Dear Renee,
As so many of us do, I truly believe that you are watching us now and that you know the grief that we are all experiencing. We are shocked beyond words at this most terrible news. It breaks my heart to think that you might have been ill and we did not know. But, I also know that you were private in so many ways and knowing you, would not have wanted to worry us.
So, what can I tell you? That the passing of someone that I have never met in person has left me grief stricken and with something of an "empty" feeling? Yes, I could tell you that but I would rather tell you that your life touched me. God gives us so many little gifts that we don't always recognize. And the gift of this little family, and you, has been the most wonderful gift and has brought me so much joy. For your unfailing cheerfulness, I thank you. For all of the times that you made me laugh, I thank you. For never forgetting a birthday, I thank you. I even have some of your recipes in my recipe folder and I certainly thank you for always sharing those. For your generous nature, and the fact that I have never heard you say one unkind word, I thank you. Please know that I will take all of your wonderful and sweet qualities and try to make them a part of me. You have given me so many gifts - maybe I can give some of them now to others.
To say you will be missed seems so odd when we have never met in person. But, Renee, you will be sorely missed. And isn't that the mark of a life well lived to know that you have touched so many lives? Both the furry and non-furry kind. I count it as my great honor to have had you as a friend. Of course, you know that love never dies, and your memory will stay with me. Such a beautiful spirit you are.
A light has gone from the world. But the glow from that light will never dim.
Peace, Renee. And may the memory of your beautiful life bring comfort to your family and friends.
With love,
Betty
