7/7/14: Please read the update below dear friends and family.
Dear Claire,
As hard as it is to send this update, we know that you would have wanted to keep your loving friends updated in a timely fashion. You passed away yesterday afternoon, on the 6th of July, here at home surrounded by family members, a hospice nurse, and your cat, of course. We know you were hoping to pass away on the 7th of July because 7 is your special number, and you were close. Your passing was as Ruggero anticipated, and we know that he was able to coach you through some of what would happen in those last few hours.
It is hard to imagine that anything (including cancer) could be stronger than all the love that surrounds you, but so it is, and maybe someday your fellow scientists and mathematicians can find out how to eradicate this disease. You would want people to learn from your experience to prevent other melanoma cases –primarily doing skin checks and knowing your body and acting when something seems amiss.
There was a beautiful service this morning with you – at 5:00 a.m. with the sun rising - and many prayers to be with you as you walk the road with the spirits who live without end.
We waved to you as you turned the corner. We forgot to tell them to honk the horn, but instead the birds were chirping away to greet the sun.
As those who knew you already know, your life was not about cancer. To the very end, it was about joy, gratitude, caring, optimism, fun, dancing, radiance, math, physics, music, and especially friends and family, and most especially love. We will do whatever we can to honor you by trying to be more like you. You are an amazing person Claire. Even in dying and death, you were full of grace and gratitude at every step of the way. We thank you so much for teaching us how to live and love.
Your family - with you forever and wherever you may go.
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