When I posted that our loved Marianne had died, I included this photo of Marianne with the lady Marianne called her "surrogate daughter."
This morning Marianne's "surrogate daughter" Commented at the original post. I asked her permission to post her Comment more prominently, along with her name and contact info in case any Maggie's Farmers want to offer assistance with Marianne's loved husband Downs. We emailed each other and here it is. Bless you Colette. You are a Maggie's Farmer of the first order.
Comments:
Thank you all for the kind words about Marianne. I am touched but not surprised by the kind and thoughtful comments. All of them spot on. She was all of that, and more, in person. Her maggies farm family was very special to her and many a time I would get a call to read a post by one of her pals.
I was with Marianne and Downs almost every day of her illness. When things were tough she would tell me that the SEALS came and took her to a place by the sea to relax so she could face the next day. She never complained, never whined, and everytime I walked into her room I got a smile. I have been with Downs making the transition from a life with his beloved in his home of 40 years to a life without her and a move to assissted living at Bayou Manor, 4141 S. Braeswood #413, Houston, TX 77025. As one can imagine he is very lonesome for her. One doesn't often get to choose one's parents. I have been gifted by their presence in my life and honored that they chose me to be their surrogate daughter.
S. Colette Chapman
Bruce, I remember Marianne speaking of you, Yep, that’s me, and please do. Marianne kept very close tabs on Downs and few suspected that he is suffering from dementia to the extent that he is. He lives in the present and the past, not tomorrow or yesterday. Without her day to day guidance he is not able to live independently in their home. He and I have our daily cheers and tears over missing her. They were the light of each others lives for 41 years. I only had her 27 years but I will cherish them all and I’m grateful to still have Downs and am devoted to keeping him as happy as I can for her as well as him.
S. Colette Chapman, Assistant to Gene Arensberg, Longpoint Land & Cattle Co. 713-412-0971 cell, 281-431-6700 ranch office
