Heaven gained another angel...

Another message from your mama. .  

Hi Becca:Hillary just sent me a message that her friend Sarah White lost her brave and courageous fight against breast cancer this morning, she as 31. She was one of the most amazing persons I ever had the pleasure to know.  Sarah, Hillary and Ilana grew up together.   Sarah and her family have been close with our family ever since Hillary was 9 and Sarah was 8.  For many years she was part of our family activities while the girls were in school together.  She will be deeply missed.   Arnie and I are feeling a little low tonight so I think we are going to go to Target (strange kind of cheer up....don't you think?).We love all of you very much and think of you everyday.Give each other an extra hug and kiss tonight and let them know how much they mean to you.
x

 I responded:
Oh Pam, I'm so sorry.  It's amazing how with every diagnosis and loss I feel on some level like I'm right back there and it is our loss all over again.  I started sobbing when my girlfriend told me her 4-year old wass diagnosed with Leukemia - our pain is still so fresh.  Your empathy is great Pam. .. her and Lana are having a wonderful reunion i'm sure.    I love ya and target cheers me up better than almost anything - what is it about that place, it's magical!  When Lans was feeling better she wanted to go to target too :)  I have fond memories of her pushing that cart with a smile on her face - even with her slight limp from pain.  :)


Have fun up there party animals.

Birthday with the Brown family

Sweet Lans- I am so behind on documenting your loved ones.  Without further delay I had to post this sweet message from your Aunt Wendy:

Hi Becca! On Wednesday, the 13th, Pam, Hillary and Joni drove to
Tucson to celebrate the birthdays of my daughter, Jessica, and our
wonderful Ilana, whom we miss more than I could possibly explain.
Jessica and Hillary each donated at least 10" inches of hair, each,
when they had their haircuts at Gadabout Salon here in Tucson.
Afterwards, we went to the Cup Cafe for lunch and this delicious
carrot cake was gobbled up and enjoyed by all of us!  Fondly, Wendy

Your mommy also emailed me after the gathering as well : 

 I recently ran across this poem and I thought I would share it with you.

After I read this I could not help thinking that Ilana could of written this poem herself.  I feel her presence everyday and for that I am so grateful. Things I used to take for granted (people, or a few extra minutes in the morning) I don't take for granted anymore.  I just wish she was here so we could share them together.

Last week Hillary and I met up with Jessica, Aunt Joni and Aunt Wendy in Tucson to celebrate Jessica's 37th birthday and what would of been Ilana's  35th birthday on the 13th.  Jessica and Hillary had decided to donate 10 inches of their hair to "Locks of Love" in Ilana's name.  After the salon we went to one of Ilana's  favorite restaurants for Lunch. 

You are loved forever Lans. . .