Merry Mazel Tov

I heard that on TV and thought it was appropriate, especially for this Jewish family with one goy (that would be Curt). We fly to Florida tomorrow and then we're off for a 10 day Western Carribean cruise and a few extra days in Fort Lauderdale. I can't tell you how much I need this rest. Daniel will be spending the holidays with his girlfriend and her family. We already booked our timeshare in Cabo for next Thanksgiving so I told him he has no choice now.

School is good, great actually. I finished my two fall classes, both with As, and I'll apply to the program in January. I did terribly on the quantitative section of the GRE but just got an A in Statistics so hopefully that's good enough. At this rate, I'll be in school for another 5-6 years but I don't mind a bit. I can't even describe how different it is now than when I went to college in the late 70s/early 80s. I don't think school has changed as much as I have. Adrienne would be very proud of me.

Adrienne's friend Sara from CMC came to visit last weekend. I was so happy to have her and to reminisce, look at pictures, and talk about her. Sara spent time going through Adrienne's things and took some letters and pictures that were special for them, as well as some clothes. I've been giving away her things to her friends and family for awhile as I want them to go to people who appreciate them. No worries...I'm keeping everything I want, which is plenty. I even wear some of her clothes as I like having them close and I'll wear her earrings forever. Some days I'm okay and other days are really, really hard. Actually, every day is hard but somehow I get through day by day.

This has been a tough year not just for us but for many other's who've lost a loved one to this disease. There are still a lot of people who suffer from and die of Hodgkin's so I remain committed to this community, and to the many friends I've made over the years. Happy Mazel Tov to every one.

From Me - At Adrienne's Unveiling

Thank you everyone for coming today to honor and remember Adrienne. As most of you know, Adrienne and I were more than just mother and daughter. We were best friends. Though it’s been a year since she died, the hole I feel is just as deep and raw as it was a year ago. Now Adrienne would be the first to tell me how silly I am, but I can’t help how I feel.

I know she touched many people by how she lived her life, trying never to let cancer define her or stop her from living to the fullest. She was a large part of the lymphoma forum and they recently did a memorial for her. As Michael said, “In a hundred years or so, maybe someone will be doing a study of our civilization and will run across this board. And they will wonder, "Who is this Adrienne person? She must have been someone special to have touched and inspired so many." Yes, she was special and for me, she will always be beautiful and perfect.

Unveiling - October 24, 2 pm

Adrienne's unveiling is scheduled for next Sunday, October 24, at 2 pm. I'm scared to death to see her name on the headstone but I know we need to do this, we need to honor her and her life. Still, I'm expecting it to be tough. The ceremony will be held graveside and attendees are welcomed back to my sister, Diana's house afterwards.

The one-year anniversary of Adrienne's death was about as bad as I expected but I've been getting through the last few weeks okay. Thank you all for your notes and cards. I was truly overwhelmed.

Work and school are busy, so that helps a lot. One would think that time passing is helpful but I find it the opposite...it means Adrienne is farther away and I worry that memories will fade. Sometimes she seems like a dream.

Daniel is going to Colorado for Xmas with his girlfriend's family so it's just me and Curt. We'll be going on a cruise to the Western Carribean, which includes Cozumel, Mexico as well as stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. We're looking forward to seeing the Mayan ruins as well as some much-needed R&R.

From Adrienne's Dad

To everybody who knew Adrienne:

It is with profound sadness that we find ourselves on October 1st 2010. On this day a year ago we lost our daughter to cancer. It was heartbreaking for all who knew her, because we witnessed such a long and valiant fight, right to the very end.

Adrienne tried harder to live than just about anybody I have ever known. She lived her life to the maximum, made plans and followed her dreams. She never let cancer stand in her way (it was just an inconvenience), and it made her even more determined to excel in everything she did.

We miss her so deeply and I can only hope we will meet her once again in some future life.

Adrienne Leigh Boardman (August 18th 1987 ~ October 1st 2009)

Please visit Adrienne's Photo Gallery at:
http://www.eazyclick.com/photos/index.php?album=adrienne

With love - David Boardman (Adrienne's father)