Single Pink Rose for AlaskaDeb

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Comments

  • CasinoGirl
    CasinoGirl Posts: 673
    edited January 2009

    Channel 2 did an awesome job.  What a wonderful tribute to our Deb.  My prayers (and tears) are with John and girls today.

    Hugs,

    Donna

  • kjbell
    kjbell Posts: 974
    edited January 2009

    Thanks for the link.  The story was touching.  God bless Deb and her family.

  • HopingforaCure
    HopingforaCure Posts: 163
    edited January 2009

    Sending love, prayers, good vibes and hopeful thoughts to Deb's family.  Whenever I read a thread that she was involved with, I was always struck by her amazing compassion, vitalilty, humor and absolute sincerity. Deb is such an example for how everyone should conduct their lives.  She really was one of the good ones--a rare gem!  Hugs and blessings to all.

  • Isabella4
    Isabella4 Posts: 2,166
    edited February 2009

    Just to say a great big 'thankyou' to Whoopsiedoodles for helping me get a rose to Deb.

    I did try, but my card wouldn't work in Alaska ! I gave up all my other cards, that probably would have worked, I never used them, just stuffed up my purse....I only chopped them up just at Christmastime, when I realised I just had never used them since the previous Christmas.

    So, just a great big thanks Whoops.

    Isabella. 

  • LuAnnH
    LuAnnH Posts: 8,847
    edited February 2009

    Gosh this was so lovely!  I missed out on sending a rose, I got so busy in TX visiting my son and caring for my grandson.  I just got home and read this and say the news article.  John, since I know you read these I will tell you I am so sorry I didn't get a chance to partcipate in sending a rose.  I do send you my heartfelt condolonces for you & your children.  I know how hard it can be to lose a spouse and children without a parent.  I lost my dad when I was 11 and my husband passed away in 1998 leaving me with 4 children.  I know there is no words that can help you.  Just know we are praying for you all and are here for support if you ever need it.  Just pop in and we will help you if you need it.  Again I am so sorry for the loss of such a vibrant beautiful woman!

  • PinkyLee
    PinkyLee Posts: 648
    edited February 2009

    Vista will not download the adobe flash player unless you are using Firefox. I have been trying to get it to work and found that out.

  • WellWater
    WellWater Posts: 6,546
    edited February 2009

    I just watched the video........WOW how touching!  I had to rewatch it a couple of times because I had a hard time watching it thru the tears. 

    It was such a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful lady - thanks Donna and Traci for getting this off the ground!

    Love to all, Trina

  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Posts: 647
    edited February 2009

    I'm upset I didn't find this thread until now, I would have participated. Donna that was such an awesome idea.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    Isabella, you are so welcome.  I'd do anything for my sisters, and I know you'd do anything for me!   I love you all so much, and I know we are all just broken over losing our Deb. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    I would like to say a great big thank you to Donna as well...I will pay it forward, you can be sure!

    Hugs

    Peggy

  • cmb35
    cmb35 Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2009

    Anyone that missed an opportunity for a rose, they are also looking for donations to Deb's Relay for Life team, the link is somewhere on this thread.

  • jerseymaria
    jerseymaria Posts: 770
    edited February 2009

    have any pictures come thru of the roses from the service?

  • Marple
    Marple Posts: 19,143
    edited February 2009

    A thank you from me to Donna and Traci.......my guardian angel.

    I don't know Jersey.  I'd love to see all the flowers.

  • Sable
    Sable Posts: 738
    edited February 2009

    The flowers were such a wonderful idea. Prayers and lots of love for her family!

  • wahine
    wahine Posts: 8,231
    edited February 2009

    Would love to see a pic of the flowers too. Hope John and the girls are doing okay; I sure thought of them a lot yesterday. I hope they have felt some comfort in all the prayers and love we have sent their way! We're missing you a lot Deb...

  • kelly1215
    kelly1215 Posts: 94
    edited February 2009

    I love this quote...I saw it again today and thought of our Deb:

    It is still so new & all we see is the empty space,
    but that is not how it is in the landscape of the heart.
    There, there is no empty space & she still laughs &
    grapples with ideas & plans & nods wisely with each of us in turn.
    We are proud to have known her.
    We are proud to have called her friend.


    Story People
    {Landscape of the Heart}

  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Posts: 2,601
    edited February 2009

    Dear Friends,

    We have been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayer, hope, smiles and of course the Roses for and about Deb.   I told Traci, I couldn't post anything to tell you of Deb's passing.   I just didn't want to discourage anyone for even a second.   But you all have turned Debs passing into a triumph.  You People are truly incredible, beautiful people.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

    I told our pastor, if we were going to have a funeral I wasn't going.  Instead, with your help it was truly a celebration.    The church was packed.  Almost 500 people attended with may more sending their regrets.  (haven't heard from Sarah yet (LOL) but Todd Palin is off to the Iron Dog with our friend Scott Davis & I heard she was in Wash D.C. so I doubt if she is available.) 500 in a community of 15,000 is incredible.  The flowers were great.  Pastor Randy was great.  (He probably will get converts! J) Deb's friends read poetry, articles they had written about her and told stories.  We cried a little and laughed a lot.    Denise, a friend from the hospital and church, wore a balloon hat and brandished a balloon sword.  (Deb was known to some groups as the balloon lady.)  The service was supposed to be about 45 min with an hour reception following.  The service lasted an hour and 40 minutes and I don't know how long the reception lasted but it went on a long time.   (I didn't get to sit, drink, eat......)  Just lots of hugs, laughs, upbeat music, and of course a few tears.   (The girls played "I'm beautiful Damn it" by Bette Midler. If you haven't heard it go listen to it. It's a hoot as Deb would say!) 

    The girls passed the flowers out to all the ladies who stayed for the reception.  We were all exhausted but the girls wanted to go learn swing dancing that evening.   Again, if you know Deb, that would be very appropriate.   So off they went, while I caught up with the family in town. 

    I have been totally excited to see the posts, topics, pictures, stories, and Ideas.  

    I also love the thread about contacting President Obama.   In church Sunday, I spoke to a couple who has a very close friend who they say is terminal.  I pointed them to the websites.  But as I talked to them and hear of others having to go through what you all do, I get Angry.  Not for our loss but D___ It!  No one should have to have this disease and go through what you all have/are going through.  Ok I'm done venting.

    I saw the Picture of Deb with 3 drinks in her hand at Pink stock.  We all laughed and smiled at that one.  That's Deb!

    I love the "Do something crazy" Idea.  Deb is probably joining in.

    Also, from the Girls & I, thank you for helping Deb through her struggle.   She valued your help, support and friendships so much. Your efforts made life easier for us all.  Thank you.    

    Bless you all.  Talk to you later.

    John

  • Bugs
    Bugs Posts: 1,719
    edited February 2009

    John,

    It sounds like it was a true celebration of life.  Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how it went.  Hugs to you and the girls.

    Bugs

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    What a great idea to pass the roses out like that John!

    Thank you for letting us know... we loved the news cast!

    Take Care !!!!!!!

  • Naniam
    Naniam Posts: 1,766
    edited February 2009

    John, thank you for the post and letting us feel a part of the Celebration of Life for Deb.  I'm thrilled to learn the ladies there received a rose.

    Know that we carry you and the girls and Deb's family in our hearts and prayers. 

  • newvickie
    newvickie Posts: 3,939
    edited February 2009

    Blessing to you, the girls and the entire family...thank you for posting...especially now when your heart has to be so raw. 
    I am so happy that the roses brought joy and the love for her was felt by everyone. 

    Going to miss her very much and she will be in my heart forever.

    Hugs from NY

    V

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    Dear John, Thank you so much for the wonderful description of the celebration you had in honor of Deb.  I felt like I was there, it was so descriptive! 

    I, too, was delighted to hear of the idea to pass out the roses to those who attended.  That was a wonderful idea! 

    I never spoke to Deb physically, but after she passed, I went through my PM's and found several from Deb.  She was so thoughtful, and would "check in" with me to be sure I was feeling okay.  How amazing.  This all was happening just as she was dx'd with her mets.  

    I've been talking about Deb constantly for the past several days, and I have been referring to her as my "cancer mom."  She really was.  She was nuturing, loving, and took care of us all. 

    She will be missed. 

    Love and prayers, Deb

  • Marple
    Marple Posts: 19,143
    edited February 2009

    John..........thank you.

  • cmb35
    cmb35 Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2009

    Yes, John, thank you for describing your ceremony for Deb, it sounds like it truly was a celebration of her life. Colleen

  • DragonladyTina
    DragonladyTina Posts: 371
    edited February 2009

    Thank you from Canada John,

    We will have a void in our hearts, prayers and hugs to you and the girls!

    love Tina Babechuk

  • livesstrong
    livesstrong Posts: 1,799
    edited February 2009

    It was our plasure, you wife was amazing.

    Valerie

  • heatherpalmerton
    heatherpalmerton Posts: 2,247
    edited February 2009

    Thank You, Deb will be missed but forever in our hearts. God Bless, Heather

  • lizws
    lizws Posts: 1,892
    edited February 2009

    John, Thank you for sharing Deb's celebration with us.  It sounds like something she would have planned herself.  I will always remember and treasure meeting her.  She kept me laughing - something I didn't do much back then. 

    God Bless you and the girls.  I know this time is difficult.  We will always be here for you guys.

    Hugs

    Liz

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Posts: 13,961
    edited February 2009

    Thank you John for taking the time to connect with all Deb's friends...I know she would love giving out the roses to those who were there ....

    Hugs to you and the girls, SoCal

  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2009

    John. Your wife was one-in-a-million. You know that and so do we. We're celebrating the unique, spunky, thoughtful, hilarious woman who lived here in our midst. Thank you for sharing the celebration and the details of how that day unfolded.

    Our entire community sends our encouragement for these days ahead, as the adrenalin settles.

    Know that you are in our hearts and prayers.

    Thank you for thinking of us, in the midst of your loss.

    xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

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