My cousin Ann passed away on Saturday after a long, courageous battle against scleroderma. She had an especially aggressive form of the disease, and for three years, fought with everything she had. With the help of her sisters and life partner Andrea, she worked tirelessly to beat this disease. And did so with a smile on her face, never letting the disease get her down. Despite the pain she was in, she didn’t miss a beat. She came to my shower, our wedding, Brienna’s funeral. She refused to let this disease get the best of her.
My parents, sister and I were with Ann on Saturday. Per usual, she had a smile on her face and made us laugh as we reminisced about the good ol’ days – Ann and her sisters (Lynne and Katie) were so good to us growing up. They were a little older than us, and we followed them around like puppies. At every family get together, they’d play hide ‘n’ seek and anything else we wanted and we loved every minute of it. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of being at their parents house dancing, singing and just playing for hours on end.
Before we left on Saturday, Ann said something that amazed me and has stuck with me. She said “I’m so blessed”. Despite her long battle against a nasty disease, despite her being called far too soon, despite the pain she must have been in, she still felt blessed. That was Ann.
Ann died surrounded by the people that loved her most. As Lynne said, the gates to Heaven are wide open for Ann. And I know one little girl that will be there to greet her. I told Brienna that Ann would be coming, and Ann has strict instructions to give Brienna a hug. It comforts me to know that they are together …
My heart aches for Andrea, Katie and Lynne. They lost their partner, sister and best friend. But Ann left her mark on all of us. Her courage, dignity and grace remain an inspiration. She will be so missed.
Laurie and Pat,
Michael and I are so sorry to hear of Ann’s death. I remember meeting her at the bridal shower in 2007. Her positive attitude and special spirit left a lasting impression on me.
I’m sure that she and Brienna are together in heaven and that they are sharing that hug.
We will keep all of your family in our prayers .
Love,
Mom and Dad Marr
Laurie
I am so sorry to learn of your cousin’s passing. Your description of her is of such a lovely, beautiful woman. Will be thinking of you as you mourn the loss of such an amazing person and family member. May peace be with your family and friends at this time.
Laurie,
You captured the essence of Ann so beautifully. I know Brienna was waiting for her and they are together now.
I love you.
Love,
Mom
Hi Laurie, you never cease to amaze me – you so beautifully express the emotions we share when we experience a loss of this magnitude. I am so glad that you and Kristen and your Mom and Dad were with us on Saturday. Your strength and love, hugs and warmth helped us so much, as we saw Ann pass away so peacefully after her arduous struggle with this hideous disease.
I have faith that Ann is now able to laugh again, hugging my parents and holding Brienna. She’s kissing her litle hand, and bringing your deep love from our world to hers. And our faith helps us remember that we will all be together one day.
Thank you for your beautiful post and for bringing back fond memories of when you and Kristen and Timmy and your loving cousins were little. You were all such fun especially when playing hide and seek! They are memories I will never forget.
All my love to you and Pat,
-Lynne
Dear Laurie,
Thank you for your beautiful words. There will never be another Ann. She truly is one of a kind. I don’t know what I am going to do without her. But the words and stories from every person she touched will give me that strength. I just know it.
Love you dearly.
Katie