Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, what a ride!"

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

In loving memory of my cousin

Thank you all for your kind words, good wishes and prayers during this incredibly hard time for me and my family. My funny, sweet, kind, tough-as-nails cousin, Dawn Farrell, passed away at the age of 35 from a rare brain cancer on June 26th, 2009. She battled for 2 1/2 years and never gave up. It may sound cliche but she accomplished so much more in her years than most people do in a long lifetime. She was a bright, shining star and she left her mark on this world.

She is survived by her husband, a Major in the United States Marine Corp, four young children and many other family members and friends. We are having a service on the west coast where she lived, and the east coast where she was from, on the same day. She will never, ever be forgotten.

Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened.
- Dr. Seuss

23 comments:

  1. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts during these difficult days. Special prayers for her babies!

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  2. My heart goes out to you and all of Dawn's loved ones.

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  3. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Big hugs to you.

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  4. My heart goes out to you...

    You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    ***Hugs***

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  5. This is a nice tribute, Debbie. I sent you an e, but as usual, incredimail was acting up again. Not sure you got it. Take care and keep the faith.
    I'm thinking of you every day.

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  6. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  7. I'm sorry for your loss. :(

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  8. This is so heartbreaking. I can't imagine the pain you and your family are in.

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  9. I am terribly sorry for your loss. Your tribute was lovely. My heart goes out to her children.

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  10. Oh Wrighty, I am so sorry. ((hugs))

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  11. Thank you for letting us see your beautiful cousin. She was far too young to lose a battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  12. A beautiful tribute to your cousin and while it is sad she has passed I am glad she was a part of your life.

    Dr Seuss could not have said it better.

    *Hugs* my thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

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  13. My sincerest condolences for your loss :( I know it's painful to say good-bye to someone you love, but always treasure those happy memories of her!

    My thoughts are with you at this time...special regards to her husband & children.

    ♥Isalys

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  14. Oh Debbie, I'm so very sorry for your loss...I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you, your family, her dear little children and her husband. :( Our sympathies are with you all in your time of sadness and loss. I hope that you can remember her the way she was when she was so healthy and full of vigour.
    Take care and big hugs to you and your family.

    -Bobbie

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  15. What a lovely tribute. I'll be thinking about you and your family . . .

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  16. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

    Consider yourself hugged.

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  17. I'm so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  18. Just happened upon your blog. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin.

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  19. Wrighty..I am so, so sorry for your loss and for the rest of your family who is grieving over Dawn. You are all in my thoughts and prayers...

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  20. I want to provide you with my warmest wishes in this sad time. I hope that you all will remember her in her best moments and smile.

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad that you posted a tribute to her here. Thoughts and prayers your way.

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