Life is good now, Marie. I know you had something to do with this. 
You always have a part of my heart and soul. God Bless your Spirit, Marie Angel.

Love always. Hearts, Moons and Stars...
Chad

Still missing you after all these years. Some things never will change. 

I was sleeping on the couch next to your hospital bed these last days of your life here, holding your hand as you had no idea you were even in this world. 

God bless your spirit, Marie Angel, wherever you are.

Love always,
Chad


Remembering you on what would be your 76th birthday. Some things will never change, but the world has indeed gone mad of late, Dearest Marie. I'm not sure you would recognize it as the place you left. 

Missing you everyday in some way. God bless your spirit.
Love always and forever.
Chad

During a hospital stay in August, 2015, a friend of mine brought you an orchid - a gorgeous flower to help cheer you up a little. I have kept this flower all these years hoping that someday, maybe it would bloom again, in your memory. 

It has done that, as beautiful as the day you saw it for the first time.

You are missed beyond words. Love always, till we see each other again. 
Chad

Christmas Eve, again. I wish I could touch your face and run my hands through your hair, but I can't. Things still happen that can't be explained, except that your are still a presence in this world though you are not 'here'. 

I miss you Dearest Marie Angel....... and always will. God Bless Your Spirit. 

Hearts, Moons and Stars, Forever.

Love Always,
Chad

I lit a candle for you this morning. It was all I could think of to do. Not a day or night ever goes by that you are not on my mind, and in my heart still. 

Love is forever, Angel Marie. Everything else in this life is temporary. Hearts, Moons and Stars. 

Chad

It has been said, 'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning how to dance in the rain.' 

We knew this a long time ago, Marie Angel, you and I. We had it down then. I wish we could do it now, rain or shine. You are missed beyond anything I can say. May God hold you in the palm of His hand, forever and ever. Amen. 

God Bless Your Spirit, Marie Angel. Love always, till we see each other again. xoxo

It has been said, "Every picture tells a story". This one tells the story of your undivided love for your Mommy, Gladys. You did everything and anything you could for her till the very last, when you just couldn't anymore.

On this day, what would have been your 75th birthday, Angel Marie, I will again raise a glass in your memory and remember the wonderful years we had together. You are missed more than you could possibly imagine.

Hearts, Moons and Stars, forever, Dearest Marie. I hope when my time arrives that you are the first Angel I see.



Your Forever Friends, Marie, welcoming you back to Austin, April 27th, 2019.

Always and Forever, Angel Marie.

Chad

If I could think of a way to have made this happen, simply put, I couldn't. But you, dear Angel Marie, know how to manifest these things from Heaven down to Earth. 

Last year, I found a gorgeous pink tulip that was never planted. This year, you sent me a symbol of your love, a Heart. From out of nowhere this appeared in the breezeway next to the patio. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, of which you will always have. 

Hearts, Moons and Stars, Angel Marie. Always and Forever.

Chad

Today will be a special day, Angel Marie. Your dear friend Mary, the one sitting closest to you when you departed this world, is coming up from Austin. Your heart remains in Texas, your birthplace, where you spent most of your life and where all your Forever Friends are. I am entrusting Mary with the remainder of your ashes that I have to return to Austin and among those people who were so special to you, they will decide your final resting place - where you belong.

I wish I could attend, but I am certain that this is the best possible choice I can make, to send what is left of you, back home. A piece of your heart always remains with mine and it shall forever be that way. You are missed beyond words. I know you will be smiling down on them.

Hearts, Moons and Stars - forever.

All My Love,
Chad 

I'm thinking about you especially today, but I miss you a lot.  We always loved going to music shows together, that's how we met.  I'd love for you to go with me tonight.  I can see you dancing as I write. 

A message from Earth to Heaven: 

Tell Angel Marie, 'Happy Valentine's Day' for me. Through the years together, we didn't need a special day to celebrate the love we shared, we did it most all days from the day we met. 

You are missed beyond words, Angel Marie. Always and forever, no matter what.

Chad

Christmas is upon us here, the ones left behind - your family, your Forever Friends in Austin, and me.  I look at Christmas a little different now than the last few sad years. I have so many cherished memories of us, of the happiest times in my life, in our lives together. None of that will ever change, Dearest Marie. Angels have great power. You told me so. 

Sharing a photo of a Christmas long ago. You looked fabulous. God Bless Your Spirit, Marie Angel. You are missed beyond words.

Hearts, Moons and Stars. 

Yesterday was a nostalgic Sunday for me. I watched many years of video of us, at the beach, at Christmas time and places we went in Austin. I didn't cry like I used to. Oh, it was a little teary sometimes, but I rejoiced in how lucky I was to have you in my life for so long. To see your smiling face again made me smile again. It has been one-thousand and ninety-six days since I wished you Godspeed, that sad day, this day three years past. I have missed you for every one of them, morning and night. Today will be no different.

There are many hearts at my house. On the front door, hanging in the carport, on every piece of memorabilia you once cherished. You collected hearts. They are on all your once-prized Earthly possessions, all mine now to remember you by. You gave of your heart to everyone that ever knew you in this life now past. Now, there is only one heart missing - yours.  God Bless Your Spirit, Dearest Marie. You are missed.

All my love forever, no matter what.
Chad



Thinking back to the last picture taken of us this day three years past, it was a sad picture, but we were both smiling in spite of all that was happening. And while I will never forget any of those events, I want to share a picture of us from a much happier time in our life together, a life I wish I had back. 

God Bless Your Spirit, Dearest Marie. You were, are and always will be my Angel. Always and Forever, no matter what.

Chad

Looking through your last appointment book I found inside a drawer, I was taken by how diligent you were till the very end of your ability to see your many clients at Massageworks. Even in your suffering during that time, there were mostly four a day until finally, you said to me, "Call these and tell them I can't see them." It was a sad time, to realize that you had reached your limits, yet still hopeful that maybe, just maybe, all this would resolve someway, somehow. 

I was never more inspired by and proud of anyone in my life as you, Dearest Marie. You were the consummate professional, always compassionate, always putting your clients best interests at heart. That was you. 

So today, on what would have been your 74th birthday, the third that I have lived without you, I will again celebrate your life and raise a glass in your honor knowing that somehow, someway, you will know. God Bless Your Spirit, Dearest Marie.

Always and Forever, no matter what. Hearts, Moons and Stars...

Remembering how it all began with us, this 25th day of May, 15 years past. Destiny. 

I know you are still with me somehow. I don't think Heaven is as far away as we on this side 'perceive' it to be. Happy Anniversary, Dearest Marie. Always and forever, no matter what.

Chad

Where none were ever planted, a beautiful tulip appeared in my back yard; a gift to me from Heaven. 

Thank you, Dearest Marie. I know you are still with me, tiny dancer, in my hand. 

Always and Forever, no matter what.

Chad




The photo says it all. 

"Let us remember her love of life and family, her love of beauty, of music and of dance."

God bless your spirit, Dearest Marie.
Always and forever, no matter what.

Chad 

Had it not been for your intervention when I was in the grip of allopathic medicine and near death in the hospital, 2005, there probably wouldn't be a 'me' now.  I wouldn't be celebrating my 64th birthday tomorrow, the third one without you here. It is a debt I could never repay. I couldn't save you as you did me. All I could do was give you all my love for the rest of your life. I don't know what happens when people die. I can't seem to grasp it as hard as I try. It's like a song I can hear playing right in my ear that I can't sing, but I can't help listening.

The photo is the first one of us, post-accident. If it weren't for you, Dearest Marie, there would not have ever been any more photos, of us. I owe you my life. I wish you were still in it.

Always and forever, no matter what, Dear Marie.

Chad


A lifetime of memories, I reflect on, especially today, Valentine's Day. No matter where I might go in this life, no matter who I might meet, I could never love anyone as much as I loved you, Dearest Marie. I told you many years ago that you didn't realize the impact you had on people. It is still true today. And everyday. I only wish I could have the opportunity to tell you one more time, "Happy Valentine's Day".

Remembering all the wonderful years we had together. You are missed more than you will ever know, Marie.

God Bless Your Spirit, wherever you are. Hearts, Moons and Stars. 

Always and Forever, no matter what.

Chad

A photo you sent me from Ecuador this day, 2013. As I walked in the city park here with five inches of snow on the ground, I thought of you and how much the traveler you were. Me, not so much. Had I known then what I know now, I absolutely would have gone with you, Dearest Marie.

God Bless Your Spirit.

All My Love Always,
Chad

Ah, the first day of winter; the shortest day of the year. Another day.

Merry Christmas, Marie, from all of us here who miss you. 

God Bless Your Spirit,

Love Always,
Chad

"A Sister Is A Forever Friend" read the pretty cross-stitch which hung above your bed. I know Joanne misses you as much or more than I do, and that's a lot, Dear Marie. 

Christmas will never be the same. God Bless Your Spirit.

All My Love Always,
Chad

In spite of all things positive that I have to be thankful for on tomorrow's  Thanksgiving, I will again give thanks for what I did have, with you, Dearest Marie. You are missed.

God Bless You, wherever you are.
All My Love Always,
Chad

This day, November 13th, 2014, we did something together that neither of us had ever done before - we went to see The Eagles in concert. Even though your many travels across this country over your lifetime had never given you the opportunity to see and hear them, we did have it then and took advantage of what was to be their next to last tour. It was fabulous.

The seats weren't the best in the house, but the sound team did an exemplary job and had their intricate harmonies dialed in, in what could be described as 'listening to the original recordings'. As I peered through binoculars at one of the best music groups of all history, you looked over at me and smiled, noticing a tear rolling down my face, caused only by the harmonic perfection they had achieved. 

Glenn Frey passed away a little over a year after you. I am so glad we got to experience that together. Times like those make me smile and I need that now.

God Bless Your Spirit, Dearest Marie.
All My Love Always,
Chad

Two winters, two springs, two summers have passed and now two autumns. 

And while today marks the second year of your passing, Dear Marie, it seems like only yesterday that I wrote the sad news to everyone. You are missed more than you will ever know.

God Bless Your Spirit, Marie. 
All My Love,
Chad

Dear God,

Even though Marie is there with you now, she is still touching lives here on Earth. When you see her again, would you please tell her how much I miss her. The world is a colder place without her laughter and her smile. 

From the November Elks Lodge 2751 newsletter:

"The donation that was left to us by Marie Draudt's will has 
touched the lives of many children. We choose to enhance our teaching 
curriculum by purchasing materials that encourage children to want to 
learn and to enjoy learning especially in the areas of social studies, 
literacy, science and math. Each class room also received a series of 
books that taught children about different cultures and about our 
country and how it is full of many different cultures. We also bought 
board games and just fun toys the kids enjoy. We are so appreciative 
of the donation that was received and the opportunity that it has 
given us to give the children we serve a Head Start." 
Jerrie Cobb, 
Pinewood Headstart.

I found this picture and it so reminded me of you, Marie. As the caption reads, "One In A Million", that is what you were in this life now past. One special flower, different from all the rest, standing out in a sea of sameness; that was you. And, while I can never hope to find the likes of you again in this world, I am forever thankful and hopeful that we will again be united, some day.

God Bless Your Spirit, Dearest Marie.
All My Love,
Chad

The task before me to care for you these two years past was only surmountable with the love and support of your dear friends in Austin. As the picture denotes, "Best Friends Forever", they truly were exactly that. In much the same way you were there for Sophie, they were there for you. Alicia, Sharon, Char, Missy, Mary, Dale, Heather - they all 'stepped up to the plate' and helped in ways that only true friends would do. Each and every one of them will always have my deepest gratitude and appreciation for helping me help you during the worst of times imaginable.

I found a little angel hanging from a fan pull cord at your house the last day I was there. I'm glad I saw it before I left for the last time. On it, there is an inscription, "Friends Are Angels Among Us". You were surrounded by Angels in this life now past and I know you are now, Dearest Marie.

God Bless Your Spirit.

All My Love Always,
Chad

It was a beautiful, but horrible morning, this day two years past. There were no wheelchairs at the entrance to the university hospital like they said there would be. We arduously trekked through the long corridor leading to the admissions office, you in extreme pain and anguish. As I pleaded with someone, anyone to please get you a wheelchair, you leaned up against the wall, unable to sit, and cried. You looked at me with tears in your eyes and said these words that will forever be in my heart, "If I don't live, you've done more for me than anyone in my life." We both cried. 

I prayed, the nurses prayed. Your sense of humor still with you, joked about what they were in for when the operation started, knowing full well what your condition was. 

As I sat in waiting all day watching the surgical monitor, I clung onto hope that this would all be a success, that we would eventually put this behind us and go on with the happy life that we had made with each other. It wasn't meant to be. In the months to follow, you eventually reconciled with your fate and left the pain behind. No one could blame you. Staring at death and accepting is the utmost example of bravery I know. The Angels, I am certain, are happy you are among them.

Something I wrote on the web yesterday:

"Communication with the afterlife is real. I have come to accept that after my dear late wife left this life for the next one, that the barrier between the two is more easily bridged from that side than from this one. Since that terrible day, I have had many reasons, both telepathic and physical to make this statement. On a sad day since, I said to her, "Wait for me". She immediately replied, "I will if I can. It's not what you think." I couldn't have made that up if I'd tried." 

God Bless your Spirit, Dearest Marie.

All My Love Always,
Chad

I once heard it said that funerals are for the living. I think I am going to add birthdays to that thought. Looking back over the dance of twelve years that we shared together, two years ago today would be the last birthday you had in this world. While it wasn't one to be remembered for the celebration we always had, at least we were together. If I'd only known it would be the last, I don't know what I would have done different. I ignored that possibility as not possible and kept the faith that something, anything, would right the terrible wrong that was slowly taking you away from me. 

In the last birthday card I gave you, I simply wrote, "I will be your bridge over troubled water." I had a message from God on a dark day not too long ago and He, in a very stern voice said, "Nothing you could have done would have changed the outcome. This was My plan, not yours." It didn't keep me from trying and if I was your bridge, then other than being there for you at your life's end, some things are truly left up to God. I have to accept that.

So again today, I will celebrate your memory of a life well-lived and loved on what would have been your 73rd birthday, Dearest Marie. God Bless your Spirit.

All my love always,
Chad

A story I related to a friend:

"This has been a tough year so far. People close to me keep dying; old friends from a long time ago. Anyway, I wanted to share something that happened to me on the morning of my birthday (3.9). I don't drink tea, instead being a coffee drinker. One of my kitchen cabinets was full of Marie's various teas as she loved tea - more than coffee. When I awoke that morning and came into the kitchen, next to the stove on both sides, on one side there were three tea packets laying on the countertop. On the other side was the box of tea they came from, lid closed, cabinet door closed. I didn't do that. 'No one' else there but me. I just stood for a moment and looked at this and 'knew' in my heart that Marie had been there. I can't explain how this happens, only that it did - I am certain. In retrospect, it now seems like it was a birthday present for me and that she was 'saying goodbye', that she had to go on to whatever awaits her in the next journey. I have felt since that happened that she had departed to whatever comes next in the grand scheme of things.

I called my sister and asked if she could come by on her way to work. I showed her what I awakened to and she too, just stood there, mouth open. Then she said, "It's a wonder Marie didn't have a mug sitting there as well." We laughed."

That was three months ago. I sense that you have gone on now. I have heard it said that when you crossover, that you, at some point, are washed in the 'Waters of Forgetfulness', to prepare your spirit for the next journey. No one knows for sure on this side, but even if the Marie that we all knew and loved so dearly has been renewed, I especially will never ever lose faith that I will one day be with you again, somehow. If Love is Eternal, then this shall come to pass.

All My Love, Dearest Marie
Chad

You gave me an Anniversary card one year that read, "My life hasn't been the same since the day I met you." Today would have marked our fourteenth year together, Marie. Memorial Day, 2003. Yes, my life too, hasn't been the same since that fateful day, so long ago. And it hasn't been the same since the day you departed this world.
I wish I had the opportunity one more time to tell you, "Happy Anniversary", but I can't. All I could do this morning was light you a candle and say a thankful prayer that we had so many happy years together. 

My life hasn't been the same before or since. God bless your spirit, Dearest Marie.

All my love,
Chad

On May 2nd, your life-long friend Neil, passed away. While we had our differences of opinion at times, I always tried to relate to him as a friend simply because he always had your best interests at heart. I spoke with him last December and he said his cancer treatment was going well. I guess something must have gone wrong. I know that you were there to welcome him home. 

God bless your Spirit, Marie. 
All my love, Chad

No matter where I am, not a morning goes by that I don't wake up and think of you, Marie. I expect it will always be that way. 

"....for better or worse - in sickness and in health - till death we did part."

All my love,
Chad

A dear friend passed away this week. He had time to accomplish everything he wanted here and has gone on. I will miss him as we shared many insightful conversations over the 37 years that I knew him. Frank really liked you and said so many times.I shall play music for him at his Life Celebration tomorrow.

It would seem, Dearest Marie, that the hardest part of living in this life is watching those special people you care about go on to the next. One would think it might get easier, but I doubt it ever does.

All my love. God bless your spirit - wherever you are.

Chad

Something I recently said to a friend:

"My dear late wife Marie, was at Woodstock on opening day. She lived about a mile from the festival and just walked over to Yasgur's farm. Lois Yasgur was her best friend at Jeffersonville High School, so she spent time around the farm with the Yasgur family.

Of all the things she told me about Woodstock, the one thing that she always remembered that astounded her was the moment Richie Havens walked on stage and the announcement came over the PA system. She said that with 400 thousand people there, it was at that moment you could hear a pin drop'. Everyone stopped and listened to the reason why they came.

We went to the Bethelwoods Museum in 2010 and for her, it was like a homecoming; for me  a trip down memory lane. Fantastic place to visit and you can still feel the energy of what happened there such a long time ago. It is truly a special place."

Yes Marie, the beat still goes on. Where once two hearts were beating, now only one remains.

All my love forever,
Chad

And I knew the day would come as it finally has. Today a nice couple from Indiana are buying your lovely house. I met them and I know that this would have made you happy, that it is now back in good hands by people who know it's history and will take care of it, like you did.

Maybe, in the aftermath of all this, I can find a little closure to what has come and gone. It has not been an easy thing, saying goodbye - to so much. I write all these messages to you thinking somehow, someway that you can 
still perceive my thoughts from wherever you are now, near or faraway, perhaps both. Near, in my heart and faraway, from my outstretched arms.

Some say closure is moving on. I really have not discovered how to do that. Maybe saying goodbye to the little A-frame house on Bob White Drive will help in some way. Time will tell. It usually does.

All my love forever,
Chad

(Thank you, Ruthann, she was a very special lady.)

Chad,
Your messages to Marie are so beautiful!

The love you shared must have been perfect.

Ruthann

On this second Valentine's Day without you, I recall a pet saying that bound our love and devotion to each other: "Hearts, Moons and Stars". Saying it to each other, writing it in cards; it had a certain childlike innocence attached to it's expression. And then one day you found perfect matching silver rings for us to wear, depicting that very message, 'Hearts, Moons and Stars'. It made us special and gave us a symbol of the love we shared.  

Although you're no longer here, I still say it almost everyday, especially when I peer out at the night sky and behold the vastness of the Universe. It reminds me of something I once heard someone say about this tiny blue dot we ride around on our whole lives, that everyone we've ever known, everyone who has ever lived, loved and passed on, shared this tiny world as we did.

Those words remind me of just how special our world was, for as long as we were together here on this tiny blue dot. Our lives are finite, yours having ended too soon and my time surely to come, but the Universe is not and the wheel work of the Cosmos continues unabated. The only part of living here on this tiny blue dot that remains unending is Love itself. And that, to us Dearest Marie was "Hearts, Moons and Stars" - all three infinite. As I look back at the many Valentine cards we exchanged over the years, that message was never more clear than it is now. Our Love transcends and eclipses the ravages of time, and that, is what we were saying to each other.

All my love forever,

Chad

For a long time since you departed this world, most every morning is like the movie "Groundhog Day'. And while today really is Groundhog Day, it is just a reminder of how I awaken to the same sad reality of your absence in my life. The same song plays on the 'radio' and as I go through the motions of the day, the same memories flood my mind with what was and what can never be again.

I know it's a sunny day where you are, Marie. God bless your Spirit. 

All my love,
Chad

The Sunday after every Thanksgiving, we began. We transformed your cozy A-frame house into a Christmas wonderland. I hung the lighted garland on the balcony and front windows; the tree glowing on the deck. You took out your many Christmas accoutrements and lovingly placed each one as only you could have done.

When we were done, we had created a masterpiece and of all the decorated houses in town, yours was the prettiest, the most creative, the best one. We enjoyed many Christmases together, Marie. It was always a most-wonderful time of year, spending it with you; the togetherness we shared. 

For me, Christmas will never be or mean the same again, alas, how could it? I have many joyful memories of those years. I have many photographs and videos of family and smiling faces. And now, with all that has come before, I have ashes. I can't forget the good times; I never will. I will always love you, Marie. I don't know where Heaven is, but I know that's where you are.

Merry Christmas, baby.

Remembering Thanksgivings long past with our families close. I cherish those memories and of all the things I have to be thankful for this year, having had you in my life for all those wonderful years is what I am thankful for the most.

If love could have saved you, Marie, you would have lived forever. 

All my love forever, Chad

My Dearest Marie,

There is one thing of which I am certain. When you left this world that late October afternoon, you didn't need wings. You had already earned them in this life.

As I eulogized you at your Memorial service a year ago today:

It was a Memorial day weekend. It was 2003. Little did I know that the person I was introduced to that day would change my life in enumerable ways over the next 12 years. That person was Marie.

Little did I know that I had just met the light of my life, a person that, through her compassion, her strength of will and her intellect, could change the lives of those around her.

She loved to dance. Early on in our relationship, she indicated that we should go dancing somewhere, to which I replied, "Musician's don't dance". I won't repeat her exact response here, but suffice to say the nickname 'Nurse Blunt', which she earned while working in a Texas clinic, would certainly apply. She would tell you what she thought whether you wanted to hear it or not. So, after the scolding I received, I decided that dancing with Marie might not be so bad after all. And it wasn't. It was one of the most-enjoyable things we did together and we always looked forward to the next opportunity, whether it be at the lodge, at a club or in the simply in the living room with the stereo playing.

In my eyes, she was a culinary master. I would have put her talent and creativity in the kitchen next to any television cooking host and several times I suggested we literally shoot a pilot video with that goal in mind. But, alas, Marie would humble herself and decline the idea saying she was 'just an innovator'. Well, I'm a pretty good prep cook myself, so between the two of us, we turned out some scrumptious dishes for holidays and at any time she entertained.

I know many of you here have seen Marie in a professional capacity, having had a massage or a facial at MassageWorks. She always strived to improve her skills, knowledge and be keen on developments in her chosen profession through the Continuing Education program. She was the first person issued a license for massage therapy in the State of Tennessee.

It is hard to fathom why such a caring, empathic and loving woman as Marie is could meet with such an untimely and terrible demise. As I helped her through these last several months, I have repeatedly asked that question, 'why would life be so unfair to her', a person that has given of herself to so many. I can honestly say, I am still waiting on an answer.

So, as we gather here today to pay respects to Marie and remember her many contributions to the community in which she lived, let us simply remember her love of life, her love of beauty, of music and of dance. In closing, I would like to recite a short Irish blessing for her:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Amen.

I'd like to thank everyone for coming.

***

All My Love Forever, Chad

I was looking up people  with whom I lived when I attended a Orange County Community College in the 1960's, and when I saw that Marie had passed away, I was surprised and saddened.
I had meant to get in touch with her long ago.

Marie and I and several others shared a residence for the two years we were at the college.

She was an amazing person. We called her our "House Mother" as she was a bit older than we were.
She was a joy; entertaining and caring.
We loved to sit with her and just talk, or listen to the BEATLES, Rubber Soul album.
We also used to play with a Ouija Board, which she thought was silly. (I suppose it was.)
She had such a jolly laugh.

We knew that she would be a wonderful nurse! 

I am so sorry I didn't try get in touch with her sooner.
I am glad she was loved and that she did some wonderful work.
I just had to write this.

Ruthann Kreingold
Orange County Community College, class of 1967.

Early, on every clear morning, I go out and stare at the stars in the heavens and thank God for sending you into my life, Marie. A little after four o'clock today, a year ago, God sent his heavenly band of angels to set you free. Free from your poor broken, cancer-stricken body, one that was once so full of life and love for everyone you crossed paths with in this world. 

As I stood by the bed, I sensed the very instant that your spirit departed, finally pain-free and joining your new angel dancing partners, millions of them. While I sat by the lifeless vessel that once embodied your loving soul, I closed your eyes and kissed you for the final time, holding your hand until someone arrived. As I took the pretty ring you so loved from your finger, I thought of how happy it made you and how you cried the day I gave it to you. I took a lock of your hair for the locket I will always wear around my neck; a tiny picture of you inside.

And after a kindhearted man with a gentle face did arrive to help, he looked around and said to me, "I can tell she was surrounded by a lot of love, watch for signs." And there have been many.

If I live a thousand lives, Marie, I will never find another you. I will just have to see you again sometime. Please wait for me.

All my love forever, Chad

We used to watch a show on Saturday nights, 'Waiting for God'. Never would I have believed that we would be doing it in the literal sense, as we were at this time, a year ago. During your final week here with me, I never left your side, never knowing when God would decide it was time for you to return home to Him. 

As the sun would set in the October sky, I reminisced over all the many fall memories we had, my mind flooded as were the tears down my face. You were crossing over now, unaware of anything or anyone around you, adrift in a sea of morphine which was the only barrier between consciousness and agony. I made sure you didn't suffer, Marie. I couldn't bear to see you that way. It was the only way left that I had to say, 'I love you'. 

All my love forever, Chad

Your final journey began a year ago today when I brought you back home to our house. Over the next sixteen days, I tried to find a way to give you all the love I had, to tell you all the things I had not yet said and recalled the little remembrances of our life together. It was a happy time, having you near me, but a sad time as well, knowing the inevitable that was to come.

As I sat helpless, watching as your life slowly faded from you, there were moments of joy when you looked over and smiled at me; then the overwhelming devastation of thinking of my life without you in it. I just cried. There was no one or anything in the world that could comfort me. As we said our last "I love you's" to each other, I tried to ease your pain and watched as you struggled between this world and going on to the next. I held your hand, slept by the bed, ran my fingers through your soft hair. I whispered to you many times that I would always love you with all my heart and soul. I don't know if you heard me, but I will.
All my love forever Marie,
Chad

Your dear mommy, Gladys, left this world a year ago today. You devoted the last year of your life caring for her and many years before that. No mommy could have had a more loving daughter than you, Marie, and she gave the world a special gift by bringing you to this Earth. 

While she preceded you by just a short time, I know you are together now, embraced in love and peace. And when I tell you of this tomorrow, as you said to me, yes, she did live a long life. I only wish yours could have been spared. 
All my love always, Chad

Baby, a year ago tomorrow I will take you over to respite care for five days. I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice - we had to get the house ready for your final journey on this planet Earth. I wanted to stay at night, but they wouldn't let me, saying that's what respite care is for, to give the caregiver time to rest. I didn't rest, not much, knowing you were in that place, but I was there every moment I could be. I didn't reconcile with what was to be, instead still praying for a miracle to happen. I even told God I would take your place if He so chose, that of all the good you've done while in this world, that none of this was fair. I know miracles do happen, just not this time.
All my love always, Chad

A year ago today, I brought you back from the hospital for the last time. We were going to try to get you to Texas for treatment, but you just couldn't make the trip. There would be no more chemo as I watched that one round take it's toll on the life you had left in you, Marie. 

You tried as hard as you possibly could, but I watched as you slowly started to give up the battle you were trying to fight. You weren't fighting it alone, as you had all the love and support I and your dearest friends could have given you. We eventually lose this fight, you with your life, and me losing the most precious person I have ever had in mine. God bless your spirit, Marie. It will always live on in every life you touched.
All my love always, Chad.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...
Our last picture together, a year ago. 

All my love, Chad.

Early this morning, it was good to see your smiling face again. When you reached out and took my hand, it was as if none of this had ever happened, that we were still two hearts beating as one. 

A year ago tomorrow, I took you out of Crossville for the last time, away from all you held dear, to whatever fate awaited you, us. Never knowing what the next day would bring, we sailed away on this ship of love we built with each other over the many happy years.

Yes, it was good to see you and hold your hand again, Marie, even if it was just a dream. Waking up was like saying goodbye, again. All My Love Always,  Chad

Chad, sending you hopes and prayers for strength.  Those people that have impacted our lives never leave us, and Marie was one of those people.  Celebrate her life, cherish her memory, always.  We are only among each other for a short time.  Peace.

I just watched a beautiful sky-blue pink sunrise this morning on what would have been your 72nd birthday. While there are no words to describe the grief of losing you, I will celebrate your life and all you did, not just for me, but for so many others as well. Tonight I will raise a glass in your honor. I will be with you again someday. All my love always, Chad.

A year ago tomorrow, you called me to tell of the test results. You were brave about it, the Marie I've always known. I was stunned at what I heard you say, but I too, was brave and was determined to find a way to beat this disease. I didn't cry that day, but I have cried almost everyday since. God bless you Marie, wherever you are. 
All my love always, Chad.

Night Without End

"I wish this night would never end because I am with you... And only in your company do all my dreams come true... The very nearness of yourself is all I ever need... To give me courage and the strength to succeed... I only want to hold you close and look into your eyes... To see the beauty of this life without the least disguise... I want to kiss your lips again and hear them say to me... That you are mine to have and hold for all eternity... And so I wish this night with you would never know an end... Because you are my sweetheart and my everlasting friend."

A poem I found in Dad's wallet after he passed away. Ever since, I have always carried it. Love forever, Chad.

Marie, today would have been our 13th anniversary. I love you more than you'll ever know. Chad

For all eternity, Marie.
You are missed. All my love, Chad.

Marie, this plaque will be with the Memorial Tree at Uplands, in perpetuity. 
All my love always, Chad.

Remembering your kind and loving spirit, Marie. All my love always, Chad.

You always made the springtime that much prettier, Marie. All my love, Chad

In the early 70s I began volunteering at People's and had the good fortune to have Marie as one of my trainers and mentors.  Her wisdom, compassion and fun-loving nature were inspiring, and memories of her spirit will forever remain a treasure in my heart.

Baby, your dear friends in Austin are memorializing you on January 24th. I wish I could be there, but I think we'll both be there in spirit. All my love always, Chad.

Merry Christmas, baby, wherever you are in the Universe. You are always loved and terribly missed. 
XOXO,
Chad

Baby, it's been a month now and I miss you more than ever. If I could just get through my head that you're 'not coming back', it might be easier, but for now with everything that goes on this time of year - I can only try and remember the fabulous, wonderful times we've had. You are in my heart and in my soul, forever. Please wait for me.

All the love I have,
Chad

With deepest sympathy and without words to express my sorrow for the loss realized by Chad, family and friends. My prayer is that God will send his comfort and peace to fill the large void the Marie leaves behind.

Marie was my friend for 40 years.  Friends for a lifetime.  Fun, Caring, Beautiful.  I will miss her deeply.  She would want us to celebrate and live life large. I love you Marie!

I feel so lucky to have had Marie in my life for 40 years.  Many great memories of adventures and music and dancing and a treasured friendship.  I wasn't her closest friend, but Marie always made me feel that way.  One of her amazing talents.  Enchanting, adorable, sexy, smart Marie.  My heart goes out to her family who just lost their mom as well.  Chad, Debbie and Fran - I will never forget you all and everything you did for Marie.  Dale Thompson, Austin, Texas

I find it so difficult to say goodbye to my dear friend Marie. She gave me my first massage and I immediately became a "table junkie"!  I had 20 wonderful years with with Marie. She was a loyal friend, always there with words of encouragement during the trying times, a warm and loving smile and a desire to help. I will miss her and her companionship. I know she is dancing her way into her new home while continuing to watch over all those who are grieving for her. I saw such love in her eyes for Chad before she left us. He was her champion in life and he was so loving as he cared for her. Blessings to you Chad. Blessings to Marie's family. Your memory lives on my friend.

Marie was a living angel for our mother, Marion, and many others, with whom she had supportive contact for many years - especially as mother grew older and more distant from her full faculties.  We treasured Marie's gift of kindness toward our mother and our family.

Marie will be greatly missed. We love her and cherish her memory.  Chad, we grieve her loss with you, but soon, my friend, we will celebrate her life together.
~Doc and Missy~

Marie was so full of life that her presence will always be felt. She enjoyed all that life had to offer and the angels will dance more exuberantly with her leading.

I came to think of Marie as my "other sister"!   I first knew her mother, Gladys, as a friend of my mother.  Mom went to Marie for her wonderful massages, and later in life as Mom became severely restricted and disabled by dementia, Marie went to Mom multiple times each month to give her not only the gift of her comforting and healing touch, but even more... she gave Mom the gift of her loving attention.  With immense patience, she connected with Mom's spirit, even after Mom had lost most of her ability to communicate with language.  When I came to Tennessee to visit Mom, I enjoyed wonderful "get togethers" with Marie!  She was "there for us" -- for our family -- as our eyes and ears and hands and hearts -- watching out to make sure Mom was being well cared for.   Marie gave so much of her beautiful self to others.  I shall miss my sister-friend, Marie Draudt!

Where do I begin.  I met Marie a little over 10 years ago. Our passion for the blues brought us together and we've been very good friends since. I have so many wonderful memories of blues shows we've shared together.  She loved to dance and she was always so much fun to hang out with. I use to tell her that I got to eat at least one good meal a week because she would always cook and invite me over to share a wonderful meal and a glass of wine. Marie was such a sweet, kind and caring person. I miss her every day and I will never forget our special times together.  Until we met again...

Chad, we are so sorry to hear of Marie's passing.  She was truly a kind and sweet spirit.  Carry her with you, always.

Michael & Vickie

Marie was a friend for over 20 years, and also my massage therapist. She was a lovely person and will be deeply missed.

I always loved seeing Marie and Chad together. Marie always had a fantastic way of looking at things, a real pleasure to be around. You are missed.

I've regarded Marie as "the sister that I never had".   We shared countless numbers of very memorable times and always had fun no matter where we were or what we were doing.   I will miss Marie and continue to love the memory of her.
                                          Neil Stone

Marie was my life-partner, we shared everything we did for the last 12 wonderful years together. She was a wonderful woman with a heart the size of Texas, and gave compassion, strength and love to to everyone she met. That life has taken her from me is only temporary as I look forward to the day when we again will walk hand-in-hand. Godspeed, Marie. You have all my love forever. 
Chad

OBITUARY

Marie R Draudt

July 12, 1944 – October 29, 2015

Weaver Funeral Home

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