in my prayers
Have a great 2004!
Larry

Lawrence M. Sparks
Principal
Avon High School
510 West Avon Road
Avon, CT 06001

1/6/04

Joanne: 
I will keep your family in my prayers this week especially. You and Joelle have come a long way in the last year. It has been a painful year, but it has also been a year when the blessings of friendship have meant more than ever. Those blessings will sustain you forever. 

Blessings and Peace, Salin
 

1/6/04

Joanne & Joelle, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although it doesn't seem like you need my prayers - you have your own private full-time angel, Laura. It sounds like she never leaves your sides. God bless you both in the new year! Love,  Michele  Imossi   Joanne,   I hope you and Joelle had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I remember 1/4/03 when we got the call about Laura going over into paradise. No one besides my Christina  has ever made such an impression in my life as young Laura did. She truly possessed wisdom beyond her years. I truly believe it is our spiritual connection that keeps us going through life's trials. May God bless you both with the strength and courage to get through each day. Let's try to get together. I know it is hard but with all the juggling of schedules we have both been through I am sure we can do it. I miss our conversations we used to have. We have a connection beyond family and I know this will never be broken. Know that you are both in my daily thoughts and prayers especially during this trying time. talk to you soon.   John

1/6/04
Hi-
Less then a week until the big day!!! I fly out Friday afternoon. The weather has been rainy and 70 degrees down there. Hopefully it won't rain on Sunday.

Today (1/5/03) there is an article in the Hartford Courant about the team from CCMC. It's nicely done. The picture came out pretty good too.

The plan for this week is to sleep well, hydrate and carb load. And survive our Joint Commission survey, which unfortunately is also this week.
I'll be back on 1/14 (next Wed) with a full review of how things went.

Keep us in your prayers!!
Keep Smiling,
Jen

Jennifer M. Martin RN, BSN
Infection Control Practitioner
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
phone: 860-545-9392
fax: 860-545-9371

1/6/04

Hi Joanne!     In a sense, "Happy Anniversary" of Laura's pain being done.     It is always so hard for those of us left behind, but you know as a Mother,  you did everything for Laura and made her short time with us wonderful!    I am so happy that Joelle has become a part of our Student Council at AMS, following in her sister's footsteps, but being her own person as well.   As a mother, I cannot fathom what you have been through.  However, I think and pray for you often......I was so happy to see the lights on the trees.......light is such a celebration.........I live on Buckboard, so I go up Hollister daily!     We will never forget Laura, the fight she fought and how she got so many people to come out of themselves and see the true meaning of love and friendship.      Always, Lil Diachenko

1/6/04

Dear Joanne,
You and Joelle have been so in my thoughts and prayers all through the holidays and into yesterday and today.  I can only imagine your thoughts as you examine the past year!  I am so impressed by your faith and un-ending belief that Laura is watching and there to  guide and share and help.  This is the truth of your beautiful daughter!!  Just wanting to say HI!  ready to resume on-line studying whenever you are!  or just grab a cup of coffee, or glass of wine, or take a post-holiday walk! 
Much love,
Cheryl