Oh, Laurette.

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I was there to hold you while cry. I will keep you, Ron and your families in my thoughts and prayers.

Dianne

I am so very sorry Laurette, it is just the very worst kind of tragedy. I had met Ron a couple of times, and could see how happy you were together. You always talked about him and it was obvious you two were made for each other. It's terrible!! How unfair life is! I am just so shocked I am at a loss for words. I am SO SO SO SORRY!!!

Laurette, I too am so sorry for your loss. I know he was a good man just for coming with you to the exchanges. I can only imagine all the great things you did together.
With much sympathy,
Remy

Laurette,
My prayers are with you. Paul F B

I am so sorry. I've lost my Dad and my best friend. Both of them were shockers too. I went around numb for a couple of days and then buried myself in work and hobbies to keep my mind from drifting. Pull your friends and family close and remember the good and the funny stories about your boyfriend. You can still keep his memory alive. Again, I'm truly sorry.

Laurette,

I am so sorry for your loss. I think that sudden, unexpected deaths like his are the worst, because you never really get to say goodbye knowing it's for the last time. Anyone that comes along to exchanges had to be worth his weight in gold. Hold tight to your memories of your times together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

With deepest sympathy,
Valerie (hammerl)

My deepest condolences Laurette.
I will keep you and yours in my prayers and please know that love does live on after one passes. Please keep close to others for support, join a grief group, and be very kind to yourself. Remember he loved you and would want you to be alright. Hugs, Kareen

Here is a link that might be useful: Our pond and gardens

Laurette, 'the native flower gardener'!
I can't find any words for you that might help erase the pain or make you feel better for now. All I can say is that my heart goes to you. Hope gardening will help you find some solace, especially if Ron shared your passion. Hope all the seedlings he helped you water will thrive. Your garden may be filled with memories of happy moments you spent together and this is going to make his loss even more present. It is O.K. to cry, you know! You don't have to be strong ...right now.
and stay out of those stinging nettles, and, don't lose too many tools...!!!!
BIG HUGS..

Anne-Marie

Oh Laurette, my heart goes out to you. I am just at a loss for words. As Brenda said, it was so obvious last Sunday that you and Ron were so happy and definitely made for each other. I know you have many wonderful memories of times together. Hold tight to those memories and let friends be your strength right now. I am here if you need to talk.
Hugs to you,
Mary

Laurette-my thoughts and prayers are with with you...hold every memory and good thought you have with Ron...there are reasons that people come into our lives and there was certainly a reason for he was in your life...remember all the laughs the love and the memories...Kathy

Laurette,

As I said in my email, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose someone in such an unexpected way. Thank you for the reminder to appreciate our loved ones, it is so easy to forget how precious our time with them is.

If there is anything I can do to help you through this hard time, please let me know. I will be thinking of you.

Tara

Hi Laurette, My husband just showed me the newspaper about Ron what a shock. I'm so very sorry, the swap was the first time I had met Ron and I thought he was friendly then we found out he had known my husband through softball, and as you probably know, Ron came over and gave my husband a hand haying on a unrelenting hot day, and even offered to do another day. He was a good man, and you will miss him but

Its not a good-bye, its a see you later.
Linda

Laurette,

I am so sorry to hear this horrible news. I will keep you and Ron in my thoughts as I tend my garden - several plants in it were gifts from you! Just like our gardens our lives are meant to be shared. I'm glad you got to share some of yours with someone as kind and thoughtful as your Ron -- and I'm so very sorry to hear that he is gone. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.

Jen

Laurette,

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I pray that you will be able to survive this bitter blow and keep Ron in your heart forever.

Laurette,
I am without words for your loss. I am glad that we were all able to meet him at Tara's. Cherish your memories and good times together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Penny

I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear L.
I don't know you and probably will never meet you but your posting broke my heart. If I can feel pain over your story, I can only imagine what you must be feeling... It is inexplicable -- not only how you feel, but also what happened to Ron. Remember only the good things and fine memories that you have of him. Keep him close to your heart for now and reassure yourself that when you love someone that love never dies, it just goes on in a different form. We all share each other's lives in these forums and it too is a form of love. You have many supporters here and in your exchange group. Tending a garden is a positive optimistic outlook on life--you must hang on to that. Know that time will fade the pain. May God bless you and keep you emotionally and physically strong during the coming year.
Debra

Thanks to all of you for your support. If you are wondering if it makes a difference, it does. When all is lost and nothing can be fixed having ones pain acknowledged and shared can make a world of difference.

It is still hard for me to communicate, that is why it took so long for me to reply.

I am extremely thankful for the kindness and support of Ron's family, for, in their own time of grief, acknowledging my loss and Ron and my place in each other's lives.

Ron was buried with his parents and younger brother in the cemetary in his family's Parish in Darien, where he went to Catholic School until 8th grade. There were services at the mortuary by a Presyterian Minister. My aunt, who is a Spiritualist Reverend in East Aurora read a poem from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, at my request, and commital services were done by both reverends. Mass cards were sent by members of the Parish. I figure if all that doesnt get him into heaven it had to at least give everyone in pergatory a good laugh. I like to think of it as a potluck funeral.

Ron's Grandmother, who turned 90 last fall, gave me offical family status by scolding me for not coming to visit often enough. I will chuckle for the rest of my days at the memory of her standing up halfway through commital and announcing "I can't sit this long!"

Ron and I had matching crystals that we used to touch to each other in greeting and farewell. I would yell "Power People, Unite!" He was wonderful at humoring me. He was buried with his on. I am very greatful to his family for keeping up the tradition of humoring me.

I am going to make Ron his own web page, but I think it will be alittle while. Meanwhile I put my favorite picture up. It was taken last christmas eve, and is how I will always remember Ron. It is the exact look he would give me during the yelling of "Power People....!" he he.

The link at the bottom of the page is the poem my aunt read.

While driving to the memorial services I pushed all kinds of buttons on the radio and said "the song that comes on next is from Ron". The song under the picture is it.

Thank you for letting me ramble on. I am lucky to be humored by so many people :o).

PAX et LVX
Laurette

Here is a link that might be useful: Ron

Hi Laurette,
Thank you for coming on to post and let us all know how you are doing. I have thought of you many times this past week and hoped that you were coping with this all as best as possible.

Sounds like you had a very meaningful "potluck" service for Ron and that his family has been very supportive for you. I am glad that you have that.

My daughter Anna asked that I convey to you her sympathy. She said she had several nice conversations with Ron that Sunday at Tara's and thought what a nice person he was.

Please stay in touch with us and let us know that you are okay.
Mary

P.S. Wonderful picture of Ron.

Hi Laurette-

I'm sorry to hear the news. My husband was also sad to hear the news -- he had a really nice time at the plant swap talking with Ron and hearing about his garden.

If there is anything we can do, please let me know.
Rini

Laurette,

I haven't met you, but I felt I had to add my condolences to the rest. It sounds as if you and Ron had a wonderful relationship. Take time to grieve and then allow yourself to remember all the good things you had together. He'll always be with you in your heart.

Best wishes,
rouan

Good to see you back on the forum, Laurette. Bon courage,
Anne-Marie

I am so sorry for your loss. I am at a loss for words, but wanted to let you know how sorry I am.
Candy

Laurette, I don't know you but I can imagine the hurt that you are feeling. Please be strong at this time and all of our thoughts are with you. Giniene