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Dear Lady Lee
How do I honor you..to let others see
The sister I know as dear Lady Lee
We had a special connection right from day one
Sadly because we had each lost a son
You shared things with me that no one else knew
Right then and there we were cemented like glue
As a Red Hat Sister you were an inspiration to all of us
Although you had canceryou never would fuss
So compassionate and friendly and caring too
Amazingly efficient and organizedthat was just you
At the meetings you would always lend a hand
Whether it be to pass out agendas, take minutes or help with a plan
You enjoyed organizing and planning wonderful events
Making sure the trip was perfect from beginning to end
Not just the outing .but you chose great restaurants too
They had to be niceand affordablethat was important to you
The Pageant of the Masters was unforgettablewe had a great time
You tried to prepare meactors who looked like paintings.it really blew my mind
You got so excited and enthusiastic planning each and every trip
All your heart and energy went into planning it.
The Boat Parade in Balboayou had every moment planned not just the holiday lights
Shopping.a good meal. Sailing on the water and watching the parade such a beautiful night
And Parades.that too was you thingyou loved taking part in the holiday parade each year
Many would ride but youd insist on walking.you had a zest for life..thats so clear
When the cancer came around the first time we felt so helpless
We created HELP (Healing, Energy, Love & Protection)and put it to the test
Each day wed stop and think about you with a prayer or positive energy
You couldnt believe how good it made you feel...and neither could we
At a meeting we surrounded you with a circle of positive energy and love
The tumors shrank and you glowedthis and our HELP seemed like help from above
In the locker room at the Y, you always had a kind word or a smile
You cared about others in spite of your trials
You were a beacon of courage and hope to all those you met.
I didnt think the cancer stood a chanceno...not just yet.
So when it came back with a vengeance I was in shock
I really thought youd get a miracleto me you were a rock.
And you never complained when I did the silly little YMCA song
Youd be one of the first ones to smile and sing right along
I remember when you were organizing the Boat Parade trip
You wanted to continue collecting money although you were getting sick.
Then you ordered our red hat badges in the final weeks of your life
And you were so worried that everything turn out all right
But as one of your red hat sisters said to me just the other day
When I wear my badge I will think of Lee and smile, so I guess thats OK
Did you know what you were doing when you planned all this?
Perhaps deep down you knew your life would soon be taken by GIST.
GIST...that nickname.. at first it didnt sound too bad
But when I saw what it did to you in the endit makes me so mad
When I saw you at the hospital for the very last time
GIST had ravaged your body but not your mind
But thenI forgot about it because I was captured by your eyes.
How they sparkled and danced they seemed so bluethey took me by surprise
You perked upyou were so happy to see me.you asked me to stay
I only planned to stop by and give you a hug we laughed and talkedwhat a day
You said you needed me to help youand I did whatever I could do
Before I knew it a few minutes turned into hours actually more than two
I realized later on that you gave me a precious gift
The way you rallied I thought perhaps youd beaten this monster called GIST
Then you asked me to pray with you
My rosary was in my car so I prayed it on my fingers as I sometimes do
You looked so joyful and happyit didnt matter to you that my prayers were Catholic
I prayed for awhileI tried to be strong.but then I criedI just couldnt get through it
Then it was YOU who comforted ME and said Sweetheart its OKits my time.
At that moment I saw the true meaning of FAITH when your life was on the line
In your darkest hours a week before your journey home
You were ready to meet your maker with courage and joy.on your OWN
Ohyes.someprofess their deep faiththis is true.
You said I am ready to go home and meant itthis was the TRUTH for you
You were taken home a week later but I believe your spirit is around
For today I had an experience that was quite profound
I was working on a group card all day long
And everything that could happen kept going wrong
At one point I was so frustrated I thoughtit must be Lee.
But I put it asideand thoughtshe wouldnt mess with me.
When George came home I asked for his help
I tried to put your name on the back of the card I couldnt do it myself
Although I make cards all the time with very little effort
This one for some reason kept getting all messed up
We were at the computer and George typed Le and the ees jumped to the left side of the L
We both looked at each other with shock in our eyeswe knew that was impossible
He tried again and the same thing happened over and over 4 more times
We knew without a doubt that you dear Lee were in the room by our sides
I stood up and shoutedLee you would be proud of us .The Red Hats donated almost $500 towards Gist research
I know your spirit must have been soaring and by the way I said, We even have a little for the church.
Now there are those who may not believe, but thats Okay
I feel honored and blessed that she chose to visit us today
She was a special lady.. dear Lady Lee right up until the end
I feel privileged to have known and loved her as a friend
Dont be offended by all of us who are dressed in purple and redso colorful
Were red hattersshe was our sister and we love herand we always will.
Angela Wienckowski 9/15/07
In memory of Lady Lee Kavaloski my Red Hat Scarlet Skinny Dipper Sister
whose life was taken by Gist cancer on 9/10/07
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