Iris Kay Call

Iris,



I visited your house and wept because it is so hard for me to believe you are gone. Looking at the place where we shared so many memories that is now all boarded up confirmed the reality I hate to accept that you are really gone. I visited your grave to sit and talk with you and I guess say out loud all the things I wish I could say to you now. I remembered the great times we shared and then began to weep because of all the great times ahead that you won't share with me. I miss you so much. You were truly more than my sister. You were my best friend. I love you, Sandra

Iris,



I weep today still not believing you are gone 9 months and forever. So many moments in my life would have been enriched by you if you were still here. Autumn and I had lunch together today and shared so many loving memories. We laughed and teared up. I offered to watch your dog for her so we could play with him and remember how much you loved him. I was crying as I wrote and he came to me just like he used to come to you when you were sad, as if he knew. You are so dear to my heart. Sometimes living just today missing you is easier than the reality of knowing I will miss you for the rest of my life. I know I will see you again in Heaven, but God created earth for fellowship and I miss you here on earth. I miss so many things about you. I realize that I go through each day in somewhat of denial that you are gone because on the 11th, I fall apart and feel all the pain it seems that I've pushed away during the month. I am truly blessed to have been your best friend and sister and I count my blessings that I had the time with you that I did.



I love you,



Sandra

Iris,



The longer you are gone the more I can't believe the reality. I struggle not hearing your reaction to things in my world or your world. I miss your laughter and spontaneity. No one had the friendship and sisterhood we held. I will never replace you, but I will always remember you very deep in my heart. I want to imagine your life now as it could have been only to realize it isn't possible. Your daughter and son are the most precious children and I love them as they were my own. I miss you and love you from the bottom of my heart. You are a beautiful soul to me and always will be. Today, I asked God to give you a hug for me. I hope you received one of our "sister hugs" because no one hugs like family, at least our family. By the way, someone hugged me today and I could have sworn that hug was from you. It touched my heart and I left with tears in my eyes. I listened to our songs in my car that we listened to over coffee and felt so very close to you. It was good to feel you so close. I really didn't want to get out of my car, but I did and then someone cared for me knowing what today was for me. I won't believe that you weren't there hugging me making me feel better as you always did. I love you Iris.



Your sister and friend,



Sandra

Iris,



I shake my head still not wanting to believe you are gone. My heart wells up with the worst pain I think I have ever felt when I realize 7 months have now gone by without you. So much has happened that I would have shared with you. Your encouragement and laughter at all the things I would share always was enough to feel so much better about any situation. I finally took a picture of a picture of you from my camera so I can have you on my wallpaper of my cell phone. Now, every time I use my phone you are there so beautiful and full of life.

I want so much to know what happened that night and what you went through. I have daydreamed and I guess imagined you telling me step by step in much detail about what you did and how you survived and then I realize you didn't survive at all. It is so hard to deal with the roller coaster of emotions. I miss you so much and sometimes have to force myself to stop thinking of it just to get through the rest of my day. I've asked God and Jesus to hug you many times for me just like I would and the interesting thing is that I vividly see in my mind Them giving you "our sister hug" and your joyful face being in the presence of our Lord.



I love and miss you more than I can express in words.



Love ya,



Sandra

Iris, it's like it isn't real that you are not here. I catch myself talking about you or seeing something, like the logo on our Preferred shirts, and then I think, aw, Iris did this. I think of you everytime I see BBQ Fritos!! I really miss our little talks in the mornings at work, how we would talk about our kids and no matter what the subject was, we understood each other! I hope that your kids know that you were so unbelievably proud of them! I remember asking you what the word of the day was because you said every day you and Nathan would give each other a new word you learned and then you had to use it in a sentence. I thought that was so neat. I got a kick out of your makeup bag being in the bathroom here at work and you were showing me all this stuff Autumn gave you, that she would get at the cosmetics counter and didn't like, so she'd give it to you and you were just loving it! Even though we only knew each other a short time, you really meant alot to me.

Iris,

I was on a buinsess trip and couldn't write yesterday because I had no internet access. Every presentation read, February 11, 2006 and each time I couldn't stop thinking about the time that has past. Time has gone by so slowly without you. It is hard to imagine that 6 months has gone by without your voice, your hugs, your phone calls and your unconditional love.

Autumn, Nathan and I picked out such a beautiful tombstone for you. Your daughter and son really know you well and understand what you would like or dislike. It was a very difficult task, but it helped to honor you with a tombstone we know would make you proud.

I can't tell you how many times I thought about what we would be doing right now had you survived and how the fire would have changed your perspective about so many things. The reality that you didn't is overwhelming. Because of other world tragedies, many song writers have begun to write songs about losing their loved ones and I cry and sometimes weep every time one comes on in my car as I travel for work. Sometimes I fight the tears, roll down the window and sing along as loud as I can just so you can hear how much I miss you. Jeff misses you too and wears that robe that you gave him almost every day to get coffee. You loved us both so much and loved my girls. They sit in the "Aunt Iris Chairs" you gave them that are in leopard print every time they watch a movie. In fact, that is what they are doing as I write.

I love you from the bottom of my heart, Sandra

Iris,



Every time a month goes by, I am painfully reminded that I will no longer have you with me for the rest of my life. I love and miss you more than I can express. Remembering your birthday on January 6th was more difficult than I had imagined. I wanted to celebrate your life and yet I mourned more for my loss. I just wish I had time to say good-bye and share how much you meant to me, but you were taken in seconds. I long to hear your voice, share coffee and just talk for hours...and then hug like only sisters can do, thankful for the time we spent. Then, other days, I just can't imagine getting through the rest of the day without you. I miss those spontaneous moments of ours that I couldn't pull off with anyone else then or now. We enjoyed each others company so much that the moment we called each other was always an anticipation of what fun was ahead of us both and what trouble we would get into just for the fun of it. I love you with all I have and miss you more each day.



"Love ya", (as you would always say),



Sandra

Iris,



Time is not healing as I have been told. In fact, it has been an unbearable amount of time since I heard your voice, your laughter. The spontaneous times I would have called you or just dropped by are harder and harder to deal with that you are not there. The times we used to talk while I was on the road were meaningful without interruption from anyone and now the road is long and lonely. With only four months gone today, my heart aches to think I have thousands of months to go without you. Friends reach out and I reach back, but the void of you can't be replaced. Noone is like a sister and best friend, like you. I loved so many of your wonderful qualities and you added so much life to my days and weeks. I miss our time together. I miss you. I shake my head and can't believe that you are really gone. I wasn't thankful for Thanksgiving without you. You would have been proud of my meal, my charger plates, table setting and special glasses. You taught me so much of how to make things special. I felt your pressence at my table as I saw the same touches you would have done there for my family. Your nieces hung the ornaments that you gave them. They both were sad and miss you so much. I wept as they hung them on the christmas tree. Jeff, Lauren, Savannah and I hugged and cried as we remembered you so vividly in our home. Many gifts from you to us are used almost every day. We miss you so very much. You were so thoughtful in that way, always finding neat things to make our lives better.



My sister, I do talk to you and sometimes I can even hear your advice and I laugh because I know you are right. Other times, I ache and just cry because you don't say anything at all and noone else can say the things you did, knowing all that you did about me.



I want to pour my heart out and tell you how much I love you. I know you know, but I want to tell you face to face and see your expression only a sister could give of love and to feel in my heart you returning your love without saying a word, but hugging me as you always did.



I love you, Sandra

It's December now mom and it is close to Christmas. Thanksgiving has come and gone. I wake up everyday and wonder where I am and I think I am in a dream. A nightmare really. It is hard for me to believe that I can no longer see your face, your smile, hear your laugh....I wish I could hear your voice one more time. Sometimes I feel like I have forgotton what you sounded like. I know you can hear me when I talk to you. I need you so much. I am lost in life without you. You are my rock. I feel as though the deepest part of me,the core, has been ripped out of me and I am left with the rest and don't know how to make everything else work with out it. I miss you more and more everyday. It hurts sooo bad!!!I love you mom. I know you love me too.

Iris,



The second month is here and my heart is so overwhelmed with the void of you not being here with me. I miss so much about you, I couldn't even begin to write it here. These two months have been so long. I put a different picture of you on my fridge every Thursday just to remember specific memories that I cherish with you. I love you from the bottom of my heart and miss you beyond what any words could express. ~your sister and Best Friend Always

I don't know if this is my place to write or not, seeing as how i only met Mrs. Call a handfull of times, but i just wanted to send my deepest sympathy to all of the people who loved and will continue to love Mrs. Call. I know that she is in a better place and is looking down on all of her loved ones and will rejoin with everyone of you. Deepest sympathy

Mom,



Its hard to imagine going through the rest of my life without you. I looked forward to calling you whenever I could just to keep in touch with "home", and the voicemails you left on my cell phone to keep my spirits up were often the highlight of my day. Since you left, I have felt mostly numbness...its been hard to express any emotion because I have kept mine bottled up inside for so long. Yet, it is hard for me to read these threads because it brings all of my sadness to the surface. What will holidays spent at home be like without you? I miss you so much...Soon

It's been four weeks - -



I wish the words would come that convey the loss I feel without your presence. I think back on our growing up together; You were so bold, so daring, so ready for adventure.



We separated, you and I, raising our own families. There was so much about your life I didn't know. I learned from your dear sweet friends that you were so supportive of them. So many shared of how they treasured your friendship.



I recall the times we shared that we'd grow old together one day. You're not here and I miss you ...



Myra Lee

Iris,

On August 10th 2005, I came to your house in the morning and you greeted me with a sister hug as strong as sisters can hug in appreciation of each other as we often did. Within 15 hours, on August 11th you were no longer with me on earth. I weep that you are no longer here with me to share and teasingling say as we often did, "nothing has really happened unless my sister knows about it". One month today has gone by and I haven't stopped thinking about you, missing you and hugging you in my mind. I'm torn to think of all the years that are ahead without you. I'll remember all that you taught me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I miss you beyond comprehension. My love for you reaches Heaven itself. I will always love you and miss you, my sister and best friend.



Love you ~ Sandra

Dear Bro. Gene, Miss Gretel, Janet, & family,

We were so sorry to hear about Iris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bro. Gene and Mrs. Gretel,

You and your family are loved by so many. I believe I met Iris only once, but remember Autumn and Nathan coming to stay several times with you in Lake Charles “years ago”. They both liked to grab on my bicep and have me lift them up (they’re probably too big for that now)! My wife, Susanne, and I (along with our three sons) would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. I know you all will miss her very much, but we know that you do not grieve “as others which have no hope” (I Thess. 4:13). You will see her again. Our prayers are with you.

Mamma,I love you so much! You are my everything. I don't have words to express how I feel. Millions of emotions,thoughts, and memories run through my mind every second about you. You are my best friend. You will always be with me. I know you are at peace and the Lord is taking care of you. It doesn't seem like I will ever be able to do anything without you, but I know you are still with me. You tell me "time will ease your pain,life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same". I didn't realize how true that is until now. I love and miss you more than I can express. -your little girl

Iris...There aren't enough words I could use to describe my love for you, my big sister, coffee buddy, and my friend. I take comfort in knowing that I'll walk with you again. Tell Granny, Grandaddy, Grandmother, Annie Lee, and all the others that we'll be there on our appointed day. I'll close with the words you gave me so very often...love ya!

Dear Gene and Gretel, What a tragic loss and how heavy my heart is for you. I'm sure you have given comfort to others in similar situations and now you must let your friends and family members help you to remember all the good years and times with Iris. I know she was thankful to have had you two for parents. We will keep you in our prayers.

WITH DEEPEST REGRETS

Gene and Gretel,

I just learned of the tragic loss of your daughter and to know that there is nothing I can say that will make your hurt and pain go away. Since our years together in high school, I have always counted you, Gene, as my very special friend. So I can hurt for you and pray for you, but beyond that I feel very helpless. Just know that you and Gretel have already been in my prayers and will stay there throughout the months to come. May God's love and grace give you strength and comfort that only He can give.

Dear Gene& Gretel,



Words fail us at times like this. Please know how deeply sorry we are for your loss. You and your family are in our hearts and our prayers.May the peace of God's love surround you and give you the strength that only HE can provide. We love you more than you can know.

Dear Gene & Gretel, My heart was heavy upon reading about Iris. The good news is the Hope of seeing her again and the strength that our wonderful Savior gives us. My prayers have you at the top of the list. Love, Wanda Whitwell-Suggs

I have so many fond memories of Iris during her years in Dayton. To know Iris was to love her - she was just bursting with kindness and love and laughter. I was heartbroken to hear of her passing, but feel so blessed to have shared a friendship with her.



My love and prayers go out to the family. May God bless each one of you.

Dear Myra, Jessica, Jennifer and Jim,

I didn't know until this morning about this tragedy in your family.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

I know this sounds like a "church" thing to say, but you will see her again one of these days.

You're also in my thoughts and prayers as you return.

Dear Gene, Gretel and family--

How sad we were to learn this news. Our hearts are grieving for you so deeply. I pray you will have a STRONG sense of Jesus carrying you right now and in the hard days to come. You have all been so special to me and my family--I love you so much!

In Him--

Jennifer, John and children

Gene & Gretel, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. May she rest in the arms of her Savior and may you find peace in the love He has for all of you.

Gene and Gretel, I have no words for a loss such as this except to tell you how sorry I am. I pray that you will be surrounded by God's peace and His presence.

Gene, Gretel & Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time of

bereavement.

In His love

Don and Frances Allen

Uncle Kenny we are sorry about your sister and we are praying for you. Rachel and Sarah

I went to high school with Gene Rutledge, the father of the deceased, more years ago than we would both like to admit to and had an opportunity to meet his wife Gretel, the mother of the deceased, at our high school reunion last year. I know how proud they were of their children and what a terrible loss this has to be. I join with all our classmates in extending our sincere sympathies.

My heart goes out to all of you. Only a woman so full of love for her darling cat would have went back in. And it shows her true character. Iris rest in peace and I'm sure your kitty is there with you keeping you company.

To Iris's family I send heartfelt sympathies. Maryann

Gene & Gretel, so sorry for your loss.

Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing this family, I did get the pleasure of keeping thier Shih Tzu, Odus, who survived the fire and was lost on Brownsboro Road. He only stayed one night with us, but he will always have a home here if the need ever arises. We would be glad to keep him anytime you need someone to watch him. He brought our family great joy! Good Luck and God Bless...

Dear Gene and Gretel,

There are no words to express our feeling in the loss of your dear Iris. Just know your faith will guide you through this numbing time. Our love and thoughts to you and your children.

Donald and Harriette King Maloney

I am at a loss as of what to say, I will miss you tremendously. You were a true friend and I could always count on you to cheer me up. We lost a beautiful friend and I will think of you often. Autumn and Nathan, Your Mother was so proud of you. Until we meet again Iris Kay

I only worked with Iris a short time but she was well loved by all here at the Papa John's family. She had a kind heart and was always had a positive mood. My deepest sympathies go out to her family during this difficult time. She will be missed.

I so enjoyed our many conversations and your very good advise to me. I just want you to know how much you are loved and I will never forget our friendship. You were a true blessing in my life. Love You Helen

Though I never met Iris, I have been privileged to meet her sister, Sandy (through my sister, Dodi Mason). I only wish I had the wisdom to put into words thoughts that would help you and your family through this challenging time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

I use to work with Iris a few years back. What a tragedy to have such a wonderful, loving, caring and hard working lady pass. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady. God Bless her soul.

I still cannot believe you are no longer with us my child. I never thought your would leave this earth before me. You had such a big loving heart. I know you are in a better place. I loved you so much. We will all join you one day and only God knows when that day will be. Mother