It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you tonight. My very dearest friend, Lenette took her final breath at 2:00 p.m. today. I wish I had different news tonight. I wish I could say that God answered our prayers the way we wanted. I wish I could say that that multi-organ transplant has been scheduled. Instead, in His ultimate wisdom, God had a different plan.
When I would get impatient with answers to prayers that I sent up daily, sometimes hourly, Len would remind me to trust and wait. I have never been good at that. Trust and wait?? I am the person at the stoplight with one foot on the accelerator and the other foot on the brake. I am that person who "wrestles with God" over stuff...and I do mean over and over. But Len would always tell me to be patient...just wait. And wait she did. With grace and diginity she fought while she waited. She planned and hoped and prayed while she waited. And tonight she doesn't have to wait any longer.
I talked with Lenette's Pastor, Elaina, about how my mind knows that Lenette is no longer in pain. And that in itself is something to be thankful for. But yet I cry. I cry not for Lenette. But for me. Selfish old me. Because my heart hurts with the knowledge that my buddy is no longer here with us. But she has left a lasting impression on us all, hasn't she?
So again I say thank you on Lenette's behalf for the prayers and cards and meals and flowers and visits. And thank you for touching my life as we have loved our friend Lenette.
In a few days we will celebrate Lenette's life in the way she had planned: with laughter, food, hugs, memories, and time spent together. She and I always told our kids "no do overs- so make the best of it the first time." Lenette certainly did that. She lived her best life possible everyday.
So maybe we will meet in a few days and share a story about Lenette. And if you cannot be there, please have a laugh on her. And hug your kids and call your best friend and tell her how much you love her....no do overs.
Melodee
11 comments:
Hi Melodee
Thanks for keeping us informed it has helped a lot. You were a great friend to her. Lenette was a great influence in my life. Her great leadership through this long fight. I would call her to see if she needed anything and she would be counseling me by the time we were done talking. Lenette did a great job in raising the 3 boys what great kids they are. She was so proud of them. Lenette was a great business woman. I just wanted to tell Lenette that you will always be my hero! Thank you!Tonia Coulter
Melodee and all of Lenette's friends/family,
Lenette was one of the most gracious humble people I have ever met. She gave so graciously and never ask for more. She was patient as she tried to teach patience to all of us. We all have so much to learn from Lenette...not a day went by that she didn't show someone how to live life to its fullest. She was not only a friend, but a mentor, a wonderful listener, a fabulous mother, and an inspiration to all whom she came in contact with. So much to learn from her journey as we all continue to move forward here on earth. We will all miss her wit, her laugh, her enthusiasm for life but most of all just having her with us as a dear friend. Melodee, we can all learn so much from the friendship that Lenette and you shared, not many of us have a true friend quite the same as the two of you. Be proud of what you were able to help her accomplish over the past few years and know that she will always be watching over as you help those three wonderful boys find their way in life without their Mother.
So much to say about Lenette and so very much to be thankful for as she touched all of our lives. She was one of the best and will truly be missed. Thanks for posting one last time as we all say good bye to our dear friend Lenette. We loved her and will miss her dearly.
Dear Melodee, my heart goes out to you as much as the boys. Barb said it all when she said, "Lenette was one of the most gracious, humble people", we all will ever meet. She is like a beautiful pebble thrown into the water, her touch will go on and on forever, not just in her accomplishments in Muncie, but with her three sons living what she so loving taught them. what a blessing it is for all of us to have known her as a friend. Melodee, it is said, "it takes one to know one", you are more like Lenette than you know. Your heart and hers could live, laugh, cry, share, and love, as moms, as sisters, as believers, and as friends. Bless you for all you were, are, and will be, for her. If any of us can do anything for you, please just say, hey.......
You and the boys are in our prayers
Debbie Schink
I am very sorry to hear of Lenette's passing. She was a brave and stong fighter until the end. Though I have not seen her in awhile, I have fond memories of visiting her house and my other cousins and aunt when she lived in Chicago.
I am sorry her fight with cancer ended but at least she is no longer suffering.
God has her now in his hand and her pain is gone.
I am thinking of her brothers and sister and her sons and I pray for all of you. May your memories of Lenette help you through this difficult time.
Laurie Smith
A shock to my heart. This blog is so unabashedly powerful. Thank you for sharing this painful journey.
I don't think many people can say they've achieved the same level of respect and admiration the way Lenette has in her lifetime.
To Lenette's family and her three beautiful boys, I hope you know how much this brilliant woman has transformed the world with her presence. Oh, how she loved her boys.
When I close my eyes and think of Lenette, I like to imagine her surrounded by a circle of talented young adults with the 'talking stick' in her hand - sharing the joys and reflections of her day. I still see her beaming smile. I still feel the sound of her contagious laughter. I couldn't ask for a better way to remember her.
Thank you Lenette for giving me the opportunity to share in your unrelenting optimism for life, even in your darkest of days. And thank you for inspiring youth to hear the strength of their own voice.
Kris Angarola
YACL alumni
Words don't quite expressing the feelings that so many of us feel. I first met Lenette when my boyfriend was in the first Youth Academy class. I got to know Lenette the next year when I joined the second class.
Lenette was an amazing mentor. As a young adult, it seemed no one cared. Then this incredible adult started this amazing program, and it was like we had a voice. She cared about what we thought, and had a vision for the youth of Muncie. She taught us all so much.
I then interned at the Children's Museum, and Lenette was not only my mentor, but my friend. I had the pleasure of working with her, and when I left to go to college, she always stayed in touch. She did that with each of us, as if we were her extended family. She kept tabs on all of us in any way she could. She would always meet with me when I came home from college and catch up with me. She never failed, always inspiring me and giving me words of wisdom.
Lenette had a smile that lit up a room, and no matter your day, it cheered you up. She was always there, and no matter her struggles, she wanted to help you with yours.
Life is hard to imagine without her, and she will truly be missed. She left a legacy in Muncie. She will never be forgotten by her extended family. The youth that she impacted will never forget her, and I know those of use who knew her will always miss her. She was an inspiration to so many, and I know she has changed many lives. She is exactly that... "unforgettable."
Christina Fraizer
Melodee-
You were such a pilar of strength for Lenette. I admire you for that. You fought side-by-side with her through each battle. She was very fortunate to have you with her.
Lenette was such a funny person and I really enjoyed that aspect of her personality. She was so kind and encouraging to me and my children during my husband Terry's cancer and death.
She was a terrific mother and her best qualities are found in her sons. I have confidence they will all continue to do great things with their mother's spirit living in each of them.
Lenette is now free.
My Dear Dear Cousin, We had so much fun when we were younger who would have thought things would end up so sad!! You were my favorite cousin.Our Grandmas would always fight and we would laugh!! i had so much fun staying overnight and we would get im trouble.You always had a great sense of humor and great laugh.Your boys meant the world to you.I am so glad that i was able to come and visit you afew months ago and you hugged me as I cried and you said you would be okay, I knew better.I am happy that you are no longer in pain and in a better place loooking over all of us.You were one brave woman.And when I am having a bad day I will think of you! Give Aunt Phyllis a big hug from us girls and may you now be in peace. Love You Debbie
Melodee-
Thank you for writing the final page in Lenette's blog. Your words are filled with honesty and love that only a dear freind can relate. Your loyality to your dear friend is to be greatly admired and respected. Many of us were there for parts of Lenette's journey but you were on board for the entire trip. I ache for the boys, who she loved beyond above all, I ache for you because your best buddie is gone but I ache for all the people who were blessed to know the loviness of Lenette and who will miss her desperately.
Later today we will celebrate her life as she wanted, we will laugh, we will cry but most of all we will remember our dear friend, Lenette!!!!
Hey Lenette
Well you did it again, what a great celebration toinght. It was so wonderful all the pictures and the letters you wrote the boys. You were right on it tonight, everyone was laughing and talking. Food and beer everyone was enjoying, people telling storys about all the crazy fun times they shared with you. There we all were it was raining but no one cared we all were having a good time doing what you wanted us to do relaxing and enjoying our life reflecting back on yours. The boys were all men tonight they got up and told their funny storys of you. So to my hero thanks again for a wonderful party! See you at the top! Love Tonia Coutler
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