Darlene Barbara Jaskinia Daude

Hey Dee!

I'ts been almost 3 weeks and I have been thinking about what I wanted to say to you in my final letter. How can you sum up 44 years (yea, my birthday was yesterday) in one letter? I miss you so much! You were always there when I needed you.

You were such a special person. Pastor Lee asked me if you took after anyone in our family, and I thought for a moment and realized that no, you were really unique. You had such class, beauty, kindness, determination...

I procrastinated writing not for lack of things to say, but for a wealth of stories from my time with Darlene. Where does one begin to remember the joys in this time of sorrows? Was reminded yesterday at the grocery as I bought canned goods, LeSeuer Peas, that "time" and simple pleasures are gifts that Darlene gave so generously. The peas are a reminder of Thursday nights....LeSeuer peas...not frozen peas, canned LeSeuer peas, and deer sausage for dinner with Darlene and Ed during the two...

To Ed & Kalyn (Daudes & Jaskinias), At First Lutheran, Floresville, we have been praying for you and we will continue. God bless you.

That so many of my former colleagues at Sprint have written about Darlene says volumes about the imprint she made on us all. Several years ago my best friend of many years finally lost his battle with cancer. Since then, my heart always feels a kindred sadness for families and friends of those who suffer that same loss because of this unfair disease. Yet another of my friends left us because of cancer just a few months ago. And now Darlene. Yet, Darlene's style would be to accept...

Well little Sis, You said you went to Dallas to claim your fame and fortune. I'd have to say that you did well for yourself. By all the E-mails from the people you worked with, I'd have to say that you claimed your fame by the way you touched their lives. As for your fortune, Ed, Kaylin, Kevin and all your friends whose lives you left a lasting impression on is a fortune that can't be spent in a lifetime. Early on in your battle with cancer, I would call and we would talk and...

For my aunt Dee Dee, I can't believe I still call you that when I'm this old...thank you for everything. Your love, friendship, and guidence have meant so much to me. We were always close no matter how long or far we were apart. I wish I could hear your voice again. It always made the day better. I love you and will miss you so much. Thank you for blessing us with Kayln. I promise to be as good to her as you were to me. I wish I could've told you the things I wanted to while...

I'll never forget the first time I met Darlene. She had just joined Sprint and introduced herself at an All Hands meeting. Her enthusiasm was contagious. And she was so funny! We worked together on a project when she became pregnant with Kaylen. We used to laugh about how long the project was taking and how she'd have a baby before the project launched. And she did. And Kaylen was indeed her greatest accomplishment. As I grew to know Darlene, I found her strength and courage so...

Darlene, I miss you so much. I'm looking at a picture of you.... you're so beautiful. Even though I'm your sister-in-law, you always treated me as one of your own sisters. I'm so proud of you! You always put up the good fight, even when you may have felt like giving up. You're so brave and so strong. I admire you so much. You're such an inspiration to me and many, many others. I'll never forget all the good times we've had. We were such shoppers!! (Remember the time Daddy drove us to the mall...

To my beloved Sister: I am sorry that I was not there at your side to say goodbye.I will always remember my birthday we spent together in Dallas.I will always cherish the times we had and the great memories. Thanks Ed for all you have done for my sister. We will always love you, Don,Carolyn,Jenna and Ryan