Wednesday, August 4, 2010

An end to Visits, and hello to rest

Rene is sharing these moments with all she can, but her energy is quickly gone, and her eyes closed most of the time. She is very much with us, but her body is working continuously to survive, an exhausting effort that only our Rene could maintain. Because of this we are asking that all her friends allow Rene to rest, and spend this time with her immediate family. We are all part of her extended, adopted, and loved family but this time is needed for her as well, to be peaceful and remain well rested.

Please leave your thoughts and prayers here, or in cards and letters as we read them to her everyday, and she finds so much comfort in all your words.

Rene's smile continues to light up the room, and her eyes follow the grand kids as they play, squeal and coo on the floor, a beacon of life and joy that she treasures. We are so blessed to share these moments with her, even as she rests most days. Please respect her wishes and know that she loves you all and truly appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers and kindness.

We love you Rene

26 comments:

  1. Dear Rene,
    You are in my thoughts and I check the blog every day to see how you are doing. Hope you got my f**k cancer card that I sent to the hospital. You got out of there so fast, I know it had to catch up to you! Keep eating ice cream and send folks to the store to buy the new ice cream "5" by Haagen-Dazs; ginger is the best, but lemon, mint or coffee are all superb. I'm not really "anonymous", but it's the only way this blog will accept my profile, so that's what I have to choose.
    Peace be with you, dear, you are so loved by all,
    Suzy Purnell

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  2. Hey Miss Rene,

    Here again...Donald and I will dance a dance for you at the Campbell concert.
    Live your life...every moment of it!
    Love, Laura

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  3. Dear Rene,

    Rest and enjoy your family. We are praying for you at my home. May my families prayers reach you and your family. Anna Q

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  4. Rene,
    I'm missing you and sorry I cannot get there to visit. Find joy in your family and grandbabies. Know that we are all supporting you and praying for you. Love from Gregg and Les

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  5. Hi Rene,
    Sending you lots of hugs, love and support. We think of you everyday!!! We love you!!! XXXOOO
    Love,
    Martin, Vicki and Natalie

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  6. Hi Rene, How good to know that you are surrounded by the love of your family as you rest. Please thank all of them who are maintaining this blog. So many people are sending you love and virtual hugs these days---know that I and my family are among them. We just think you are the greatest! What an impact you've had on so many students---my own personal kids among them. Megan especially sends her love.

    Love,
    Nancy Doyle and family

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  7. Hi Rene,

    Just thinking about all the crazy times we have shared. Like the time when....

    Chris rode the dinosaur ride at the St Lucy Fun Fest, and turned a lovely shade of green... and every time one of us opened that revolving gift, your wedding coffee mug. That mug even made it to Hawaii and back....the motorcycle ride to Monterey, and the camping trips... family fun nights at the park, and cioppino dinners at the school... New Years Eve parties, and trips to Grandma Sharon's house...good times...lots of good times.

    -Souza Family

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  8. Dear Rene,

    I am so happy that your wonderful family is keeping up the blogs. I must get on the computer four times a day to rejoice in your small miracles of ice cream, sitting outside, watching the little ones play at your feet. God does love you.

    This weekend Jenny and Tony and family along with Tony's brother and his ankle bitters will be here. Both Jaden and Nathan have declared they are going to jump off the trampoline into the lake. This is BIG news for Nathan since until now he has been the chief engineer of sand castles and rivers on the beach. The two weeks in Hawaii and swimming lessons did it.

    Gofer update!!!!! So far I am winning. Tomorrow is another stabbing the tunnel day with that yummy grain. No lizards so far! Yea!!!

    For the last four months I have gotten together with two great couples to play Mexican Train each week. There is no end to the laughter. Each Wednesday night we potluck at each others house and tonight it was my turn. I served a cool taco salad. Sad ... I did not win.

    The Women Retreat is fast approaching. The theme is Joy of the Journey. You are one person in my life that at every stage has made your life a joy. No matter whether the day brings joy or sorrow you are always up for the JOY. We accept a 120 women from all the different churches in the Groveland area. I am the registrar and treasure the excitement that the Holy Spirit puts into each woman's heart as she signs up.

    I will close tonight with love and hugs and write more soon. My prayer is for a many small miracle day tomorrow. Your family is in my heart and I send strength and peace. I love you. Sharon

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  9. Hi Ms. Lepiane

    Thinking of you and praying for you everyday. Thanks for all the great times during class council and for always being there for me! Lots of love!

    Love
    Molly Cashman

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  10. Rene--
    I am holding you in my heart and feeling so happy and grateful that you are part of my life. You are such a joy, such an incredible positive spirit for so many people...Alissa's husband Jeff called to tell me how much he always enjoyed seeing you and how much you made him laugh. My Mah Jong women loved your charades skills! I will ever be grateful for the day we hired you at Girl Scouts. Your beautiful spirit and the good work you did made a difference in many lives (those Metro girls were sure lucky you were running the show!).
    Love and hugs to you and Christopher. And to Al and Elaine (pajama Mama!).
    Nancy Fox

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  11. Hey Rene! Miss your face but you know we're there in spirit with you every step of this journey! You are, absolutely, in the very best place on earth to feel loved, protected, and strengthened by the love of your family. Every time Bill and I have visited at the "old family homestead" we have felt that love and warmth that just oozes out of the walls there - it's exactly where you should be right now! Enjoy each tiny minute for the gift that it is and consider yourself very lucky to be so loved!

    Love and big hugs to all the family!

    Bill and Pam
    t

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  12. Rene,

    I would have liked to have come over to share some stories about Mark's and my trip to Turkey, but I know how important it is for you to save your strength to enjoy your wonderful family and beautiful grandchildren.

    Our trip to Turkey was amazing. We saw many beautiful sites, ate great food and met friendly people. We were supposed to have an overnight train trip as one leg of our trip, but there was a fire and we went by bus instead. I don't think any train trip however will ever match the fun Patti, Catherine, you and I had in the sleeper car going from Madrid to Paris. Remember the girls acting out scenes from Harry Potter...and all the hysterical laughing? That was a great trip and I am so thankful that I got to share it with you.

    You are an inspirational friend and I love you.
    Tori

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  13. Hi Rene -
    I, too, check the blog every day. It is so obvious that you are loved by so many. and it is no wonder - Kristen's comment about how much you have taught her, I would say "ditto" to all and add that you have taught (shown) me calmness when everything seems to be going to hell in a handbasket! I also reflect often on your genuine appreciation for the littlest of things.

    I value the time we shared in France and Spain, a nice opportunity to get to know each other a little better. I loved your story about when Chris and Kristen proposed to you!

    I send you my love and prayers. And Michael Durnin (tour guide) also would like to send you his good wishes

    As Tori commented - that couchette ride was a blast!!!

    Bisous (that's French for "kisses")
    Patti k

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  14. Hi Rene,
    Sending you a virtual hug!
    Shawn Parola

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  16. Hi Rene,
    I am sending you love and healing energy from the island and thinking of you constantly as I take in the beauty of every little thing around me, just as you always do. I am so pleased to hear that you are surrounded by family, and get to enjoy the sights and sounds of your grandbabies around you. Cherish this time, as I know you will, and take strength from the outpouring of love and prayers from all of us who care about you.
    I wish that I could visit and share with you stories of adventures here on the island and in Cape Cod, where I was in my friend's wedding in July. I ate steamed clams and a lobster roll for the first time! I'm not sure I'll ever need to have steamed clams again, but at least I can say I went to a clam bake once in my life. Ryan is home from Afghanistan, and has shared several weeks of my island vacation with me here. And.... we're engaged! I couldn't imagine a better place to have a memory of that special moment... Hawai'i will continue to be special to me for that reason, and so many more. This is such a beautiful place, and it reminds me of you in so many ways- it's strong, yet gentle; peaceful, yet lively; beautiful and humble. Sending you my love and prayers as you take this time to enjoy life with your family. I have truly been blessed by your presence in my life, teaching me so much through even the most casual conversation- the importance of finding the good in everything and savoring every little moment that we are blessed with. Thank you for being you, and sharing so openly your spirit, soul, and heart.

    Much love,
    Michelle Stewart

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  17. Dear Rene, Chris, Honey and Al,
    We LOVED our time with you Rene, Chris, Honey and Albert on Tuesday evening. Even though it was short, it meant so very much to us. We remember all the fun times we have had for over 20 years. You have a piece of our heart and always will have. Stephanie and Nicole send their love to you also. Many thanks to Kristen, Jay, Nini and all of your dear connections with the Blog updates and postings. They keep us connected to you. We are sending you many, many blessings and hugs.
    XOXO
    Mark & Cheryl

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  18. Rene,

    I think about you often...my prayers are with you during this part of your life journey.

    Love,
    Kathy

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  19. Enjoy your family and the happy sight of Cooper and Addison playing bringing you comfort and reason to smile. I am truly blessed to have you as a friend, sending you my love and prayers.

    Love,
    Jill

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  20. Rene,
    Enjoy and be strengthened by your family and know that there are many people out in the world who have you in their thoughts and prayers. Steve and I send you virtual hugs and healing energy from Alabama, where my student nurses (at UAHuntsville) just turned in a record amount of dollars for our ACS Relay For Life fundraiser! We are working hard for more birthdays! We are praying hard also.
    Love,
    Steve & Paula Pabst

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  21. Rene,

    I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to visit, but I do understand. May your family continue being a source of strength , comfort and relaxation.

    Luke, Allie and Isabella the dog are all doing well. (Skye is, too, but I know that when I tell stories of her, of COURSE she's well.) After summer school, Luke and I had the chance to spend a few days at my grandmother's ranch, where he bonded more with her dog, Lucky.

    Allie's spending this week at a Morgan Hill drama camp, so I'm sorry, but there's just no escaping that she got my genetics. She spent last week at violin camp, which rekindled her desire to play.

    I'm already missing you at the beginning of the school year, and I'm praying for you every night.

    Love,
    Derek

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  22. Dear Rene,

    I have asked our Covenant Group at St. Jude the Apostle in Cupertino to place you on our Prayer List - and this past Monday night we all prayed for you - as I can tell so many of your dear friends and family are - that you continue to feel the embrace of the many people you have touched so deeply. I cannot remember a time that, in the simple passing by your office, I have not been able to share a story, a hope, a worry, LIFE - and you were always there to listen, to comment gently, to encourage....Your down-to-earth nature and your having such great visions of the potential of everyone and everything make you a special part of my Notre Dame days - and I want you to know that. I will continue to share in the posts that are made to you, and will drop something off at Kristen's home in the next few days -

    love,

    Barbara Simmons

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  23. Hi Rene,

    I was thinking about the first time we met. Martin poking around in the plants, at night with a flash-light, outside your condo, looking for the cat. You bravely getting out of your car and asking "Um, can I help you"? We instantly liked you and are so grateful we became friends. Reading Bill and Pam's note reminded me of the time my dad met your parents for the first time. His comment was "They have got to be the nicest people I have ever met". He definitely felt the love and warmth oozing from the walls! : ) We love you and are thinking of you everyday, Rene. XXOO Love, Vicki, Martin and Natalie

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  24. May the Lord keep ypu and hold you in His arms
    Monica

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  25. Dear Ms. Lepiane,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so glad to have gotten to know you at Notre Dame. I always walked into your office with a smile and left with an even bigger smile due to your warm heart and helping hand. Stay strong!

    Lots of love,
    Kristen Lam '10

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  26. Ms. Lepiane,

    I miss you so much. Stay strong, and know that you have a strong community supporting you. You have always been one of the strongest people on campus, and I know that you have it in you to beat this cancer. I love you so much and I can still remember your smile and open arms every time I visited you in ASB. I only wish it were just as easy to visit you now. I am praying for you, and I hope you don't get too bored this summer without us ND girls(; -- well actually, you always seem to find joy in anything you do. I love you so much and will be thinking of you tonight.

    Love and miss you,
    Rosie

    P.S., Remember that Michael guy you met at prom? We're still together! Also, I'm going to Berkeley in two weeks! Ahhh!!!! So excited! (Hehe just thought I'd update you about my life since we haven't talked in so long)

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