November 18, 2012
Dearest Angela, Billie-Jo, Mary, Jack, Families and Cora’s Friends,
Chrissy called me this morning before we left for church to tell us that Cora had passed away last night. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for you.
I feel as though part of me died with Cora. She was like a big “Sister” to me. She was a huge part of our lives for many years and we shared a valuable family history. I always appreciated her candor, her laughter, her positive attitude (even throughout her terminal illness), her sarcasm, her wit, her wisdom, her constructive criticism, her interest in others, her unconditional love, her love for her family and friends, and the many talks especially lately that we shared about our faith in God and trust in Him throughout whatever befalls us, we both felt and feel that God doesn’t cause these things to happen to us, but He is with us through every circumstance and will never leave us.
We are thinking of you as you honor your mother, Cora. You’ll never forget her face, the sound of her voice, the gentleness of her touch… they let you know you were loved. You’ll never forget the stories she told, the traditions she handed down… they let you know who you are. You’ll never forget the lessons she taught, the things she stood for… they are her gift and your legacy. You’ll never forget, and you’ll always know that you honor her every day in how you live and who you are.
Our hearts go out to all of you and her dear friend,Terri who was so supportive of Cora during her illness. I have had the role of caregiver many times in my personal life as well as my church life and I have the utmost love and appreciation for all caregivers. Mary and Terri THANK YOU sooooo much for the outpouring of love and devotion and gentle care given to Cora throughout her illness! God has seen what you have done for her. I thank and appreciate everyone who loved Cora and was there for her! She KNEW she was loved!
I am so happy that little Damien Desmond Rose will soon be with us! He will bring such joy and laughter into our lives. I believe that Cora will be watching over him from Heaven! She was overjoyed and looking forward to being a Great-Grandma! We will truly MISS her.
I feel blessed and privileged to have known Cora and to have had her not only as a “Sister”-in-law, but also as a precious friend. I will never forget her (she didn’t have to tell me, “Please don’t forget me!”) I told her, “Who could EVER forget YOU, Cora!” I know that she has left this earthly life and I am thankful that she is now in Heaven with her loved ones that have gone on before her, and that she is no longer suffering or in pain. She fought valiantly her battle with cancer three times in seven years. She was amazing. I look forward to seeing her again!
Please, my Loves, know that we are lifting you in prayer and asking God to give you peace, strength and comfort throughout your grieving.
In His love,
Uncle Tom, Aunt Kandy, Chad, Ryan, Jess, Noah, Grace and Luke
P.S. I don’t have e-mail addresses, home addresses or telephone numbers for Angela or Billie-Jo. Would someone please forward my letter to them or give them a copy? And a copy to Jimmy, too please? Thank you!