Rabbit, Rabbit, and the Beginning of Something New

Today I embark on a new adventure. I have made the decision to train for the Marine Corps Marathon 2011. I am no runner and my knees aren't what they used to be. I am happy to do this to honor Eric's 5th anniversary ...

Marine Corps Marathon/10K 2007

Friends,

I wanted to thank you for all your support this year in general and as I've trained and participated in the second 10K in particular. Being in Washington, DC at the Marine Corps Marathon and running in the 10k was a significant experience for me. Not only was this an event, but it was a place and a time to be with other families and friends who have lost loved ones in Iraq and with those who still have loved ones over there.



From here on out, all athletic events I do will be to honor my brother, Eric. Thank you for helping me with your donations as well as your support and encouragement.


Edna





Here are some photos of the day (courtesy Maia!):

Donating ONLINE

Friends,

If you would like to donate online to the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS-Amherst, please go to

http://www.isenberg.umass.edu/Giving_to_Isenberg/

Thank you for your care and support,
Edna Valdepenas

Boston Marine Corps Honor Run

A great thank you to all who supported my brother-in-law, Maui, my sister, Teresa, and me in our participation in yesterday's Marine Corps Honor Run in Milton, MA. This was our first run and we were proud to do it - and finish! - in honor of our younger brother, Eric.

If you are interested in purchasing a pin (scroll down), please contact me at teamvaldepenas@aol.com or my sister Nora at nvaldepenas@hotmail.com.

Edna

The First Year of Mourning

One of the Few, the Proud, the Strong -- A U.S. Marine.

Young, handsome, intelligent, you gave your all so we can stay free.

We love you and miss you every day,
Mom and Dad
siblings: Edna, Marie, Sean, Neil, Nora, Karen, Teresa
nieces and nephews: Maia, Zoe, Jordan, Eric Xavier, Brianne, Jarod, Camille, Vincenza, Eric James
friends and fellow Marines.

In honor of my brother, Eric, my sister has crafted this custom made American flag pin. This pin is now for sale for $12.50 (includes shipping and handling). All proceeds will go to Eric’s Memorial Fund. If you would like to purchase a pin, please contact Nora at nvaldepenas@hotmail.com

Poems for Memorial Day

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
- Mary Frye (1932)
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow;
I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain;
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush;
I am in the graceful rush.

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.

I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.