I just want to write a short note in memory of Diane who unfortunately passed away when she was in her late forties.
While we had been good friends in high school, I lost touch with Diane after I moved back east. Fortunately, we were able to resume our friendship because my old pal Roger Peterson told me that Diane was seriously ill and suffering from breast cancer. When I was in town to visit my parents I stopped by her house to see how she was doing. Even though she was recovering from chemotherapy, we had a great time reminiscing about our days at Cal and McClatchy. Despite the fact that her health was fragile, she asked me if I wanted to drive over to McClatchy as she wished to visit our high school one last time, a place of many fond memories for her. As it was Saturday, we were lucky to find a janitor to let us in to the school. Once inside McClatchy, we walked the halls, pretended we were high school students again and even tried to open up our old lockers. Even though Diane was thrilled to be back at McClatchy she was so weak that she unfortunately collapsed in the hallway and I had to literally carry her back to the car. When we got back to her house she was totally exhausted but also glad that she had the chance to relive our time as high school students.
When I returned home to Florida, I would call her fairly often to see how she was feeling. During those calls, I sensed that she was lonely, and sad and suffering from her constant chemotherapy sessions. Unfortunately I actually think the sense of loneliness was the worse part of her illness. She would often go for long periods of time without seeing anyone. Diane would tell me that she accepted the fact that she was dying but she regretted that she had to die all alone. But despite all these regrets, she always tried to be cheerful and upbeat. Luckily, during her final months, she became close to the local Catholic priest who visited her regularly. His presence eased her sense of being alone and made her more accepting of her final moments.
I talked to her on the phone the day before she died and it was a short conversation as Diane was having a really bad day. The next day her son informed me that she had peacefully passed away that night. It was hard to see Diane lose her long battle with cancer as Diane was a kind and sweet person. Even as Diane became weaker and more fragile, she still managed to handle her final months with grace and dignity. She will be missed for her big heart, caring nature and concern for others.
Bill, thank you for your comments. I wish I had known at the time and given Diane some additional conversation and visits. Such a shame to die so young but your sharing brought her back for a few moments at least to our memory.
Diane was such a sweetheart. For some reason at Cal Jr Hi Diane was not only a friend but held my hand through those difficult coming-of-age months. Somehow she was older than her years, and posessed a hugh heart and giving nature. I'm very lucky to have had in my life.
I want to echo the comments made by others….Thank You for looking after one of the family. After all, we suffered through the years at Cal Jr High and McClatchy, some of the days were great and other day you wish that you just could skip school.
I do remember Diane and I am truly sorry she had to suffer such debilitating illness. No one should suffer like she did.
Bill Kelso
I just want to write a short note in memory of Diane who unfortunately passed away when she was in her late forties.
While we had been good friends in high school, I lost touch with Diane after I moved back east. Fortunately, we were able to resume our friendship because my old pal Roger Peterson told me that Diane was seriously ill and suffering from breast cancer. When I was in town to visit my parents I stopped by her house to see how she was doing. Even though she was recovering from chemotherapy, we had a great time reminiscing about our days at Cal and McClatchy. Despite the fact that her health was fragile, she asked me if I wanted to drive over to McClatchy as she wished to visit our high school one last time, a place of many fond memories for her. As it was Saturday, we were lucky to find a janitor to let us in to the school. Once inside McClatchy, we walked the halls, pretended we were high school students again and even tried to open up our old lockers. Even though Diane was thrilled to be back at McClatchy she was so weak that she unfortunately collapsed in the hallway and I had to literally carry her back to the car. When we got back to her house she was totally exhausted but also glad that she had the chance to relive our time as high school students.
When I returned home to Florida, I would call her fairly often to see how she was feeling. During those calls, I sensed that she was lonely, and sad and suffering from her constant chemotherapy sessions. Unfortunately I actually think the sense of loneliness was the worse part of her illness. She would often go for long periods of time without seeing anyone. Diane would tell me that she accepted the fact that she was dying but she regretted that she had to die all alone. But despite all these regrets, she always tried to be cheerful and upbeat. Luckily, during her final months, she became close to the local Catholic priest who visited her regularly. His presence eased her sense of being alone and made her more accepting of her final moments.
I talked to her on the phone the day before she died and it was a short conversation as Diane was having a really bad day. The next day her son informed me that she had peacefully passed away that night. It was hard to see Diane lose her long battle with cancer as Diane was a kind and sweet person. Even as Diane became weaker and more fragile, she still managed to handle her final months with grace and dignity. She will be missed for her big heart, caring nature and concern for others.
Charlotte Adelman (Paliani)
Bill, thank you for your comments. I wish I had known at the time and given Diane some additional conversation and visits. Such a shame to die so young but your sharing brought her back for a few moments at least to our memory.
Tim Kleeman
Diane was such a sweetheart. For some reason at Cal Jr Hi Diane was not only a friend but held my hand through those difficult coming-of-age months. Somehow she was older than her years, and posessed a hugh heart and giving nature. I'm very lucky to have had in my life.
Dennis Chan
So sad when I read that Diane had pass at such a young age.
We all went to school together to Cal Jr Hi and McClatchy. Such a sweet kind person and classmate.
With Joan Bullock, Alan Friedlander, Sue Weidman, Carol Berg, Janet Quay & Steve & Mike Jones.
Rest in Peace Diane.
Ronald Link
Bill:
I want to echo the comments made by others….Thank You for looking after one of the family. After all, we suffered through the years at Cal Jr High and McClatchy, some of the days were great and other day you wish that you just could skip school.
I do remember Diane and I am truly sorry she had to suffer such debilitating illness. No one should suffer like she did.
Again Thanks and All the Best
Ron
Dennis De Cuir
Whoa, That was a total friendship contribution Bill. Diane deserved it but who knew who could come through and provide it. Thanks for that.