Although I had not seen Renee in over 40 years, our friendship went back more then 55 years. When I moved away to Colorado, Renee also moved there to attend CWC and we were able to be together in Denver until she returned to California to marry Jim.
We wrote many letters to one another, and spoke on the phone often in the early years, and then when we had our families and got busy, there was more time in between our chats and letters, but we always knew we did not need constant correspondence to keep our friendship strong.
I was always so honored to be her friend and I was always in awe of her as she was so beautiful.
We had so many great memories and we were both so blessed to have our wonderful families and so much to share and be happy about. It certainly was no suprise to me that she accomplished such great things.
She was always a person that you knew was going to be great at whatever she did, a great wife, a wonderful and loving mom and grandmother, a successfull business person...you just knew she was going to be at the top of whatever she did.
I was devistated to hear of her cancer diagnosis, but thought in my heart if anyone could fight and win this battle, it would be Renee'.
My last conversation with her was that she indeed was going to fight it, but also had a peace about her if she would in fact loose this battle.
She made it so easy to speak with her, as it is so difficult to know what to say to someone when they are going through something so herific.
It was just like her to meet it head-on with courage and dignity and grace.
I will miss our long Christmas letters to each other, and because I had not seen her in so many years, it is less painfull to just think we are still just living miles apart.
She always spoke so highly of her life, her blessings, her wonderful "Jim" and her incredible family. She would say "I'm living the good life...living the dream" and I know she did. I am so thankful that she had such a wonderful and full life and I am sure that those that love her will gather strength from knowing that.
I know she is in a very special place and knows the Glory of God and His Eternal love and I hope that her family will find comfort in knowing how special she was to so many people and what a special place she will hold in all of our hearts.
I know my tribute to her will be turning on my oldies but goodies and dancing my feet off, because that is what we did the most when we were together....boy how we loved to dance! I have a special "hully gullly" just for her.
Rest in peace my old and dear, dear friend, until we dance together in the Kingdom of God!
May God give her family the peace they all need to carry on without her and know that she is indeed in the loving arms of our Lord and watching with great pride over her family.
Forever in my memory and heart,
Donna