Thursday, November 30, 0002
Dear Stephen & Mary, Right at this moment words cannot express the sorrow I feel in my heart for you. I loved your Mom very dearly for so many reasons, not the least among them that she was a "Mom" to me when I needed it the most. She wouldn't allow me to wallow in my sorrow when I lost my Mother, and always made me feel right at home and a part of her wonderful family. She even taught me the meaning and usage of the word "fastidious" - I think Stephen will remember this reference. Your Mom was a kind, loving, adventurous woman who taught me [without ever knowing it] that it's never too late to fall in love. She taught me the proper way to shuck corn husks, and how to laugh at the world when all I really wanted to do was cry. And most of all she taught me to have hope and to go on trying, regardless. I truly believe that I met you, Stephen, all those years ago so that I would meet your Mom and learn to never stop trying. Because of her I put up my Christmas tree in December of 1980 when celebrating Christmas was the furthest thing from my mind. You will never know how happy I am that Clint and I got to see your Mom at your wedding, and how happy I am that he got to meet the wonderful woman that I have always regarded as one of my "other Mothers". May God be with all of you during this most difficult time, and may your hearts heal and fondly remember the wonderful years that you spent with her. She is at peace now, with no more suffering and no more pain and no more confusion. She's with those she loved so much in life, now to be with them for all eternity. Stephen, you were always a wonderful son to your Mom and you, Mary, were a wonderful daughter-in-law. Your love and devotion to her in both good times and bad will not go unnoticed. God speed, Rosella, God speed. Love and hugs, Joyce and Clint
