Gretchan,
I write
to you with Lulu’s music in my heart, Athena’s songs forming a halo
around my soul. I had not listened to Lulu’s tribute until now. New
photos, snapshots of love, adventure, joy in each and all, the warriors of her
family surrounding her, the sea a steady shore, each frame so full of all that
is vital and valued in life. You have shared the precious cargo of your child
with the world in hopes that other lives will be buoyed by her existence, and
her existence is powerful and present, the gift made more breathtaking because
of the depth of love encompassing all that is Lulu, and all that Lulu has
touched, and continues to.
It is respect and reverence that I feel for
what you are doing/being… for everywhere, even amidst the grief and
heartache, you have managed to show us a pathway of stars. That is not only an
art, it is grace gone wild. And in all of it, Gretchan, I see the lovelight of
your child set afire in other lives.
Lulu is very proud… much
love,
Kathleen
Children's Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL |
August 3, 2006
Hi Gretchan,
I saw
the bike ride posted on Lulu's website... thank you so much.
I have to
tell you a story. I don't know if you know that when I found out that Athena
was terminally ill, my sister & I brought her to the Holy land of
Medugorje, Croatia. This is a place that we had heard that miracles had been
witnessed & I was overcome with the feeling that I had to take Athena
there. At this point, Athena couldn't walk, sit-up, or talk. She had "Rag Doll
Syndrome". This is a term they used to describe her, & it fit very well. We
were told that her disease was progressive & that she wouldn't ever regain
the things that she had lost. While we were in Medugorje, Athena started
sitting up, talking, and coloring on her own. We thought for sure that she had
been cured... it was a miracle. Two women that we didn't know came into our
room. We had never met them before. One woman said that she had a "message" for
me that had come to her in the night. She told me that Athena was going to walk
again, & play, & live a long life. I, of course, was very sceptical of
these women, but thought that they might be right because Athena was doing so
well. The second woman told me that my miracle was coming, I just had to look
for a sign of "rainbows & roses". I asked her what that meant, she just
said that when I see the rainbows & roses, I would know that Athena would
be well soon.
So, when we got back from Medugorje, Athena continued to
get better for 6 months, which baffled the doctors. All was well until the
following June, that was when Athena got sick again, & she has been going
down hill since then. The reason that I am telling you this is that I have been
looking for a sign of rainbows & roses ever since & have never seen
them together... until now!! My sister & I were just on your website, &
she pointed out to me that Lulu was dancing under a rainbow. I said that all we
needed now were some roses. She said, Renee, the book is called "Lulu's ROSE
Colored Glasses". Isn't that the coolest!!! The even cooler thing is that the
morning after I talked to you, I got an e-mail from one of those clinical
studies that I am praying that Athena get's into. The trial is now set in stone
to start in September & Athena is among the potential candidates. This is
what I have been hoping & praying for. I believe from the bottom of my
heart that I was meant to talk with you & learn from your beautiful
daughter & from your courage. I think that she is up in Heaven watching
over Athena now. I have a renewed hope & faith, that I attribute to you and
your family.
Love xo,
Renee Reitano
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Lulu's House of Hope:
www.lulubellebooks.com