My church friend Deanna has passed away at age 39 1/2...

[catlover79]

Deanna is a friend we've known for a long, long time. She developed breast cancer a couple of years ago - and had the cancer while pregnant with her third child. She delivered a healthy boy and all seemed to be OK. She went into remission. Deanna's hair started to grow back and she seemed to be regaining her strength. Then we had word that her bones and joints were very sore and she had to go in for tests.

It turns out the news was bad - much worse than we'd expected. The cancer is back and it's in her bones. Her liver is starting to fail. In other words, barring a miracle, it's terminal. The doctors give her two weeks at the most. Deanna is only 39, has a husband and three young kids. Please keep Deanna and her family in your prayers...we're all heartbroken...

[EmoJoe]

awww, that's extremely sad. :( she's so young...wow, that's awful.

she'll be in my prayers. i hope somehow she can be ok...

[HuntingtonM15]

That is horrible. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.

[Retro4Life]

What a wonderful friend you are to be so concerned and caring. I know things seem bleak, and we do have to be realistic, but remember that there is always, always, hope. I wish your friend peace and strength in her hour of need, and I pray she gets that miracle.

[70s show watcher]

i will pray for your friend and her family

[sunshinefizzy]

I'll be praying, bud.

[Pitooey]

I will also pray for this young lady. May the good Lord watch over her young children too.

[ZeldaGilroy]

I will be praying for her Monika. Miracles do happen and I am believing God for a miracle this time. :bighug: I am praying for you as well. I know it is difficult to watch a friend go through something like this.

[Scoobiedoo30]

Your Friend will be in my prayers.

[catlover79]

Thanks everyone!! Here are a couple of pics of Deanna, Mike and their kids at our church's Halloween party a little over 3 months ago. I took these pics and they are on both their Facebook pages, so it's OK.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Thanks everyone!! Here are a couple of pics of Deanna, Mike and their kids at our church's Halloween party a little over 3 months ago. I took these pics and they are on both their Facebook pages, so it's OK.
What a sweet family. I know this must be so hard on all of them. I am sending lots of prayers their way.

[steevo]

I'm sorry sorry to hear about this Monika. I will be praying for your friend and her family. :(

[catlover79]

Thanks again, everyone! :bighug:

[Stuck In The '70's]

I'm so sorry. Your friend is in my prayers Monika. :(

[OH Nuts!]

YOu got it Monika! An EXTRA BIG one!!

[browneyes106]

I'm sorry about your friend. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.

[Schmoopie]

How awful! So sorry to hear this sad news!

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I'm so sorry to hear that. :( She's so young with such young kids. I agree with Retro4Life...never give up on hope.

[catlover79]

I'm so sorry to hear that. :( She's so young with such young kids. I agree with Retro4Life...never give up on hope.
Yes, the kids are 7, 4, and 10 months. But I believe that as long as there's life, there's hope...and if not, Deanna will be in heaven. :D

[Marvo301]

Deanna and her family are in my prayers. (and in God's hands!)

[catlover79]

Thanks again, everyone - I hope to be able to visit her later on in the day.

[MickeyMac]

This is so sad to hear, she will be in my prayers.

[Tubehead]

i know how you feel. my grandpapa died of bladder cancer. he passed away last auguet. he was in world war 2 and koren war. he made scutlers for living. one time he made this dancer that spin around. he even made club for arists for christ. i think their still around not sure. my grandpapas scutler are down town chattanooga.tn at the artgallry.
i got some pictuers of his scutlers :
http://home.comcast.net/~heathjack/site/

[catlover79]

i know how you feel. my grandpapa died of bladder cancer. he passed away last auguet. he was in world war 2 and koren war. he made scutlers for living. one time he made this dancer that spin around. he even made club for arists for christ. i think their still around not sure. my grandpapas scutler are down town chattanooga.tn at the artgallry.
i got some pictuers of his scutlers :
http://home.comcast.net/~heathjack/site/
Those are great pictures. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Hollywood Rock Chic]

Deanna, is in my prayers. God Bless her and her family.

[Hollywood Rock Chic]

i know how you feel. my grandpapa died of bladder cancer. he passed away last auguet. he was in world war 2 and koren war. he made scutlers for living. one time he made this dancer that spin around. he even made club for arists for christ. i think their still around not sure. my grandpapas scutler are down town chattanooga.tn at the artgallry.
i got some pictuers of his scutlers :
http://home.comcast.net/~heathjack/site/
WOW, your grandfather was a very talented man, the sculpture, he designed is gorgeous!!!:)

[The Great One]

I will pray for your friend!

[AB]

I'll keep your friend in my prayers.

[catlover79]

I did get to see Deanna today. She's now at home. Our pastor was there, as well as another church friend. We gathered around Deanna's bedside while Pastor said prayers and read Scripture (including the 23rd Psalm). Deanna can't really talk now but she was aware of us being there and nodded a lot. She even reached her hand out directly to me. So I held her hand, told her I loved her, how we'll all keep an eye on her husband and kids, and how brave she is. So I thank God I was able to get to her in time and say those important things. Thanks again, everyone, for your prayers and support.

[Retro4Life]

Wow, I'm so sorry that your friend has receded. But I'm glad you were able to spend some quality time with her; it sounds like a wonderful way to say 'goodbye', if it comes to that.

What a great friend you must be. You really rock! :)

[LuLu Rogers]

My prayers are with your friend Monika!

[catlover79]

Thank you...I did my best. But I turned into the mushball I am and burst into tears while Pastor read the 23rd Psalm...which in turn set off everyone else!

[Lee]

I will pray for your friend, Monika

[catlover79]

Thank you all again! I haven't heard anything new, but I hope and pray that she hangs on for our other pastor to see her again - he's been out of town this past week. It's hard to really put into words the experience of seeing her the other day. She can't talk much, but she still knows us. I'll never forget her hand reaching out for me when I was crying at her bedside. Even as she is making the transition from this life to the next - she still wants to comfort US!!! Truly, Deanna is one of the bravest women I've ever known...her husband and kids can be proud of her legacy.

[comedyfreak]

i know how you feel. my grandpapa died of bladder cancer. he passed away last auguet. he was in world war 2 and koren war. he made scutlers for living. one time he made this dancer that spin around. he even made club for arists for christ. i think their still around not sure. my grandpapas scutler are down town chattanooga.tn at the artgallry.
i got some pictuers of his scutlers :
http://home.comcast.net/~heathjack/site/
Nice website...I've always wanted to do one but don't know how.

I'll be praying for you and your friends Monika.

[catlover79]

Deanna went Home this morning at 1:10 AM EST. Please keep her family - especially her husband Mike and her three young children in your thoughts and prayers.

[HuntingtonM15]

I'm very sorry to hear that. May God be with her and her family.

[catlover79]

Chris Rice - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

[sunshinefizzy]

Here's to you and your new gaurdian angel.

[LuLu Rogers]

My prayers go out to her family :rip:

[Hollywood Rock Chic]

Monika, my deepest condolences in losing your friend, Deanna. What a beautiful and brave Angel. God Bless her and her family. Remember she is in a better place, and will be looking after you, always and forever. And, also remember, you will meet again:) :hug:

[Retro4Life]

I'm so very, very sorry, Monika.

What a loving tribute you made for your friend. As others have said, I am sure she is in a place of peace and beauty now, free from pain and suffering. It doesn't diminish the hurt, at least not right now, but knowing that can be a great comfort. I know.

She seems like she was a wonderful lady. Remember all the great times you had together and hold her close to your heart; in this way she is never really gone and you'll be sure to recognize her when you meet again.

Hang in there, OK?

[catlover79]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your prayers and kind words. Here is Deanna's last Facebook update, from Saturday the 6th:

"I am home (even if it's only for 3 weeks). It's good to be home. I hope I get the chance to let everyone know how much they are appreciated and loved. I pray all that will see my children will give them love and support... this is going to be very hard on them."

[steevo]

My prayers go out to her family. This will be very hard for them. :(

[Dr. John Becker]

I don't know of any words that I can say to make you feel better. I am truely sorry for the loss of your friend. Some friends come into our lives and become just as close as a family member, and I'm glad you had the chance to know her, even if for such a short time.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. :(

The one thing you can take confort in is that she's not suffering with her Cancer any more. That's what got me through my Dad's death from Heart Disease.

[Marvo301]

Deanna's difficult journey in now over and she has arrived at home. Mike and the children will be in my prayers as their journey continues without her. You and her other friends will also be in my prayers.

[Janice]

How very sad, Monika. My prayers are with Deanna and her loved ones. Her journey is over, and she's with God now. My deepest condolences.

[70s show watcher]

im sorry monika:( my prayers to her family

[catlover79]

The calling hours are over the weekend and the funeral is on Monday morning. I'm sure it will be a beautiful service.

[Retro4Life]

The calling hours are over the weekend and the funeral is on Monday morning. I'm sure it will be a beautiful service.

It's been a rough year for you, hasn't it? :(

[OH Nuts!]

Oh, Monika I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to her family...to you and her other friends.

[Family Ties Forever!]

I'm sorry to hear that. I know if it were my friend I would be heartbroken.

[EmoJoe]

awww, im very sorry :( thats so sad....

her and her family will be in my prayers.

[browneyes106]

I'm sorry about your friend. I will continue to pray for her friends and family.

[Stuck In The '70's]

I am so sorry about your friend Monika. She was so young . It just isn't fair. May God be with her. I'll keep her family in my thoughts and prayers through this terrible time. :(

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I'm so, so sorry Monika. It's terrible, for her to be so young and with such young kids. RIP Deanna. :(

[catlover79]

Thanks again, everyone...I will pass along your prayers and well wishes along to Deanna's family. :bighug:

[catlover79]

Here's Deanna's obit:

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/02/12/obituaries/nh2078366.txt

[ZeldaGilroy]

I am so sorry Monika. I will continue to pray for her family and her little ones. I am sorry for your loss as well. :bighug:

[Dr. John Becker]

Here's Deanna's obit:

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/02/12/obituaries/nh2078366.txt


This is from the obit

Do you know if the National City banks in my area (Kentucky) would take the donations for her, or just the ones in your area?

[catlover79]

This is from the obit

Do you know if the National City banks in my area (Kentucky) would take the donations for her, or just the ones in your area?
How sweet of you to want to donate! To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. I would call your nearest National City and ask them. I'm sure they can work out something. Thanks so much!! :D

[80sTrivia]

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news of your friend... :(

[The Great One]

I'm so sorry to hear that your friend has passed away.

[catlover79]

Thanks again, everyone, for your prayers and kindness. It means the world to us!! :bighug:

[Pitooey]

I'm so sorry Monika. :( :bighug: Deanna had such a beautiful face. I'm sending my condolences to you and the family for your loss. :(

[catlover79]

I'm so sorry Monika. :( :bighug: Deanna had such a beautiful face. I'm sending my condolences to you and the family for your loss. :(
Thank you! She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She always had a smile on her face.

[catlover79]

Deanna's funeral was this morning. A lot of tears were shed, but it was a beautiful service. Her life and witness has already brought our congregation closer. The good thing is the service was held on Presidents Day, where the kids were off from school and several others had the day off from work. Thanks again, everyone, for your prayers and kind words. They are much appreciated!! :bighug:

[Meade]

Im sorry to hear about this. I will pray for you and her family too. That is so very young to die, but again, we're reminded that death knows no age. Life is very precious here on earth. God Bless.

[catlover79]

Im sorry to hear about this. I will pray for you and her family too. That is so very young to die, but again, we're reminded that death knows no age. Life is very precious here on earth. God Bless.
Thank you!!!!!

[Schmoopie]

Monika, I have loved seeing the beautiful pictures of Deanna that you've been using as your avatar. That's a wonderful tribute, and I know she would be very grateful to you.

[catlover79]

Monika, I have loved seeing the beautiful pictures of Deanna that you've been using as your avatar. That's a wonderful tribute, and I know she would be very grateful to you.
Thank you...it's not much, but I try to keep her memory alive in some small way.

[MrCleveland]

Sorry for your loss, Monika.

Losing a Church Member really gets to you. I knew that happened with me in July when someone at our church died suddenly....:(

[Pus$y Galore]

Aw, Monika, I'm so sorry to hear that. She sounds like an amazing person and it was at least a GOOD life lived. And of course, that makes it all the harder on the ones she left behind. May she rest in peace.

Sending you a big hug :bighug:

[catlover79]

Aw, Monika, I'm so sorry to hear that. She sounds like an amazing person and it was at least a GOOD life lived. And of course, that makes it all the harder on the ones she left behind. May she rest in peace.

Sending you a big hug :bighug:
Thanks, Cathie. I know you of all people understand. :bighug:

[littlebelle]

I am so sorry for your lost Monika. I know how hard it is to lose a friend. It's very sad and leaves you with an awful feeling that words can't describe. Just know God's taking care of Deanna, and she is happily in heaven. May she RIP.

[catlover79]

^ Thank you, Ramona. Easily the most emotional part of the service was the photo slideshow of Deanna, set to Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" and Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace". There was a LOT of sniffling and sobbing. We saw Deanna's baby photos, school photos, graduation pictures, wedding pictures, vacations, and each of the kids' births - plus random family pics. Just gorgeous.

[Dr. John Becker]

It still blows my mind how young she was. It just goes to show you that you need to be prepared. We may live to be ninety, or we may not even make it to our fourties.

[catlover79]

It still blows my mind how young she was. It just goes to show you that you need to be prepared. We may live to be ninety, or we may not even make it to our fourties.
I agree, and it still totally blows my mind how brave she was. She was 6 months pregnant when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the end of 2008. She actually had to undergo a certain amount of chemo while pregnant. Baby Sammy is 10 months old and healthy as a horse, thank goodness. Just amazing!

[catlover79]

Tomorrow marks the one month anniversary of Deanna going Home. Her kids made a snowman at her gravesite recently, and Mike took a pic:

[Elvis Fonzie Dean]

Really cute picture.Glad to see the kids smiling in tribute to their mother!

[LuLu Rogers]

Tomorrow marks the one month anniversary of Deanna going Home. Her kids made a snowman at her gravesite recently, and Mike took a pic:


So sweet, brought tears to my eyes!

[catlover79]

So sweet, brought tears to my eyes!
I know - that was my reaction when I first saw it! :heart:

[browneyes106]

Very touching picture of the kids.

[catlover79]

It is...Deanna was a great wife and mom - she really did a great job with them. :D

[The Great One]

That picture definitely pulls on my heartstrings!

[catlover79]

If no one could be moved by that, they have a heart of stone!

[catlover79]

I found the video of Deanna's life in pictures that someone put up online. Very moving.

http://www.auctionsalestraining.com/deanna/

[Janice]

Very moving indeed. A tear jerker, for sure. I can see that Deanna was a loving and well-loved person. How is her family doing, especially her husband and children?

[ZeldaGilroy]

That was absolutely beautiful Monika. It made me cry. I've wondered about your friend's husband and children as well. I cannot imagine the pain they must be going through. I am still keeping them in my prayers.

[catlover79]

Very moving indeed. A tear jerker, for sure. I can see that Deanna was a loving and well-loved person. How is her family doing, especially her husband and children?
Thanks for asking!! They are hanging in there. Mike and the kids are in church every week, as are his parents. Baby Sammy looks more and more like Deanna every day. In fact, some ladies from the church scraped together and bought him a Mother's Day gift (I think it was a gift card for our local supermarket). On Mother's Day, Mike had this notice posted up:

[Dr. Thong]

My condolences, Monika.

39 is far too young. The only good thing is that she's no longer in pain and her body and soul are at peace.