Some friends arranged for a Mass to be said for Noel (Annie) this morning at a nearby parish. John is still home so he went with me. As of course is customary, the priest mentioned Noel by name during the service. In a way it was strange hearing her name mentioned aloud. And then it made me think of the Corita card with the Peter Beagle quote – “Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name.” And so I would. (I gave the card to Annie before we were married – and am looking at it now. You can see it at https://aswiftcurrent.wordpress.com/tag/damn-everything-but-the-circus/.)
Shortly before she died, when things were still somewhat “normal,” Noel had some genetic testing done. The results did not come back until after her death and I only met with the genetic counselor to get the results on Thursday. As it turns out, she had two pathogenic mutations associated with hereditary ovarian cancer, one of which (PMS2) increases lifetime risk for colorectal and uterine/endometrial cancer by about 15%. Whether the mutations also made the cancer more resistant to treatment isn’t completely clear but was intimated. There apparently is a 50-50 chance that one or both mutations were passed on to the boys, and that her sisters may have them as well, so all will be tested. How much nicer though it would have been to have had the information before the very subtle cancer symptoms first manifested themselves.
Peace,
Clark
noelstanton 
I carry you also in my heart..your smile and laugh..I miss you .
Sent from my iPad
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Well said, my friend.
Clark, thank you for your note. Life is a series of choices, and Annie left a legacy of many good and selfless ones like her genetic testing. Her courage was amazing.. I’m so glad that John is still with you. Peace be with you all. Patty
Clark I just don’t know what to say…it is all so emotional. Annie lived next door to me at Clarke Freshman year…we had the same “Tuckpointer”…older student who helped us/encouraged us/just an all-round friend. It was so wonderful to be together again when she came back to Dubuque for the reunion weekend. Following her journey has been an emotional/spiritual journey for me. Thank you for sharing
Clark, seeing an email from Noel was a jolt…a nice one. We miss her kind humor and wisdom. We think of you and your family and hope all goes well with the tests. Take good care. Kathy
Thank you. What a beautiful tribute to Noel. I, the nurse in the group, am grateful you got the genetice testing results back and that the boys and her sisters can follow-up. Take good care. Judy
Thanks for keeping in touch, Clark. I have her picture you sent, in a place where I often see it. And I continue to marvelâ¦at so many things. God be with you, Sister Deedee Casey
Dear Clark,
We’re certainly together in feeling Noel’s ongoing presence, love, and support…Like St. Therese, Noel is spending her heaven doing good on earth. I read each word you and she wrote during her time of preparation for the great beyond…Now it seems like she was sending me a very personal prophecy…Would love to talk with you in her honor…Her ever-new presemce in our lives continues to bless us beyond imagining…I know that only God can console…May you always and ever know that she loves you beyond telling and already is enjoying your presence in heaven…
Love, Janice 307-235-8810
Dear Clark,
When last we spoke I promised you that I would send a paper that Noel and I discussed over long hours…I still haven’t found it…You’ve been most patient. Thank you! At the time we spoke I was anticipating enduring Noel’s experience and you encouraged me. I chose not to undergo chemotherapy. I simply revisited my childhood faith and asked Mary if I could borrow her faith and ask for healing. Two years have passed and my oncologist proclaimed that he was one hair’s breadth of declaring me a miracle. Noel, no doubt, interceded for me…and continues, through me to thank you for all your love in her beautiful life. I presently enjoy her heavenly presence so active throughout our world and the deep love she hold you in…May God continue to share her loving presence with you and sustain you and help you…come what may…
Love, Janice 307-235-8810