The Last Emails
from Petie's bedside
February 29, 2000
Our dear friend Petie needs our prayers. Carolyn Burgess and Jeani Snortland Van Eedan are by her side. Gary is returning to Texas ASAP when his own medical readings are known.
Petie has acute Leukemia. Her liver is failing at a fast rate. Fever and pneumonia complicate her slight chance for recovery.
"Go for it!" is what Petie said this morning, Feb. 29, at 1100 am, when she was responding to the serious questions we all hoped she understood about proposed treatment. Gary was contacted and read all the words that described Petie's options. He has since spoken to the Dr. directly.
She starts a chemo that is very toxic, but it gives her the only, very single chance, and only 5%.
She is comfortable; occasionally Petie has delayed her answers as to who she is and where she is, so her attention span is short. She cannot talk on the phone but the direct line to her room is 713-XXX-XXXX.
What we propose is this: send a short e-mail, Carolyn or I will read your names to her. It is such a delight when, through a new sparkle in her eyes, she recalls you.
We will do just that, and be with her every minute, and overnight on shifts. Thoughts and prayers are powerful and the strength she gets from you will help us all. We welcome you all to the prayer and strength loop.
Carolyn and Jeani
March 1, 2000 [early]
She had a pretty good night. Her kidneys are definitely working well!!! She is far more alert and can respond in a much more energetic way than yesterday. Your energy has helped her so much. Keep up the good work.
Thank you from Gary and pat yourselves on the back. Carolyn and Jeani
We will be off-line till 1330 when Carolyn returns.
Gads, she just started singing "It the Good Life"!! almost like Tony Bennett. See!!!!!!
March 1, 2000 [late]
Well, it's been up and down. She went from a good night to a shaky morning, to a worrisome afternoon. I wish I could be as optimistic as this AM, but she is having some complications with the infections and her organs are not doing well. Her body is working very hard. You have given her much additional strength. With every e-mail you have sent, and we have read every one to her, she recognized your names and reflected on how special you are to her. She felt comfort and love from you.
She is bathed and lotioned. I've been calling her Cleopatra, on her barge. Then she said, "You know she was only 23 yrs of age." She is always thinking!!!
They are doing an ultra sound of her heart. It is amazing to see. Strong, deliberate and definitely that of a Marathoner.
Keep praying for Elaine and Gary.
March 2, 2000, 7:42pm
We started the day thinking this was it!!!! Ended the day hearing her sing songs from Kismet and My Fair Lady. She is a fighter. She continues to be amazed at your e-mails and expressions of love. She remarked this afternoon how blessed she is having so many friends like you. Loosing Petie is inevitable. Keep Gary and yourself in prayers. You have been so special to her in this whole transition and process. May we all be as rich in love, life and friends.
Gary is so thankful to all of you words cannot express. G, C, J
March 3, 2000, 10:58am
She has been sleeping most of the morning. She had many sweet dreams earlier and now seems to have quieted. Jeani is rubbing her shoulders and arms, there is lovely music playing that friends have suggested and sent in some cases. Thank you. I responded to all of you who had sent e-mails yesterday and today but somehow lost them all when transitioning to On-line. My apologies.
She is comfortable in no pain and has been read all your notes. What comfort you have given her. You have helped her keep singing though now more softly.
We will keep you updated. Gary is fine, spent the night with her and remains a "rock." Two people with incredible stamina, comforted by you. Carolyn
March 3, 2000, 8:33pm
Karen Sheahan, Petie's dearest friend from Rhode Island, came in this afternoon. Petie was able to visit and acknowledged the music being played. Karen had been here in January when they ran all-over....even to "Needless Markup."
So now this evening with "Slack Key Guitar" from Hawaii playing on The CD, we all enjoy the music together. Sharing time, your e-mails, stories, support. She is comfortable, dreaming again, Gary at her side. You are a part of the picture.
March 4, 2000, 9:58am
We are all together with Petie in her sunny room, filled with the love all of you have sent. She feels it and we have the joy of knowing it by watching her wake up with her ever so sunny smile and quickly fall back to sleep. She continues to light up any room she's in. Nurses who have known Petie since she arrived here, have just stopped in to say hi. They said through it all she has greeted everyone here with her bright spirit and million dollar smile. Her love circle has grown to include all of the wonderful caring staff at MD Anderson.
Petie seems to be comfortable and peaceful. We are reading your names to her as your e-mails arrive by the 100s and 100s.
Love to all of you, Gary, Carolyn, Jeanie and Karen
March 4, 2000, 2:43pm
She continues to amaze everyone here. So strong and after everything she has been through.
Hawaiian Slack Key guitar playing again.
There have been more nurses from other floors in to visit this afternoon. Erin who had gotten "love" advice-she got engaged! Another one carrying a Campbell's soup can, Elaine's' favorite.
She sleeps for the most part. Comfortable and relaxed. Short, shallow breaths. The longest Marathon. It is said we should live in the moment......
............So...Run..............
March 5, 2000, 2:40pm
Hi, All Petie's Dear Friends,
Petie is nearing the end of her journey. The nurses and aids from all the areas of the hospital where she's been, continue to drop by to visit. Gary tells them wonderful stories of Petie's Dipsea Races. We feel it must be like she's topped "Heartbreak Hill" and approaching beautiful Stinson Beach. We draw our strength from knowing she always crossed the finish line a winner, ready to run the next race. She is sleeping all the time and seems to be comfortable and at peace. We send you all our love. Gary, Carolyn, Jeanie and Karen
March 6, 2000, 10:34am
"She crossed the finish line in the race of life and she did so without fear or pain." Gary
The support and love you have given Gary; and hopefully each other, has sustained him. She received over 600 e-mails, and over 100 cards and letters. We have been blessed to have known her. Thank you. He wanted you all to know ASAP that she is finally at peace. C.
Following are some [words] on the History of the Dipsea Race, the oldest cross country race in the world: from 1905 continuing into the millennium.
The 1966 race saw the entry of the first woman to actually compete in the Dipsea. Elaine Pedersen, 29, was issued a number and listed in the official Dipsea program and results. However, the rules did not apply to women. She had to be sneaked into the race even though she had officially been issued a competitor's number. The National Federation, the AAU removed her name from the official race results although she finished 274th out of 500.
In the 1967 Dipsea, Elaine Pedersen, 30, was legally allowed to enter and finished 159th out of 500. In the 1968 race, Elaine Pedersen, 31, was again the fastest woman and improved her time by over 5 minutes. For the first time in the history of the race the number of finishers exceeded the population of the host city, Stinson Beach.
The Dipsea trail encompasses the side of Mt. Tamalpais, historically known as the "Sleeping Maiden." Peacefully she lies basking in the sunshine or at times her floating tresses weathered in cooling fog. But once a year she rouses from her slumber for the Day of the Dipsea. With tolerance she endures the tearing and the soiling of her verdant garments. Then the last runner crosses the finish line. The smile returns to her gentle features. She is satisfied; her children have had a joyful day. Peacefully she slumbers once again with the only once a year remembrance of those runners finishing the Dipsea Trail, "Oh, the eyes that are bloodshot, the lips that are white and the stiff limbs that falter and fail; for it's no place for weaklings... the grueling course of the men and women of the Dipsea Trail."
Petie certainly was not a weakling as her Dipsea heart did not want to let go as she descended her own "Steep Ravine." (The most treacherous part of the Dipsea Trail.) Can there be any doubt that like the sleeping maiden, Mt. Tamalpais, Petie will peacefully continue her slumber and will remain as sunshine in our hearts.
Sent by Pax Beale this morning
Last updated: December 31, 2001
