Dear Renee,
I am so, so sorry to hear about this news. I just found out today, September 22, 2010. You have been on my mind and heart for the past few days now, you know how God works, and finally, I had an idea. I would google you and try to find out where you were. At first, when I saw this site, I shook my head and said "that can't be right, that can't be Jim." I am so profoundly sorry.
Dear Marissa and Gracie,
I first met your Mom when we were young girls--almost your ages--when we lived in New Jersey. Your grandmother, Franny, and my father dated each other for a short time. Your grandmother was pretty cool, and she had these things called mopeds, and we would ride around the block on them. I became friends with your Mom, but then your grandmother and Mom moved down to Florida, and I didn't see them again. Now, fast forward about 20 years, and I am moving to Florida for a job, and my father says to me "hey, why don't you look up Franny (your grandmother) and Renee." So I did! We met for brunch at a place in Key Largo, FL, and that's when I met you, Marissa, and your Dad. Marissa--you were just a baby, and Miss Gracie had not been born yet!
Your Dad was always so nice to me. One day when I was visiting (I lived in Fort Lauderdale and you guys lived in Key Largo), your Mom and I went out shopping or something. And when we came back, your Dad had washed and waxed my car for me! Let me tell you, to this day, no man has ever done that for me, except your Dad. That's just the kind of guy he was.
I am so sad to hear this news. You are all in my prayers.
Love to all of you,
Lysa Prifold Giuliano
giulianolc@state.gov