Diane Partenheimer (Cannon)

Dear Wise family,

Finding it unusual that I did not receive a Christmas card this year, and about the move again, I was going to call.  I am so glad I didn't.  I could not have handled this news over the phone.  

     As daughters and son, I want you to know how your mother prized you.  She  found her own mother so dear, and more dear were you and your families to her.  Your mother once was young, and I was young with her.  She was an important person to me during the important, but brutal period of high school tyranny.  Unlike the social dictates of school ethos, your mother was joyful, open, accepting and non-judgmental--very modern qualities to display at a time when being snarky and snide was the way to operate.  I remember how kind to everyone your mother was.  Perhaps she got this from her mother, who was a gift to teenagers; I hope you get these qualities from your mother.

Robert, though we have never met, I still haven't adjusted to Mardee's COPD and your accident.  I have thought a lot about the terror and profundity of your car accident.  I remember asking Mardee how you could proceed with life in the usual ways after having undergone such an experience.  She admired your ability to cope and recover.  I know once Mardee got a pulmonary diagnosis, she, too, was determined to cope and recover.

Words cannot express my sadness, so I won't continue with inadequate expression.  Please know that I ache for all of you, and I am very sorry.

With love-Diane (Partenheimer) Cannon

Diane Partenheimer (Cannon)

Dear husband, Robert, and Children of Mardee,  I still think on the beauty and blessing of your wife and mother.