| 2/16/2003 11:23:25 | Holly and Tom Starling | Alpharetta | Georgia | Keep hangin in there Annette! You have a huge internet wide support group! |
| 2/16/2003 15:54:59 | Eileen Patterson | Duluth | Mn | You at least still have more hair than Michael. Take care. |
| 2/16/2003 20:02:39 | Dean & Jenny Quick | Hermantown | MN | Just a short note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! |
| 2/16/2003 21:47:19 | Becca & Mark Stern | Hermantown | MN | We think of you often. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers. KICK SOME BUTT!!! |
| 2/17/2003 8:23:14 | Roberto Cordon | Geneva | Switzerland | Check this site every day before going home, especially the "blasts count"! |
| 2/17/2003 11:34:33 | Lori Ford | Duluth | MN | We think of you often & keep you in our hearts. I check your website daily & love seeing the pictures of you & your family.May God bless you & keep you. |
| 2/17/2003 13:03:26 | Dan and Kate Sharer | Cumming | Georgia | Great website, cute kids! Keep fighting Annette, we're all thinking of you. |
| 2/17/2003 13:27:13 | Vianne and Dick Engwall | Minnetonka | MN | Hi! --- Annette and extended family(a special "Hi!" to Tom and Mary. We are praying that your results will be like mine--6 month checkup last week--still "all clear". I will be 4 years post stem cell transplant in May--Will have a special "thank you celebration at our 50th Reunion. Our love continues to surround you. |
| 2/17/2003 13:28:21 | Hilary and Lance Laing | Belmont | Massachusetts | Hey Annette! WE are thinking of and praying for you lots and lots. May you feel surrounded by love! Cute kids you've got there!! |
| 2/17/2003 14:20:02 | Holly Starling | Alpharetta | Georgia | I absolutely LOVE the view from your bed. If that doesn't give you the energy to get up and challenge the day, I don't know what will! |
| 2/17/2003 14:38:42 | Linda Bullions, Joe Baldick and Family | New City | New York | Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of all of you in this difficult time. If anyone can beat this, we know Annette can - especially if a positive attitude counts (and it does)!! We are keeping you in our prayers. |
| 2/17/2003 14:42:12 | Lou-weezie Yount | Duluth | MN | we live in the best place in the world! and i'm
glad that Annette is back here, except for what that actually means with the leukemia. Annette, i've never seen anyone looking so cute in a blue striped hat! thinking of you, Lou |
| 2/17/2003 15:40:42 | Ty and Charlotte Lanahan | North Pomfret | Vermont | Hi Pete and Annette,
We heard of your situation and are pulling for. Remembering all the good times in Baltimore and Atlanta. We really enjoy all the lovely pictures of your family. We will be in touch, it has been too long. All our love, Ty and Charlotte |
| 2/17/2003 16:48:56 | Steph Mueller | Middleton | Wisconsin | Hey Annette --
Greetings from East of the Border! We think about you lots.... |
| 2/18/2003 12:55:36 | Doreen & Gary Wallace | Duluth | MN | Just a note to say "Hi!" (Original, huh?) Just want you to know the department isn't the same without your smiling face. You're in our thoughts and prayers. |
| 2/18/2003 15:29:22 | Jeanette Paulson | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette: We've been peeking in on you through Peter's wonderful website. You and your doctors are in our prayers and we think of you daily. You are quite photogenic even with the bald look! |
| 2/18/2003 15:42:49 | Michael Anderson | Townsend | Massachusetts | Pete & Annette:
We've been keeping track of the progress daily, and our thoughts and prayers are with you! Mike, Lisa, Danny & Christopher Anderson |
| 2/18/2003 17:29:30 | Joanne Ellis | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette,
It is so good to check your daily reports and not wait for info to trickle down! Our prayers are always with you. Hugs, Jo |
| 2/18/2003 18:08:21 | Kristi Swenson | Richmond | VA | Hi, Annette!
We just had a new blanket of what folks here call snow, but seems a bit more like heavy pebble-y white rain drops to this native Duluthian. At any rate, it reminds me how close I am to you despite the distance. Thinking of you with powerful love, dear friend! |
| 2/18/2003 21:59:55 | Peach & Dick Ojakangas | Duluth | MN | We're thinking about you and praying for you. It's a real privilege to feel you are part of our "family". Keep biking, and keep strong! |
| 2/18/2003 22:35:30 | Paul and Christine Vescio | Gansevoort | New York | Hello Annette (and Pete too) we have been keeping track
of your progress every day and you have been in our prayers. We wish you
all the best and know that the care and support out there can only make
things progress better. All of our best
Paul, Christine, Paul Jr. and Anna (yes Pete that's Ahhh Nuh, I'm glad that you and Annette decided to do it the correct way also...) |
| 2/18/2003 23:05:35 | Pete, Beth & Laurel | St. Paul | MN | Annette, Peter, Joseph and Anna - Lots of love and
prayers to you all. We check in daily on the website and love seeing the
kid's pictures and the updates. We will be watching for your "come
back to the cities" dates and hope the St. Paul Bomans can help out!
Give Tom and Mary a hug from us too! Lots of love,
Pete, Beth and Laurel |
| 2/19/2003 14:55:01 | Debbie Langone & family | Union | New Jersey | Hi Pete, Annette, Joseph & Anna-
We wanted to let you know that you are in our hearts and our daily prayers (twice on Sunday just for good measure). We check the webpage daily. The kids are just beautiful and the art work is very impressive. Just know that everyone in this house is thinking of you all... With much love, Debbie, Pat, Jessica and PJ |
| 2/19/2003 15:52:19 | Gilles and Francoise Muller | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette and Peter,
We just wanted to let you know that we think of you and we hope that things will get better really soon. It is nice to be able to follow your daily updates on the web (great job Peter!) and to see the whole family having fun together. We hope to see you soon! |
| 2/19/2003 16:37:50 | Xinjun &Yunfei | Gaithersburg | Maryland | Hi Annette and Pete,
We are all here to be with you and pray for Annette's quick recovery. Be strong and you can do it, Annette! |
| 2/19/2003 22:13:34 | Uncle Bruce and Michele | Hotchkiss | Colorado | Hi Annette, we are following your progress. I will need some help here tilling the little farm field, and riding ATV trails to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We look forward to seeing you up on our tractor! We are sending pictures to Peter soon. Hang in there, Love You! |
| 2/19/2003 23:06:46 | Michael & Deanna Asbell | Bayfield | Wisconsin | Hola Annette and Peter and kids!
We are friends of your brother Tom & Vicki Boman. They have kept us informed of your illness and progress. Just wanted you to know that we are praying for you, and sending lots of positive thoughts your way! Carpe Diem! The Asbell Family |
| 2/20/2003 16:59:46 | Tracey Gant | Mill Valley | CA | Annette, I am following your progress every day on Pete's great website. Your kids are so cute, and I'm glad they are keeping your room full of their artwork. No therapy like baby hugs! Sending tons of good thoughts your way from California, plus some hugs of my own oooooooox! |
| 2/20/2003 22:37:50 | Rick &MaryBeth Hockett | Fishers | Indiana | Hi, Annette--We are med school friends of Tom and Vicki--have been following your progress through Tom/Vicki, until we found out about the web site. Your kids are so cute!! We are praying for you and think of you often...will keep up with your progress via the web site. |
| 2/21/2003 22:05:20 | Michele Dorsey Brooks | Portland | Maine | Hey there! It was GREAT talking with you last week.
So sorry to see that you spiked a fever yesterday. Sure hope you're feeling
better today. I love the pictures of you with your kids - what a great mommy!
Thank you so much for this fabulous website - what a great way to keep us
all up to date. Love that running quilt that your friends made - so cool
(no, warm actually... ar ar). Rob so enjoyed his run with you and Peter
back in California nearly 6 years ago. He just received his entry postcard
for this year's Boston race (sure wish we had known you guys were there
for the 100th - it would have been great to get together).
Well, my dear, you, Peter and the kids are all in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to read that you've had the transplant and are on the mend for good!!!! Lots of love, Michele |
| 2/22/2003 9:37:41 | Bernam & Coke DeLong | Edgewater | Fl | We are interested in reading your progress and the
updates
God bless you all as you go through this trying time |
| 2/22/2003 12:04:21 | Roberto Cordon | Geneva | Switzerland | Hope the fever is coming down and you are feeling better. Love to see those blast counts at 0%. Let's hope the others come back up soon. You are in my thoughts every day. The quilt is absolutely fantastic. What wonderful friends! |
| 2/24/2003 19:01:58 | Andy Tyser | Madison | WI | Hi Dr. Boman!
I just wanted to let you know that I'm routing for you too, and sending good thoughts in the northern direction. I learned a lot from you that summer at UMD, and wanted to thank you again for your time (and patience!). It really means a lot to me to have teachers that are admirable both academically and personally--so THANKS again, and fight hard! My thoughts are with you, Andy Tyser |
| 2/24/2003 20:38:12 | Palma and Chris Downey | Chantilly | VA | Hi from snowy Virginia! We keep checking this site when we think of you, which is often. Looking forward to seeing you guys when you are ready for a trip to D.C. Hugs and kisses to those cute kids! We are sending prayers and positive energy your way! |
| 2/24/2003 21:17:47 | Shirley Wuchter | Duluth | MN | I finally figured out how to get to your website. This is so impressive! It is great to see the pictures and have the update. I pray for you constantly and wonder how you are doing, so now I can form more specific prayers. Betty Aune was here for dinner tonight and she sends her greetings and prayers, too. I guess I should give her some credit because she was the one who walked me throught the steps to get to your linkages. Hope you can feel my hugs and love that I am sending to all of your family. Love, Shirley Wuchter |
| 2/25/2003 14:49:09 | Julie Carlson and Brad Johnson | Wynnewood | PA | Hi there! We keep on checking your web page--and it
was good to talk last week. Stay strong!
We're supposed to get up to a foot of snow on Thursday night, which would make it the snowiest February in Philly history! And I thought we had moved south... Julie P.S. I heard a funny story on NPR the other day about how you know you're friends when you have "refrigerator rights"...made me remember digging in your mom and dad's fridge for a few years there...hope you know that our fridgy is your fridgy if you trek this direction. :) |
| 2/26/2003 1:44:30 | Annalisa Eckman | Minneapolis | MN | From one Gustie to another-- "Come on you Gusties,
fight on fight on!!" You can do it Annette (and you are!! Yay for the
good news!) Your website is the first thing I check in the morning (or the
last thing late at night if I'm up studying for a neuro midterm....) I think
about you and your family everyday and I can't wait until you are back in
Mpls and my neighbor again :)
Hang in there and I will see you soon at 609 Oak St! :) Anna |
| 2/26/2003 9:50:23 | Jeanette Paulson | Sunny Duluth | MN (of course) | Good News from yesterday! Here's hoping for smooth
sailing the rest of the way (or at least no major storms). Funny videos
include Waking Ned Devine and the animated Wallace and Grommit series from
England (available at Mr. Movies). Even if you've seen them, they're all
worth seeing again. Food for the soul CD music is "Mnemosyne"
featuring the Hilliard Ensemble (an early music male vocal quartet) paired
up with soprano sax player Jan Garbarek . It's recorded at the monastery
of St. Gerold (from what country I can't tell), so there is a wonderful
ambience and decay time. It makes for a haunting, sublime sound. (EMC Records,
Munich)
Thanks to Peter for his wonderful word tracings. I check your site each morning and print it for Elizabeth Larson who has no computer. Best wishes and prayers for God's healing arms to enfold you. |
| 2/27/2003 10:09:35 | Roberto Cordon | Geneva | Switzerland | GREAT NEWS on the new date for the transplant! Hope
it all goes smoothly from now on. I see the blood counts are beginning to
go up again while the blasts remain at 0%. Great!
My prayers are with you, Peter and all your family. |
| 2/27/2003 18:22:47 | Bernam & Coke DeLong | Edgewater | Fl | greeting from warm and sunny Fl
-so happy to hear you are on your way for the transplant, thanks to Peter for keeping us updated |
| 2/27/2003 23:54:20 | Marv and Ruth | Mesa | AZ | Hi Annette and Peter--We just logged on to your website
tonight and have enjoyed{??}reading about all that's been happening to you.
We don't understand it all of course, but we know you've had some real hurdles
to go through. We REALLY enjoyed seeing pictures of your darling children.
We're enjoying the winter here in the valley of the sun Tim and two of his
children and David and Lisa have been here this month.
We think of you often and pray that you'll feel God's presence as you continue your journey to good health. Ruth and Marv |
| 2/28/2003 8:49:51 | TC Jr and Diane | Albany | NY | Annette, Peter and family. I click on your website every once and a while to check up on the anticipated progression of Annette's recovery. I'm happy to hear that everything is getting back to schedule. We are all hoping and praying for your strength, determination and the love of family and friends to pull you through. |
| 3/1/2003 11:24:29 | Dan and Marj | Duluth | MN | Dear Peter and Annette:
We are praying each day for all of you, hoping that the good news continues. Thanks for the website, address of which we will send to our kids. Last night we were in Mpls for the Hopkins high pop concert. Steve's son, Joel (Jr) was in the Jazz 1 and other groups - trumpet. You would have loved it. Hug the kids. God be with you Dan and Marj |
| 3/1/2003 13:13:05 | John Redmond | Champlin | MN | Hey Annette, glad to hear you'll be back down roaming the halls of PWB next week. Enjoy your time at home this weekend. Bri and I are praying for smooth sailing from here on out. |
| 3/2/2003 12:31:19 | Judy Giese | Peoria | AZ | My love to you and your family. Know that you are in my every day thoughts and prayers. |
| 3/2/2003 14:51:10 | Steve & Kay Bergeland | Minnetonka | MN | Annette, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fight the good fight! My folks keep us up to date. Great web site, Peter! What a wonderful way to keep connected. |
| 3/2/2003 20:51:35 | Hilary and Lance Laing | Belmont Ma | Ma | Hi Annette and Pete. Pete thanks so much for the updates
and photos. We are praying that the transplant happens as scheduled, Annette,
and that you are able to go through it smoothly. I wish I had some funny
movies to recommend, but we so rarely rent anything these days... Hang in
there, we are pulling for you, but mostly praying for you.
love, Hilary and Lance |
| 3/4/2003 12:26:59 | Dick and Cec Swenson | Duluth | MN | Good Morning Annette !! Marg Bergeland just explained
how eay it is to log on to the FANTASTIC PAGE that Peter has developed to
permit us to keep up with your progress.
Your mom and dad are so good at keeping us friends tuned in about how well you are doing your part. We pray often that each step in your treatment leads to your complete recovery soon. Cec and I are looking forward to having the Kebbekus- Boman families join us at Namakan as part of a celebration of your return to perfect health. Bye for now, and keep those positive vibs working. Love, Cec and Dick |
| 3/4/2003 14:58:37 | Isabel Lopez | Chicago | IL | Hi Pete and Annette
Love your web page and thank you for all the udates, pictures and movies. The kids are beautiful and growing up fast--time sure flies. Annette, know that we and many of our friends are praying for you as well as Pete, Joseph and Anna. With all our love, Isabel, Tim and Gabby |
| 3/4/2003 16:37:38 | Tracey Haley | Dallas | TX | Welcome Home Woman! The only news that made me happier
were the blood results - 3 cheers for 0 blasts!
You and your adorable family remain in my daily prayers. Stay strong and know you are loved, Tracey |
| 3/4/2003 17:06:33 | Joanne & Tom Collins | Rensselaer | New York | Hi Pete and Annette! We love ya', think of you often
and pray for you daily. We have been following your forward progress and
those days when things seem to slide a bit. The old "take it one day
at a time" is the sound advice those who have been there give. But
the best advice is to believe, really believe, all will be well in the end
and it will.
We will be adding some more prayers to the daily litany for your Dad. Quite a shock to learn about it when I read your update for Friday. Take care. |
| 3/4/2003 21:50:45 | Sister Sue Fortier | Duluth | Minnesota | Annette and Pete, you are now among my "Favorites" so I can check in and see how you are doing. I love the web site you created. Seeing Anna and Joseph on my screen puts a smile on my face. They are simply gorgeous children. I join your world wide community of friends with my daily prayers and thoughts of you. With that wonderful family of yours and all your many friends, you are, without question, being held in so much love. |
| 3/5/2003 8:18:30 | Paul, Christine, Anna, and Paul Jr. Vescio | Gansevoort | NY | Annette, we still think about you and check in on your
progress every day. Our prayers are constantly with you and are happy to
hear that you can spend some time at home.
Pete, after all this time it just hit me that my mother in-law is an avid orchid grower also, maybe i can get some pictures to send. pulling hard and praying for your recovery, Paul, Christine, Anna, and Paul |
| 3/5/2003 17:25:32 | Gudrun Witrak | Duluth | Minnesota | Dear Peter and Annette and Joseph and Anna!
I am so glad to be able to send a cyber note to add to my daily prayers for you all. Know that love and hope flow to and around you in waves of beautiful support. We are thankful for your whole family, your U family, your FLC family and your East Coast family. Love from Gudrun |
| 3/5/2003 17:38:36 | Sylvia Jamar | Duluth | Minnesota | Hi Annette, Just want you to know that you are in my prayers every day. Take good care of yourself. Your P.E.O. Sister Sylvia Jamar |
| 3/6/2003 12:41:48 | Rick and MaryBeth Hockett | Fishers | Indiana | We check your progress every day on the web. We have more snow than you do!! We set a record for February and got more last night. Our dog loves it...she climbs on top of the piles and can look us in the eye! We pray for you and think of you daily. Here's to smoother sailing and no more delays from now on!! |
| 3/8/2003 11:00:36 | Julie Carlson, Brad Johnson, Nick and Charlie | Wynnewood | PA | Blast those blasts! Sorry to hear of your setback,
Annette, and know that we're thinking positive thoughts for you this weekend
and Monday for that marrow biopsy.
Hey, here's something funny that I saw online (which I'm sure doesn't apply to you, but I found it amusing just the same). Hope it makes you smile, too! "The Top 30 Signs You've Joined a Cheap HMO" 1. Pedal-powered dialysis machines. 2. Use of antibiotics deemed an "unauthorized experimental procedure," 3. Head-wound victim in the waiting room is on the last chapter of "War and Peace," 4. You ask for Viagra. You get a popsicle stick and duct tape. 5. Annual breast exam conducted at Hooters. 6. Exam room has a tip jar. 7. You swear you saw salad tongs and a crab fork on the instrument tray just before the anesthesia kicked in. 8. "Will you be paying in eggs or pelts?" 9. Tight budget prevents acquisition of separate rectal thermometers. 10. "Take two leeches and call me in the morning," 11. The company logo features a hand squeezing a bleeding turnip. 12. Tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicle. 13. Covered postnatal care consists of leaving your baby on Mia Farrow's doorstep. 14. Radiation treatment for cancer patients requires them to walk around with a postcard from Chernobyl in their pocket. 15."Pre-natal vitamin" prescription is a box of Tic-Tacs. 16. Chief Surgeon graduated from University of Benihana. 17. Directions to your doctor's office include, "take a left when you enter the trailer park," 18. Doctor listens to your heart through a paper towel tube. 19. Only item listed under Preventive Care feature of coverage is "an apple a day." 20. Only participating Physicians are Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine. 21. Only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter. 22. Plan covers only "group" gynecological exams. 23. Preprinted prescription pads that say "Walk it off, you sissy." 24. To avoid a time consuming and expensive throat culture, the doctor just French kisses you. 25. Recycled bandages. 26. You can get your flu shot as soon as "the" hypodermic needle is dry. 27. Your "primary care physician" is wearing the pants you gave to goodwill last month. 28. 24-hour claims line is 1-800-TUF-LUCK 29. Costly MRI equipment efficiently replaced by an oversized 2-sided copier. 30. Enema? The lavatory faucet swivels to face upward. |
| 3/8/2003 14:33:37 | Maggie & Chuck Thurber | Elmira | New York | Dear Annette and Peter, Anna and Joseph,
We are friends of Tom & Vicki's, keeping track of your progress through this wonderful website. We just want you to know that our hearts and prayers are with you every day. You are a beautiful family, and an inspiration. |
| 3/8/2003 15:07:58 | Sue Hellmers | Grantsburg | WI | Annette -
Just a note to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. My mom's neighbor sent my mom the website address, who then sent it to me - so it's making its rounds. I've forwarded it to some people from Gustavus and Woodland (Tiz DeBolt, Lisa Hughes). You have so many people behind you -- we hope you can feel our continuing support. |
| 3/9/2003 10:50:10 | Andrew Vasil | Duluth | MN | Thank you for your courage, your compassion, your insight. You are an inspiration to all of us. We love you, and our hearts are with you in this current struggle. Our very dear professor, and colleague. Andrew --- Class of 2003 |
| 3/9/2003 14:59:46 | Eileen Patterson | Duluth | MN | Annette and Pete:
Our prayers are with you. Thanks so much for the web page to keep us updated. |
| 3/9/2003 16:25:03 | Janice Haines | Minneapolis | MN | Sue Hellmers forwarded this site to me, what a great
way to communicate. Thanks for starting the site.
I am so sorry to hear about your relapse. I am praying for you daily, and for healing light to surround you. With all of your treatments and prayers, those leukemia cells don't have a chance to survive! My husband, Ben and I, have had a saying since my diagnosis of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma 6 years ago: we're going to KIA (kick it's ass!) |
| 3/9/2003 20:34:35 | Andrea, Jim, James & Marc Dwyer | Peachtree City | GA | Annette & Pete, Thanks for the web site with updates.
What a fight...know that you are in our daily prayers. Mom also keeps us
updated, you know she keeps an eye on your lab charts. We love looking at
the pics of the children. It is also a treat to see Bob in his doc's uniform.
Your fight keeps us grounded in goodness of simple pleasures. God bless
you and give you strength...go get 'em Annette.
Love, Andrea & Jim |
| 3/10/2003 0:05:18 | Anna Knutson | Duluth | MN | Annette, Peter, Joseph and Anna-
I really enjoyed the Aquarium pictures-it's great to see you all having a great time! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. God Bless, Anna P.S. We have a few babysitters over at our house that would be willing to help out for free anytime! |
| 3/10/2003 12:33:18 | Tiz (DeBolt) Becker | Foxboro | WI | Until recently, I had been kept up to date of your condition through Sue Hellmers. I hate to hear of anyone going through the pain you must be going through. I just wanted you to know you have been in my thoughts often, and you will continue to be in my prayers for a total victory with this battle you are fighting. |
| 3/10/2003 12:33:45 | Mary Dieter Larson | Moorhead | MN | Dear Annette and family,
Sue Hellmers has kept me informed as to how you are doing. She forwarded your web site to me. Your husband has done a great job! I've been thinking of you and your family often. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Mary |
| 3/10/2003 12:50:35 | Janet (Bonko) McManamon | Bloomington | MN | Annette - you may not remember me, but we were in a biology class together at GAC. Sue Hellmers forwarded me your web site. I wanted to wish you well and to let you know that I'm thinking of you. Best of luck with everything. Take care and God bless. |
| 3/10/2003 13:00:27 | Kelly Greenleaf | Minneapolis | MN | Dear Dr. Boman
It's hard to believe it's been this long since our first year of med school Biochem class. How things have changed! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers (Class of 2003). P.S. I still remember that cute picture of Joseph you scanned in at the end of one of your Power Point presentations:-) Sincerely - Kelly G. |
| 3/10/2003 16:07:49 | Terry Mahoney | Duluth | MN | Dear Annette & Peter, Just a note to let you both
know your in the thoughts, the prayers, and the hearts of all of us on 3
East.
Terry Mahoney |
| 3/10/2003 22:41:43 | Betsy Kennedy | St. Paul | MN | Hello Annette,
Sue Hellmers has kept me updated on your battle with leukemia. I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this. I have been thinking of you over the last few months, and please know that you and your family are in my prayers. If anything positive can come out of tremendous difficulty, and I know it can, you will find it. I know it must be especially hard on you as a mom, it would be for me also. I also have an Anna, (almost 6) and Katherine, (3). I am sending many thoughts of strength and courage to you. I will be in touch again. I live in St. Paul, not far from Fairview, and if there is anything I can do for you or your family while you are down here, I would like to. We have a kid-friendly house and my children would love to play... I know it is hard to respond to offers like this, but please do! I have heard that you are not down here yet, and I will e-mail your husband also. Take care, I hope this is a good day for you. Betsy Kennedy |
| 3/11/2003 0:45:51 | Barb Inman Kuntz | Eden Prairie | MN | Hi Annette -
Sue Hellmers forwarded me your website. My family has added you to our nightly prayers. GAC has special memories for me - especially French class. We pray that the strength from your family, friends, and God will carry you through this stage. We'll be thinking of you and your family often and sending strong vibes to beat this. God's peace be with you. Barb Inman Kuntz |
| 3/11/2003 15:19:50 | Julie Carlson and family | Wynnewood | PA | Still thinking of you daily with love and hope... |
| 3/11/2003 17:51:34 | Sylvia | Duluth | MN | I Annette. We prayed for you in church on Sunday. (Concordia Lutheran in Woodland) There are many of us hounding heaven with our prayers for your miracle healing. Take good care of yourself Annette. Fondly, Sylvia |
| 3/11/2003 17:56:10 | Sylvia | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette. We prayed for you in church on Sunday. (Concordia Lutheran in Woodland) There are many of us hounding heaven with our prayers for your miracle healing. Take good care of yourself Annette. Fondly, Sylvia |
| 3/11/2003 23:26:19 | Heather and Ken Bradley | Campbell | CA | Annette and Pete, we heard about your fight against
lukemia from Mike Anderson and wanted to send you our best wishes. I am
so sorry that this is happening to you but it looks like you are fighting
hard and I know you will win. Please know that we are thinking of you and
we will keep checking back to follow your progress.
Heather, Ken, Adam and Julie Bradley |
| 3/12/2003 0:04:02 | Mark K. | Duluth | MN | I have a lyric in my head that needs completion. I
welcome help finishing this with the right lyric and melody. I remember
the chorus, but not the verses. It is the famous "Duke of Earl",
adapted to be:
Luek, Leuk, Leuk, Leuk BE GONE, Leuk, Leuk, Leuk BE GONE, Leuk, Leuk, Leuk BE GONE Leuk, Leuk, Leuk BE GONE ... |
| 3/12/2003 21:43:22 | Sue Olson a P.E.O. sister) | Danbury | WI | Hi, Annette. I just heard a couple weeks ago about your diagnosis. I was in Duluth in Sept. and attended a meeting. Your mother was there, and she was proudly telling us about a paper you were presenting at that time, and invited anyone interested to attend. My prayers are with you, Peter and your children. God Bless each of you. I will also be praying for the doctors and nurses who are entrusted with your physical needs right now. " A day at a time", right? |
| 3/13/2003 20:44:31 | Palma and Chris Downey | Chantilly | Virginia | After the setbacks, this one's just gotta work! We are praying for you every day and know that God hears us and will answer. Keep believing. |
| 3/13/2003 20:51:50 | Tracie Clanaugh | Duluth | MN | Hello Annette, We only met once at the Camp Miller 100th anniversary, but I have heard many Camp Miller Horse stories about you from both your father and Jeff Palmer, I have worked as the director of Camp Miller for the last several years. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers, please let me know if there is anything the YMCA or Camp Miller can do for you or your family. Tracie |
| 3/14/2003 13:03:43 | Naira & Bob Darius | Bethesda | Maryland | Annette,
It was great receiving your e-mail. Bob and I send you many virtual hugs and my mom in Sweden sends her love! I think there's someone in every corner of the world thinking of you and your family. Lots of Love, Naira & Bob |
| 3/15/2003 9:38:53 | Bob Brown | Tucson/Duluth | AZ/MN | Our love and prayers are with you both/all from Tucson. Our family is gathering this week in Tucson for the first meeting of Haisley Grace Massar, October 16, 2002, from Holly, Colorado and Helen Elisabeth Kliewer, October 20, 2002, from Seattle. I think of you often. love, Bob & Sue Brown |
| 3/15/2003 14:32:55 | Tracey Haley | Dallas | TX | Annette, Your web page has surpassed Yahoo.com as my most frequently visited page so please know that I think about you often and say a prayer each time. I yell, scream and cry too, but mostly I pray and wish I were closer so I could help you and your family (not by cooking, of course, since we all know that wouldn't help!) Take care and know that I and the entire Leadership America gang love you and send you our best. |
| 3/17/2003 4:27:43 | Roberto Cordon | Geneva | Switzerland | I share Tracey's feeling. Just came back from Central Asia; my access to Internet while there was intermitent and I was anxious to catch up on your news. Sorry the blasts went up again, but happy to read Mylotarg is doing the job. I think of you often and pray for you and your family often. Keep the spirits up! |
| 3/17/2003 13:24:18 | Lance & Hilary Laing | Belmont | MA | Annette,
Glad to see that you got a room with a better view of Spring....we have been told it is on its way even in MN and MA. Lots of love to you and your family. You, Pete, Joseph and Anna are all continually in our prayers for reduced pain, healing, peace, and above all God's love and will be done. Warmest regards, Hilary and Lance P.S. trying hard to find appropriate funnies to forward- will try harder |
| 3/17/2003 17:41:25 | Joy Hoffman | Elmira | NY | Annette -- you are in my prayers everyday. May God grant you healing. We thank God for your wonderful brother and his family. They are truly loved here, and we are blessed as I know you are in Minneapolis. My love and prayers, Joy H. |
| 3/17/2003 17:41:28 | Joy Hoffman | Elmira | NY | Annette -- you are in my prayers everyday. May God grant you healing. We thank God for your wonderful brother and his family. They are truly loved here, and we are blessed as I know you are in Minneapolis. My love and prayers, Joy H. |
| 3/18/2003 23:46:46 | Paul and Carol Anderson | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette,
What a day you had--we kept up by checking in with Dan B.! Glad to get Peter's update tonight. Can't believe you had gall bladder surgery (bet you can't either!) and then spent the day eating ice and trying not to laugh!! You are on our mind constantly and in our conversation and prayers every day. What a family you have! Saw Tom and Steve outside your folk's house Sunday while on a walk--good to see them and get first hand info. Love and prayers, Paul and Carol |
| 3/19/2003 9:23:06 | Jodi Lieske (Collins) | Duluth | MN | Annette and family,
My thoughts and prayers are constantly with all of you. Stay strong and keep your spirits up. I can see from the pictures that your beautiful children definitely light up your face and make you smile. Great pictures! I know that with all of this love, support and postive thoughts from everyone, you will beat this! If you need anything please let me know. |
| 3/19/2003 15:21:07 | Sondra Mowers | Duluth | MN | Dear Annette,
This is the first time that I have visited your web site. The computer rarely gets turned on in our house, but my dad was over doing work on the computer here, so I jumped into the chair for a minute. Rich and I think about you and pray for you often. We prayed many special prayers for you yesterday as you were in surgery and hope that you will gain strength. Thank you so much for the cute clothes from Anna. It has been special dressing Elsa in them as we always think of you and your family. I have to tell you a cute story. Brita and Rich were reading a book of Elsa's the other day. It's a simple book for babies with objects that you are supposed to identify. On one page was a picture of a net. As they named the item, Brita quickly responded, "We pray for Annette (a net)". We thought that was observant of her, but she may be a bit confused that you have the same name! We will all continue praying for you. We know that the power of prayer worked miracles on Elsa and we hope for the same for you. All our love, Sondra, Rich, Brita and Elsa. |
| 3/19/2003 16:57:09 | David and Janice Eckman | Moose Lake | MN | Our prayers and thoughts have been with you everyday. We were stunned by the news of your illness but are grateful to remain within the circle of information via technology. Our winter has been spent caring for Jan's mom in Florida and now awaiting the eminent birth of our second grandchild in Columbia, SC. We are so thankful our son Brian's deployment has been delayed until after the birth. Peace and justice and healing are all within God's control. Blessings to you and your family. |
| 3/19/2003 17:35:16 | Ann Rouse | Big Flats(Elmira Area) | New York | Dear Annette--All of us in Chapter CF are sending lots of prayers your way to you and your beautiful family-- Love- Chapter CF PS Consider yourself hugged by us all!! |
| 3/19/2003 22:46:04 | Mike Thelander | San Francisco | CA | Annette,
I hope and pray that things work out the best for you. Amy Sasik passed along your web site to me and I am anxious to read about how your treatments. |
| 3/20/2003 0:58:36 | Jeff & Teri York | Orange | CA | Annette, Our love and prayers are with you and your
family. We hope you are feeling better. Peter, thanks for the info and pictures
on this sight! Your children are adorable! We are praying that God will
work a miracle!
Love, Jeff, Teri, Garrett, Cole and Cameron |
| 3/20/2003 12:11:49 | Lori ford | Duluth | MN | Annette,
We hope you're feeling better really soon. We think of you all the time & keep sending lots of healing prayers! Love to you |
| 3/20/2003 14:59:16 | Debbie & Patsy Langone | Union | NJ | Annette-
We have been checking in every day. You, Peter, Joseph & Anna are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Debbie, Patsy, Jessica & PJ Langone |
| 3/20/2003 17:08:12 | Becky Schmidt Weiland | Plymouth | MN | Hi Annette -
Just received your website from Amy Hetland Sasik. We have been thinking about you often. I know there isn't a day that goes by during Jazz Band rehearsal that I don't wonder how my old Gustavus Stage Band friend is doing. Jimmy Axford and family say "hello" - he and I talk often --- and Chuck Linderkamp and Steve Truran send their best as well (we play together in the Bend In The River Big Band). I wish I had a funny story to tell --- when I come up with a good one I'll send it along... My prayers are with you. Becky |
| 3/20/2003 19:38:03 | Mark Lammers | Tucson | Arizona | Annette, We are certainly thinking of you and your
personal battle against a difficult desease. Playing saxophone was not supposed
to lead to this. Our love and nest wishes.
Carolyn and Mark Lammers |
| 3/20/2003 19:59:01 | Sue Hellmers | Grantsburg | WI | Annette -
I think of you every day, and send you my thoughts and prayers, and more thoughts and prayers. If anyone can fight this, it's you. Try to keep your strength, and your positive attitude. It's fun to see the different people who are sending their thoughts - some I recognize from Duluth and Gustavus. So many people are pulling for you. Thinking of you - Sue |
| 3/20/2003 21:04:26 | Lise Lunge-Larsen | Duluth | MN | I was baking with Peaches and the gang at church yesterday
and you were on everyone's mind. I keep walking by your house, dog in tow,
and thinking of you, praying things will improve soon. Hang in there.
All the best, Lise |
| 3/21/2003 1:26:08 | Teri Delgado | Mount Vernon | New York | Although this is the first time I've logged into your website, I want you to know that you and your family have been in my prayers since I first received the news of your illness from Stephanie. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through, but I will always remember you as someone who knew a thing or two about endurance and perseverance. I admired you during our summer of '87; I admire you more today. Please remember that so many people are here for you and your family, in direct and indirect ways. Please call on us as needed. |
| 3/21/2003 8:23:54 | Brian Warren | Pinecliffe | CO | Annette,
You are constantly in Dawn and my thoughts and prayers. I know you will beat this. Your strength and fortitude will prevail. Just another marathon. Brian |
| 3/21/2003 9:11:48 | Jim and Rachel Axford | Windom | MN | Annette, so sorry to hear about your battle. You are
in our thoughts and prayers for strength and healing.
Your children are beautiful!!! Best wishes for you and your family. Jim and Rachel |
| 3/21/2003 9:35:39 | John Moore | Sarasota | Florida | Annette: I want you to know that we are praying for you. I know that Eric Farnsworth and Jody Billiard have been also, as we e-mail each other for prayer. I want to encourage you to not give up hope "Nothing is impossible for God!". Maybe someday before long we can all meet at the Casa Bonita in Denver for a quiet relaxing meal... John |
| 3/21/2003 10:10:34 | Doug Nimmo | Saint Peter | MN | Hello Annette,
Becky W. sent me your web page this morning; I was thankful to see it, and to follow your progress. I think of you very often--as a MODEL of how to greet a new professor on campus (1987), of how to offer kind words (all of my first year at Gustavus and beyond), and of how to invite others to the table of conversation with a smile (whenever I have been privideged to see you). Even as you work to heal, I see you in that way! Blessings, Annette! Doug Nimmo |
| 3/21/2003 11:46:32 | Paul and Robin Sansone | (The other) Duluth | Georgia | Hang in there Annette! Ion came through Atlanta on
business, and he, Mickey and I had dinner together last night. Besides of
course all of us talking about you and your recovery, we had to spend a
few minutes with the spouses explaining why we call Ion the 'Flaming chair.'
You, Pete and your family are in our hearts and prayers! |
| 3/21/2003 11:55:21 | Rick and MaryBeth Hockett | Fishers | Indiana | Hi, Annette,
We check on your progress everyday, as well as keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We love to see the pictures of y'all that Peter puts on your site. Here's hoping you bounce back from surgery, quickly! |
| 3/21/2003 12:10:10 | Matt Haskins | Potomac | MD | You are in our thoughts and prayers here in DC. When
I think of you, I always remember a determined, compassionate marathoner
who never lacks a smile or time for her friends and family. Each of those
qualities should help you now, and you should know that we are here to return
in some measure what you have given to each of us.
Take care, Matt |
| 3/21/2003 12:23:04 | Eric & Jacque Bruno | Grapevine | Texas | Annette, Jacque and I wanted to let you know that you're constantly in our thoughts and prayers. As a lapsed Catholic and thoroughly mediocre Methodist, mine may not count for much - but Jacque's should carry some clout. You're one of the strongest people that I've ever met and the entire Bruno family is pulling for you. |
| 3/21/2003 12:25:43 | Jim Crupi | Dallas | TX | I am keeping you in my prayers. Keep the faith. You
are strong and everything will work out. Remember Colorado.
Love Jim |
| 3/21/2003 13:31:00 | Catherine Admay | Duke University | NC | Dear Annette,
I haven't ever met Pete and I love him. He is such a gift to all the friends who want our love to get to you and want your news to get to us. I have never worked so hard to understand blood counts in my life and as I listened to Pete's links and your charts I hoped that this drive for understanding would reinforce your incredible drive for life. You have so many people praying and pulling for you that I hope you can feel it right there in that uncomfortable cot. When your spirits flag and you feel "blue" in the conventional sense, please know that we're all in the stands doing bodywaves of love and collective determination for you. Love Catherine, Tom, Gromit The Black Lab, and Skye The Brownest of Brown Labs [read: maxi muddy!] Love, Catherine |
| 3/21/2003 14:48:52 | Elisa Fernandez | Los Angeles | CA | Annette, My heart, my prayers and every ounce of hope and faith in what is good and pure in life are with you and your family. You have the inner strength and purity of heart that will see you through this tremendously difficult time. Love and the strength that emmanates from that love surrounds you and will lift you up again. My sons, Marco & Nicolas, pray for you and your family. |
| 3/21/2003 14:51:03 | Jodi Lawrence Tuthill | Faribault | MN | Annette,
Becky Weiland forwarded your website to me today. It was the first I had heard of your illness. Your spirit shines through in the pictures on your web site. Still smiling, just like I remember from Gustavus. The way you and your family are handling this is amazing. You must be feeling the power of everyone's prayers! God bless! Jodi |
| 3/21/2003 15:18:30 | Jodi Vandenberg-Daves | Stoddard | WI | Dear Annette,
I've been following your progress and trying to find the words...I don't think I've got them yet, but please know that you stand out in my mind, even after 15 years, as one of the most full-of-life people I have ever met. I have no doubt that no one could be braver in facing this illness, and no one has more inner resources than you do to fight it. I am thinking of you and your beautiful little family very often. It is very evident how many lives you continue to touch with the humor and grace and optimism I remember so well about you. Be strong right now and look forward and be faithful! And enjoy those adorable children:) Love, Jodi |
| 3/21/2003 15:19:42 | Alma & Tony | LA & SF | California | Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you and your family, Annette. We love you and trust that your strength and depth of spirit will see you through these trying times. |
| 3/21/2003 15:25:32 | Tony Jones | Los Angeles | CA | Annette, please know that you and your family are in
our thoughts and prayers. Continue to be strong in spite of how hard things
are right now. If there's anything that we can do for you and your family,
please let us know and we'll do our best to help. We love you! :-)
Tony |
| 3/21/2003 16:54:20 | Xinjun and Yunfei | Gaithersburg | MD | Hi Annette and Peter,
Your friends all over the would are there thinking of and praying for you everyday. Please stay strong to get over the most difficult time. |
| 3/21/2003 17:28:22 | Kristi Swenson | Richmond | VA | HI Annette. Peter's wonderful site has kept me so up to date with you that I've felt closer to you and your family than y'all (as we say in Virginia) could possibly know. But not quite close enough. I'll be in town tomorrow (Sat), so if it feels good to have a tiny visit, terrific! If not, know that I'll be in town and throwing huge light sheets of powerful love your way. k |
| 3/21/2003 18:47:02 | Lois Heller | Duluth | MN | Annette and family,
Greetings and best wishes on this first day of spring...even the mud puddles look good. I think of you often and hope that there is a bit of spring cheer in your day. Love, Lois |
| 3/21/2003 21:26:52 | Mickey and Caroline Freeman (and Max, too!) | Dacula | GA | Annette! Ion, Paul S. and I were together in Atlanta last night (3/20) sening you major vibes! I keep picturing that happy, strong woman with a knowing grin on our morning "solo" in CO '87 (when we weren't supposed to see others!). And the woman who outran me on my home turf in Greensboro! Hang in there, we love you! |
| 3/21/2003 21:56:02 | Meg Balian | Los Angeles | CA | Annette,
3,890 of the 4,414 hits on this site are from me. you are in my thoughts and prayers. I LOVE YOU!!!!! Meg |
| 3/21/2003 23:48:01 | Sue (Larson) Brusenhan | Magnolia | Texas | Annette -
Please know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers as you go through all of your treatments. You have been an inspiration to me all through high school and I think of you often. Torm especially remembers when we showed up in our bath robes before the Florida trip - did we have fun or what? Remember that you have all of the strength of family and friends looking out for you and in their prayers. God only gives you what you can handle and please remember that he works in mysterious ways. We love you and please stay strong. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS. Thoughts and prayers, Sue |
| 3/22/2003 0:09:18 | Stan Altschuler | Dallas | TX | It was such fun seeing you in Colorado Springs last September and talking about your work. You have always been an inspiration to me, and clearly, to the other members of LA'87. I know we all look forward to seeing you again in 2007, if not sooner. God bless you and your family. |
| 3/22/2003 1:20:37 | Dory Sjoblom | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette, Know that you are in our family's thoughts
and prayers as you journey through this disease. I hope that you will be
strengthened by all the thoughts and prayers of family and friends as you
face each day's struggles. Your positive spirit and talents (and Peter's
too) when playing on our church's "Flyers" softball team a few
years ago helped boost our team's record to a higher standing than in the
previous years (4 wins in 2000 compared to only 1 in 1999 and 0 in 1998).
From seeing Joseph and Anna in church fairly regularly, I know that they
have inherited that same spirit. May your health continue the same upward
swing as our team did and may God give you the strength and faith needed
to face each day.
Dory |
| 3/22/2003 1:51:12 | Teri Delgado | Mount Vernon | New York | Annette,
|
| 3/22/2003 2:03:55 | Teri Delgado | Mount Vernon | New York | Annette, I know you had a particularly rough day yesterday. And as much as I am with you in spirit right now, praying for you each day, I can't help but look back at our wonderful summer and remember the great fun we had. I have a picture of you and someone else in our group (I can't make out who) swimming in a very dark pool. If I remember correctly, wasn't that at a hotel/restaurant and you jumped in fully clothed? Anyway, that picture made me smile. But the most important moments we shared were the times I had the privilege to go running with you and you told me, when I had my doubts about running a marathon, that there was no race impossible to finish. I hope that you can keep those positive thoughts in mind as you struggle through this. And Peter, thank you so much for everything you continue to do to bring us together in support of Annette. |
| 3/22/2003 7:44:37 | Mark & Kris Hagemeyer | Duluth | MN | We have been thinking and praying for you and your whole family. We pray that God will give you the strength you all need to get through this very difficult time. |
| 3/22/2003 9:25:32 | Michele Dorsey Brooks | Portland | Maine | Hi sweetie! Sure hope this message finds you feeling a bit better. The love and support out there for you is just limitless, you know - a testament to how wonderful your spirit is! We are praying for you and your family every day. Peter, I can't thank you enough for this website - it has allowed us to feel as though we are right there by your side every day. I love you Annette! Stay strong; and know that when you feel tired, the rest of us will lend you our strength! Michele |
| 3/22/2003 9:51:16 | Mariann Kurtz | Falls Church | VA | Dear Annette. I am ashamed to say, this is my first
entry to your guest book. Pete, thanks so much for making it possible for
so many to pour out their love and prayers in a visible way! Please know
that the invisible forces are at work as well. You are in our prayers daily.
When I think of you, I think of strength, of determination, of will, of
heart, of incredible intellect and compassion. You were given these gifts
to teach those around you and now to sustain yourself. You will triump!
With love and prayers -- Mariann and Chuck |
| 3/22/2003 9:53:40 | Julie Carlson and family | Wynnewood | PA | Dear Annette,
I woke up this morning remembering when you and I rode the DARK Space Mountain roller coaster on our high school band trip--and how sweaty we were playing our instruments in Florida in those furry black hats and dark uniforms. What an adventure! You always have been the brave, fun friend who adds so much in spirit and sheer joy of life to those around you. (And so truly, truly smart--I can't imagine that I would have ever made it through high-school calculus without having you as my extra teacher! ) If you're feeling even a bit of your love and generosity bouncing back to you now, you know how many lives you've touched! Stay strong and know you are in our hearts. Love, Julie |
| 3/22/2003 11:35:07 | Tracey Haley | Dallas | TX | Annette, Wasn't it Stan A. that said when your energy
and your spirits were lagging to go "run and dip"? Maybe that
was The Spitz? Well it doesn't sound like there are many frozen ponds available
for you to "dip" into right now but the thought remains - so go
'kick it into high gear' and dive deep for the energy you need right now.
We are ALL behind you (just with more clothes and less sweat than when we
were in CO together). All my love and prayers are with you,
Tracey |
| 3/22/2003 13:38:18 | Steven Puri | Los Angeles | CA | Dear Annette - You have always impressed me as the
person who through force of will and sheer good energy would conquer (read:
run up the side of) every mountain. In reading Pete's website, which is
an amazing work of love, I feel better informed about the mountain that
you are conquering, and I can tell you that it is my most sincere belief
that this will be yet another amazing story you can tell your grandchildren
years from now. I know this is a moment of great challenge, and you are
at the forefront of so many people's thoughts, and you can add all of our
energies to your own to get through this!
with love, - Steven |
| 3/22/2003 13:47:51 | Susanna, Peter, Fransi and Kaisa Elliott | Mahtomedi | MN | Dear Annette and Peter, We are praying for a miracle. We are praying for your family. This just sucks. Love, Susanna and Peter |
| 3/22/2003 14:10:10 | Roberto Cordon | Sibiu | Romania | Dear Annette,
In a little Orthodox church in Transylvania, between two mountains, next to a beautiful stream, full of incredible murals and mosaics, there is a candle burning steadily for you. There is another one burning for Peter, to give him strength to continue to be a wonderful father and husband. In the Romanian tradition one lights candles for the living. Tomorrow I will go to services in the Romanian Orthodox, German Protestant and Hungarian Catholic churches--I will place a candle in each of them. I figure one of these religions has to work! If you want, I can also check with Dracula, see if he has any tips for inmortality! (The real one was born and did mischief near here.) You, Peter, Anna and Joseph are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, wherever I am. |
| 3/22/2003 16:27:30 | Audra Philippon | Philadelphia | PA | Annette & Pete,
Just this morning I told my girls the story about you and Thomas jumping into the water in that Denver restaurant -- Remember that?! And how we told the police that you two had just gotten engaged to excuse your overzealous and inappropriate behavior? You are so much on my mind and in my heart these days. We are rooting for your every day, and the chorus of people shouting your name grows daily. Keep fighting, love. With love and strength, Audra |
| 3/22/2003 22:19:46 | Sondra (Bergeland) Mowers | Duluth | MN | Annette,
I have been following your progress closely this week and think of you and pray for you constantly. My dad has been keeping me updated on his visits with you and your family. He continues to respond how amazing you and your family are and how much love they have for you. It is incredible how many people are logging on to your website and praying for you. You are loved by many, including us. We're cheering for you! Much love and prayers, Sondra, Rich, Brita and Elsa |
| 3/23/2003 0:58:54 | Betsy Kennedy | St. Paul | MN | Dear Annette,
I am thinking of you and praying for you. I'm so sorry that this has been such a difficult week. There are so many people praying for you; you have touched many lives with your kindness and sincerity. I will hope for a better week for you. Betsy Kennedy |
| 3/23/2003 12:56:45 | Ruth and Ted Johnson | Duluth | Mn | Dear Annette and Peter,
We are grateful for all the updates as we keep you and all your dear family constantly in our prayers. As you fight this battle, and thousands of us pray for a miricle, we WIll find the Rose Pastor Stefan referred to a couple of weeks ago. Our love and peace to you. Ruth and Ted |
| 3/23/2003 17:13:20 | Val and Manny Huysentruyt | Wake Forest | NC | If we had a hundred blessings to give, we'd give them all to you. |
| 3/23/2003 17:36:17 | Laura Zimmerman | Hanover | Pennsylvania | Dear Annette and Peter, Anna and Joseph,
My sister is a friend of Tom and Vicki's and I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Your suffering seems unbearable and yet the demeanor Peter describes is of a strong, courageous "starlight" woman. My prayers have been to the Holy Spirit to bring you fortitude and fill you with faith. My prayers have been for you and your husband and the precious love you share. My prayers have been for your children and the blessing of their young age and innocence and for your courage to love them and be strong for them and to fight for them when your strength is gone. "I'll Love You Forever" is a beautiful book - for all ages - I've made up a song to the "poem" and sing it to my three boys. Make up your own song and sing in your heart. When you sing, you pray twice. I love your family without "knowing" you and will keep your many nees in my heart and soul of prayer. God bless you all! Laura Zimmerman |
| 3/23/2003 19:31:09 | Mariann Kurtz | Falls Church | VA | Dear Annette and Pete. I thought of you today as the
sun brought warmth and with it runners from inside. I thought of you today
making wedding cakes for happy couples and your unique way to share their
joy. I thought of you today, wondering why God's hand and his time are so
often different from our own. And I came upon this:
The Nun's Twenty Third Psalm: The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush. He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals; He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind. And his guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for His presence is here. His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance. He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity. By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility. All Saints Convent, Cantonville, MD Keep running your race, Annette. You've got the ultimate pace-setter on your side! much love, Mariann and Chuck |
| 3/23/2003 21:22:23 | Beth Mynatt | Atlanta | GA | Annette,
Perhaps an absent voice can add another ounce of strength and resolve. You continue to touch so many people. My family and I are praying for you in Atlanta. |
| 3/23/2003 21:50:16 | Jodi Lieske (Collins) | Duluth | MN | Annette,
I was reading the messages from other friends from junior high and high school. I was in band, swim team and track with you. I have been thinking of you constantly for days now trying to think of some funny story or something weird that we did when we were young. No specific event comes to mind. The only thing that keeps popping into my head is your smile. Thinking way back to 7th grade, you were smiling. Most recently seeing you at UMD, holding your daughter in your arms, again you were smiling. I don't think I have ever met a person as warm, caring and outgoing as you. You are a true inspiration to everyone. Keep smiling. |
| 3/23/2003 22:26:57 | Susanna Ojakangas Elliott | Mahtomedi | MN | Dear Annette & Peter, I treasure the visit that we had today, holding your hand and seeing the strength in your eyes and the devotion in Peter's. It meant so much to be able to spend some time with you. Thank you for that gift! When the candlelight vigil was held for you this evening outside the hospital, Peter, Fransi, Kaisa and I held one, too, in our back yard. Peach just called to tell about the vigil: 50 to 100 people singing and praying outside your window. Wow. Have you figured out yet how much you are loved??? Well, triple that! I just love the benediction every Sunday at church because it fills me with hope and strength for the coming week. I'm no pastor, but this is my fervent prayer for both of you tonight: May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine down on you and be gracious to you, may He look upon you with favor and give you peace. Good night, friends. We look forward to reading about your improving condition tomorrow. Love, Susanna |
| 3/23/2003 22:47:57 | Ann Glienke (Lynch) | Eagan | MN | Hey Annette,
I have been following your progress through emails from Jodi and Sue and now from your website. My prayers and thoughts have been with you since the beginning and wish you the best as you beat this. As the High School tournaments just finished here in the cities, my thoughts turned to you many times and all the fun we had as we made the trip to the "big city" without our parents! Reading Jody's note did remind me how much we did sweat in those black uniforms in florida. Oh and don't forget those short grey shorts, red shirts and knee high socks! A fashion statement we were. Annette, I wish you the best in your struggle to get through this. You are a trouper and I know you are giving your all as you always have and you always will. |
| 3/23/2003 22:51:17 | Tim | Baltimore | Md. | Driving 1100 miles with John and Kevin was much easier
for me than putting my random thoughts on paper. Everyone here has been
keeping up with your condition through Pete. we speak of you often and marvil
at your strength.All of our prayers. --"Show them what you got, Boman".
Love Ya, Tim |
| 3/23/2003 22:59:20 | Joanne Ellis | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette,
I hope you are feeling a bit stronger after such a rough week. I have shared your website with people throughout the country who are also praying for you. You have touched so many lives with your smile, your determination, your courage. My prayers for your recovery are added to the thousands of others around the world. |
| 3/23/2003 23:38:21 | Greg Ojakangas | Springfield | Missouri | Dear Annette and Peter-
We and our kids have been praying for you and thinking of you lots. Our hearts go out to you! Our friends and our entire church are praying also. Just wanted you to know. Hang in there. We are believing for healing in the name of Jesus!! -Greg, Tracie, Kieran, Celka, and Lian. |
| 3/24/2003 8:56:51 | Paul, Christine, Anna, and Paul Jr. Vescio | Gansevoort | New York | Annette,
We are still following your fight every day and our prayers and thoughts are with you more than ever. Things are difficult in this world right now but if anybody can overcome them and fight the good fight we now that you can. Our thoughts are always with you. Love, Paul, Christine, Anna, and Paulie |
| 3/24/2003 9:25:43 | Peter and Normajean Strommen | Duluth | MN | we were gone and heard about the vigil too late to make it last night, but, daily we light a candle on our mantle for you and your whole family. Picture all the candles lit and burning for your miracle healing all over the world!! |
| 3/24/2003 9:44:22 | Lori Black | Derwood | MD | Hi Annette and Pete,
Hoping any additional good wishes can add strength to your fight. You have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. With love from the East Coast, Lori |
| 3/24/2003 10:07:42 | Michael Anderson | Townsend | MA | Seeing pictures of the kids playing pool brought a
smile to my tear-stained face after reading the updates this morning. Pete
- there are so many fond pool memories. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers
continue to go out to you and Annette. Love and hugs to all four of you!
Mike, Lisa, Danny and Christopher Anderson |
| 3/24/2003 11:04:07 | Barb and Hollie Collins | Floodwood | Minnesota | Dear Annette, We think of you daily and pray for you to have the strength and courage to face the treatments ahead. We love seeing the pictures of all those beautiful children on the web sight and being able to keep up with your progress. with love, Barb and Hollie |
| 3/24/2003 11:34:27 | Hilary and Lance Laing | belmont | ma | Hi Pete and Annette! We are praying hard and often
for a miracle. Know that all of our love is being sent your way.
love, Hilary and Lance |
| 3/24/2003 11:45:11 | Jody Billiard | Charlotte | NC | Annette and Peter,
The Billiard family continues to hold you up in prayer. My daughters ask me frequently who you are and they are fascinated how we met, that you all ate dinner at our house in Atlanta with that crazy Roberto, and how you are feeling. My daughter Hannah (6) is praying to Jehovah Rapha each night for your healing (as do the rest of us). We love you! Jennifer, Jody, Hannah, Sarah and David Billiard |
| 3/24/2003 15:32:10 | Richard Sizer | Baltimore | Maryland | Annette - yesterday, ran the Oriole Advocate 5K with
Edie Tress, Kathy Luby, John Greenfield and Bobby Z. I was the slowest,
but then, I am the oldest. Edie "I can't race" Tress placed second
in her age group.
We think of you and pray for your recovery. We all know how competitive you are. Don't forget, we expect you, Pete and the kids to be at Bobby Z's party in August after the Annapolis run. |
| 3/24/2003 15:46:19 | Kirsten Bich and family | Duluth | MN | Hi Annette and the rest of your crew! I would have
sent an note sooner had I known about this web page. (I am somewhat computer
illiterate and would never have conceived the idea of putting a website
together.) What a great idea Peter. I've stopped by a couple of times to
visit but always manage to catch you when your doctor has been in. I haven't
stopped thinking about you and your family. You have been in our prayers.
I also have my mom's prayer group and some of my partners praying for you
too--Julie (Hainey)Reichhoff, Carol Farchmin, and Joy Magruder. I hope you
can feel all the good thoughts and support you have behind you. Hang in
there Annette...we are rooting for you.
---Kirsten, Brian, Nate and Connor. P.S. We just moved a week ago. Our new address is 2703 Twin Creeks Circle...727-3682. We would love to have your whole family out when you can. |
| 3/24/2003 16:01:04 | Adam Reed | New York | NY | Annette,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and your family with His strength and healing power. -- Adam |
| 3/24/2003 16:06:26 | Mark Drabkowski | Baltimore | MD | I saw in the paper today the University of Minnesota,
Duluth beat Harvard for the NCAA hockey championship. Last week I heard
on NPR how talented, invincible and intimidating Harvard was. And then they
met the girls from Duluth. How dare those Ivy League chicks think that could
put it past the women from Duluth!
Annette when I read about the hockey team I thought of you. For the past 20 years, every week I have heard that in Minnesota ćall the woman are strongä and that is how I always see you Annette as a woman strong, focused and in control. I feel helpless because I wish there was something I could do. You are in my prayers daily and I have added your name to the prayer list in my church. By the grace of God, and by His love for you, may each day henceforth be rewarding. Blessings |
| 3/24/2003 20:05:14 | Jodi Lieske | Duluth | MN | Love You ! |
| 3/24/2003 21:51:13 | David and Fataima Warner | Washington | DC | Annette, Fataima, Anna Sophia, Baby II, and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you strength, courage, and peace. Much love and know that we have been thinking of you often. Hopefully, our other emails previously reached you. |
| 3/24/2003 23:33:57 | Aunt Judy Kebbekus | Everett | Wa | Just a note to say how often I think of you throughout the day and pray for your recovery. God Bless you and Peter and your wonderful family. With much love and hugs, from Aunt Judy |
| 3/25/2003 0:00:01 | Teri Delgado | Mount Vernon | NY | Annette, After reading the entries on your site the last few days, I can understand why you feel afraid. But I believe you know deep down in your heart that you are being held, even now in the midst of your pain, in so many good hands. The largest of these has reminded us many times, "Be not afraid...I go before you always." I believe that a path a healing will be made for you, a way out of no way. I believe in you...we all do. Please remember that. And when you forget, don't worry. Roberto's candles have you covered! |
| 3/25/2003 0:02:50 | Mui Sin Koh-Seah | Bangkok | Thailand | Annette, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I would
like to share one of my favourite poems with you below:
"Don't Quit" When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all up hill, when the funds are low, and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit! Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, it's when things seem worse, that you must not quit! Love and prayers, Mui Sin |
| 3/25/2003 0:36:37 | Stan Altschuler | Dallas | TX | Annette --
I was trying to explain to my wife who this woman, Annette Boman, is. I attempted to remind her by saying she was the good-looking young blond gal from Minnesota in the first LA class who tried to get me to run and eat healthy (but since those hadn't taken, my wife could not relate), and, oh yeah, she was the one who introduced me to yogurt and grape nuts mixed together. At that point, my wife responded, "Oh, yes, now I remember!!" Have a good day!! |
| 3/25/2003 5:58:14 | Roberto Cordon | Bucharest | Romania | Dear Annette,
There is a bunch of people in Bucharest rooting for you. I told my colleagues here about my friend who is a top biochemist in the US, an accomplished musician, runs marathons for fun, and bakes wedding cakes to relax... they couldn't believe that such a person could exist. When this is over, one of them wants you to come and make her wedding cake! Haven't been able to talk to Dracula (he is having a feast in Iraq), but he sent me a message about his secret for long-living. He says that on the next full moon, at exactly midnight, you should grab Peter and give him a big smooch, then bite him on the neck. You will have to repeat this every month for the rest of your life. The Count says you'll come to like the taste of blood! I look forward to seeing the scars on Peter's neck next time we meet! |
| 3/25/2003 8:11:02 | Lou Reynaldo | Madison | WI | Leota, Isaac, Miriam and I have you and your family
in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace and Love, Lou |
| 3/25/2003 8:22:23 | Jonathan Drummond | Stillwater | Oklahoma | Annette: Your Oklahoma Connection is pulling for you. My family and I continue to pray for you and your family. We pray for peace. Jonathan, LeAnn, Allison & Christine. |
| 3/25/2003 8:23:47 | JIM & ARLENE TATE | VOORHEES | N.J. | DEAR ANNETTE
ARLENE & I ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. RUTH JOHNSON IS ARLENE'S COUSIN. I WAS A HELPLESS CRIPPLE AGT FOUR YRS. WITH POLIO. NO HOPE. MY MOM BELIEVED THAT GOD CAN DO ANYTHING--AND BELIEVED FOR MY HEALING. I AM 72 YS OLD--HAVE BEEN A PASTOR FOR 51 YRS AND STILL IN GOOD HEALTH--USING BOTH MY RIGHT ARM AND LEFT LEG, WHICH WERE TOTALLY PARALIZED. BELIEVE GOD'S PROMISES---FEED ON ST. LUKE AND ST MATTHEW (BIBLE). FAITH COMES BY 'HEARING' GOD'S WORD. ASK LARGELY THAT YOUR JOYS MAY BE FULL. GOD BLESS. ARLENE & JIM TATE(856-719-8281) |
| 3/25/2003 8:26:58 | Kristi Swenson | Richmond | VA | Good morning, Annette
It's a bright one here in Richmond - sunny and warming up. "They" say it may reach 70 today! I hope you got some better sleep last night with only positive effects from that catheter. I'll check in again later. Trout's looking longingly at the door. bye for now, dear friend Kristi |
| 3/25/2003 9:56:31 | Susanna Elliott | Mahtomedi | MN | Good Morning, Annette and Peter! In the middle of the night, I woke up thinking about you with a unmistakable wash of relief that you are going to be okay. This seems so hard right now, and I can't even imagine how much suffering you are in and what that feels like... but I saw us chatting around that enormous food table at my mom and dad's New Year's Eve party. Your hair was down to your shoulders, you were holding Anna, and we were all laughing even as our mouths were stuffed with my mom's French bread topped with some incredible cheese. That's going to happen and I can't wait! Focus on the French bread, Annette! Lots of love and continuous prayers headed your way, Susanna |
| 3/25/2003 9:59:04 | Edie Tress | Baltimore | Maryland | Annette,
I think of you often, your strength, perseverance and sweetness. You were and are a model for all of us here. We talk about you on our runs and at P.J.'s. We are all pulling for you, girl. Keep on fighting. Love, Edie |
| 3/25/2003 10:34:11 | Randall Stuckey | St. Peter | MN | Greetings from all your friends at Gustavus. All are praying for your recovery. We love you! |
| 3/25/2003 10:53:56 | Tony Konstant | Baltimore | MD | Hi Annette,
I've been following your story on this excellent web page. Everytime I look over these pages and see your ups and downs I stil picture you coming into PJ's for Pizza and beer and with one of your luscious homemade cakes that you and Pete made. I was talking with someone from the Wed night crowd and was telling them the story of how we were on the stands at Memorial Stadium after the Oriole Advocates 5 miler. Your name got called for some award and while you were running down the steps to claim your prize, your sweat pants fell down around your ankles. Of course the crowd went wild even thought you had your running shorts on underneath. It was just a memorable sight. There isn't a day that goes by that your not in our prayers. I know this is a hard run for you, but were all rooting for you. God Bless. |
| 3/25/2003 13:05:42 | Amy, Mike, Zack, Elise Barker | Corcoran | MN | Hi Annette,
We were in Duluth last wkend for my nephew's b-day and saw your adorable kids as my sister did the pocket lady at First Lutheran. We are praying for you every day and hope you can kick this real soon. Love and Hugs, Amy (Bredeson), Mike, Zack and Elise |
| 3/25/2003 13:57:11 | Bobby Z | Pasadena | Md. | IM STILL A NOVICE ON THIS CONTRAPTION SO EXCUSE THE MISTAKES, THATS IF I EVEN SEND THIS CORRECTLY. I AND THE ENTIRE GANG ARE THINKING POSITIVE THOUGHTS FOR YOU. YOU AND PETE STAY STRONG AND ENJOY NCAA PLAYOFFS. GO TERPS! |
| 3/25/2003 14:18:21 | Ronald Taylor | Charlottesville | Virginia | I have such fond memories of you at the start of a
brilliant career.
Peg and I hope and pray that in time you will fully recover and return to your family and life in Deluth. |
| 3/25/2003 14:47:00 | Al Behrends | Gustieville | MN | Annette,
I've been keeping track of your progress over the past few months and wanted to let you know that we are all thinking about your healing and keeping you in our prayers. As I'm working on the final pieces of the jazz band's tour to the Pacific NW next week and trying to not panic, you'll help me to keep in mind the important stuff and to not sweat the small stuff. We'll play one of the songs at each concert to you. Which do you prefer: Steve Wright's BUTTERFLY or Gordon Goodwin's COUNT BUBBA? I couldn't decide. Take care of yourself and keep working that smile! al |
| 3/25/2003 16:57:29 | mariann kurtz | washington | dc | Pete said it best, if God has a miracle in store for
you, it will start like this. I believe as do so many others, that God indeed
has a miracle in store for you. So -- GET UP! GET GOING! REALLY SOCK IT
TO 'EM, NOW! GET UP1 GET GOING! REALLY SOCK IT TO' EM, NOW! Okay, I'm showing
my hand as an old cheer leader in my junior high days, but the message is
worth remembering and IMPLEMENTING!
all our love and prayers, Mariann and Chuck |
| 3/25/2003 17:37:15 | Irving Spitzberg & Virginia Thorndike | Hereford (near Baltimore) | Maryland | Prayer makes a difference. (For the skeptics, you should know that double blind research at Harvard, Johns Hopkins and other world class medical schools supports this assertion.) We join all of the Leadership America crew to add our prayers for your recovery. We are with you!!! |
| 3/25/2003 18:09:36 | Tanya Huang Jasica | Lake Forest | IL | Annette (and Peter and kids)-I pray for your healing and for your healers. May God work through them to grant you all peace. Every prayer counts. Tanya, Dan, Adelaide, Jonathan and Evan. |
| 3/25/2003 18:41:30 | Samantha Lee | Fair Haven | NJ | Annette, Peter, Joseph & Anna
You all remain at the heart of my daily thoughts and reflections. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. -Albert Camus love, Sam |
| 3/25/2003 19:35:44 | Jodi Lieske | Duluth | MN | Way to go Annette! White blood cell count dropped dramatically.
Can't wait to see the Blast count. Keep fighting!!!
Love Jodi |
| 3/25/2003 21:45:54 | Rod Miller | Larchmont | New York | Tracey tracked me down traveling to share your news
and I could not get home soon enough to reach out and let you know that
neither time nor distance can keep prayers and love from flowing in times
like these. Thank God this is known to you and your wonderful family from
the outpouring of both on this wonderful site. I hope you are able to take
strength from us the same as we have taken it from you, so many years ago
and now again. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rod, Bets, Jack & Jordan |
| 3/25/2003 22:25:47 | Louise Yount | Duluth | MN | Annette! I called your room from the DECC Sunday afternoon, taking a quick break from the UMD Women's hockey game against Harvard. The nurse told me you were having some quiet time and receiving a treatment, and thus a visit would be better left until later in the evening. well! the hockey game lasted until the middle of the second overtime! and with no message from Pete, I guessed a visit would wait until later in the week. You would have enjoyed watching those women play. Strong, fast, scrappy, tough... you know what i mean. Let's plan to play some ultimate frisbee or soccer this summer... that's good cross training for your next marathon. |
| 3/25/2003 22:48:53 | Uncle Bruce | Hotchkiss | CO | Our sorrow to you Peter and children. She was such a radiant lady, a joy to all who knew her. We are making plans to drive out. We are trying to see if Judy and Amy can also come to the funeral. |
| 3/25/2003 23:29:55 | Sister Sue Fortier | Duluth | Minnesota | Peter, Joseph, Anna, Tom, Mary, Bob, Steve and Dawn! I found myself thinking of Annette and all of you this evening....and praying for you! You were so much on my mind that I had to go to the Web site before I called this a day. I was so sad to see that Annette had died. My heart aches for all of you. Duluth has lost a gifted and beautiful woman who has touched the lives of so many people. I know her legacy of love will live on in you and in all those who loved her. My sympathy and love to you! |
| 3/25/2003 23:44:32 | Ken and Heather Bradley | Campbell | CA | Pete, we were heartbroken to see the news on the web
site tonight. We wish there was something we could do or say to make things
better. This is such a terrible, unfair thing. Please know that you and
the kids are in our hearts and prayers. We will always remember Annette
as such a happy and fun person, the short time that we knew her.
If there is anything we can do to help you out, as far away as we are, we would love to give you a hand in any way. Our deepest sympathy, Ken and Heather Bradley |
| 3/25/2003 23:45:31 | David and Janice Eckman | Moose Lake | MN | You have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. We now pray for comfort in your sorrow and peace in His promises. Love to you and the entire family. |
| 3/26/2003 0:50:53 | Paul Sansone | Duluth | Georgia | Pete, I was crushed to see your entry tonight. Our
sorrow and prayers go out to you Anna, Joseph and your entire family. A
solace has to be that Annette must now be in a better place. For all of
us who knew her, Annette was a role model on what the human spirit could
accomplish, and no disease can take that spirit away. Thank you Pete, for
allowing all of us a trackside voice at Annette's most heroic marathon.
Paul |
| 3/26/2003 0:59:02 | Jon Sande | Duluth | MN | Peter, you do not need a "creative writing course."
I have been a frequent (if by email silent) visitor on the website, as well
as in my thoughts and prayers. From the beginning I have been struck by
your ability to capture very complicated issues (be they medical, familial,
or theological) with a profoundly moving eloquence. Karen and I did not
have the privilege of knowing you and Annette to the degree that others
have; however the deep love that you have for Annette and for your children
has been evident in every single entry, and has moved to tears countless
times.
However difficult, it has been an immense privilege to share in this journey with Annette, you, the Bomans, and your world-wide community of friends. I know that the past months have been very challenging; the days, weeks, and months in the future may have their trials as well. Karen and I promise to be there for you and the children; we will do anything we can to help. As an oncologist I have never seen an AML as resistant to treatment as the one Annette had; the importance of more clearly understanding the basic science of malignant disorders has never been more clear to me than it is tonight. It is my hope and prayer that her colleagues in the basic sciences will carry her intellect, gifts, and talents forward so that others may be spared her fate. With the deepest admiration, respect, and love, Jon Sande |
| 3/26/2003 1:57:22 | Molly Blesener | Duluth | MN | Pete,
I am so sad after reading your entry tonight. Our love and sympathy go out to you. We have been praying daily for you, Annette and your family and will continue to pray for strength and comfort for you. Annette was an incredible person. The way she lived her life, loved her family, and fought this disease with so much courage and grace is an inspiration to me. We are blessed for having been a part of her life. Please don't hesitate to take advantage of us for anything you need. We are here for you and want to help. Love, The Bleseners |
| 3/26/2003 5:46:47 | Tom Jr and Diane | Albany | NY | Pete, Joseph and Anna,
I was heartbroken yesterday when I heard the news. I went in to my mother's office and broke the news to her. There are no words to describe the sorrow that we feel for all that knew Annette, but especially for you, Joseph and Anna. I was only able to see you and your family at certain family events, parties and such, but it was obvious that Annette was truly a wonderful and caring individual. In my eyes, she will always be remembered being bright and smiling all the time. It is so difficult to accept that someone as special as Annette could be taken so soon. Diane and I have been following your updates and postings, praying for Annette. We send all of our love, thoughts and prayers to you, Joseph and Anna. |
| 3/26/2003 6:43:29 | Pete & Ruth Hens | Parkville | Maryland | Ruth and I are heartbroken over hearing of Annette's dying. We just can't believer or understand how someone as young and nice and full of life, as Annette was, can be gone. Our thoughts are on you to Pete, wondering how you are coping. We wish we could hug you and hold you and make this all go away. |
| 3/26/2003 7:58:36 | Isabel Lopez | Chicago | IL | Pete,
We have been closely reading your updates these past weeks and praying like many others for Annette's healing. We were VERY saddened to read the news of her passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Anna and Joseph as well as your entire family. Thank you for sharing Annette's difficult journey with us, you don't need any creative writing classes when you write from your heart such as you have done. You are all very blessed with many special friends and family that will help through these difficult times ahead. It is hard to understand why these things have to happen but I guess someday we will. We have been very touched reading a few of the messages in the guest book and learning of all the lives Annette has touched and all the prayers that have gone out for all of you. I enjoyed the two years in Atlanta where I got to know Annette while she worked in the Kahn lab next to our lab (the Lambeth lab) and talking to her not just about Arf's, PLD, PCR but about orchids, running, the '96 Olympics etc. I still have the Javy Lopez, Atlanta Braves shirt you guys gave me when I left to join Tim in Chicago. I am very grateful for her help in Atlanta and when I was interviewing for a faculty position and trying to set up a lab from ground zero. She was one of the kindest, caring and sincere people I have met. We will pray for comfort and peace in your sorrow, may God give you strength and wisdom in raising those beautiful children. Isabel (Lopez), Tim and Gabby Esbenshade |
| 3/26/2003 9:12:57 | Ann Glienke (Lynch) | Eagan | MN | Peter, Joseph and Anna,
I am so sorry to hear of Annette's passing away. May she now rest in peace. I have many great high school memories and what a wonderful person and friend she was to me. You have done a beautiful job expressing yourself and it is very evident how much love you have for her and your children. Keep up the great job! Annette has left her children in wonderfull hands. My deepest sympathy goes out to you, the kids and the whole Bowman Family. |
| 3/26/2003 9:47:15 | Dave Cooley | Baltimore | MD | Pete, we in Baltimore are just so sorry for your loss
and for the children. We have said prayers along the way and have been kept
up to date by some of the Wednesdaynight crew.
Dave Cooley |
| 3/26/2003 9:53:22 | Mickey Freeman | Dacula | GA | A beautiful quote forwarded from my Uncle David Koonce:
"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing
with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though
you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in
our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality.
Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for
His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you.
That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While
you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from
being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at
your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved
Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment
more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or
for that of those you love." Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 1995,
17.
I've got to believe that Annette is in a better place, bringing cheer, energy, and purpose that will serve beyond today. We will celebrate her life together today and tomorrow. Our love and prayers and wonderful memories, Mickey, Caroline, and Max |
| 3/26/2003 10:20:10 | Mike Lundstrom | Duluth | MN | Peter:
I read your last update with great sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Mike |
| 3/26/2003 10:50:04 | Cindy Martins | Duluth | MN | Dear Pete and family, So hard to hear the news. My thoughts of Annette will always bring a smile to my face -- she was amazing! I don't understand how this has happen and can't comprehend your loss. My sympathies and love to all your and Annette's family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. |
| 3/26/2003 10:53:04 | Julie Carlson and family | Wynnewood | PA | Dear Peter,
How sad to hear of Annette's death yesterday. She was a wonderful, irreplaceable friend who will live in our hearts always. Our thoughts turn to you now, Peter, and to Annette's parents and brothers, wishing all of you the love and support of friends and family. Julie, Brad, Nick, and Charlie |
| 3/26/2003 11:06:21 | Lori Ford | Duluth | MN | Peter,
I am so overwhelmed with sadness today. It's hard to continue to go through the business of everyday life, but as I look around at the children here at day care & see their cheerfull little faces so full of life, I have great hope for the future & can manage to keep going. I know that you will always be blessed with the love & wonder of your children. They are beautiful, wonderful, loving children & a testiment to everything you & Annette have given to them. There's a passage from Proverbs that I thought you would like. A woman of valor - seek her out; she is to be valued above rubies. She opens her hand to those in need, and offers her help to the poor. Adorned with strength and dignity, she looks to the future with cheerful trust. Her speech is wise, and the law of kindness is on her lips. Those who love her rise up with praise, and call her blessed: Many women have done well, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty short-lived, but a woman loyal to God has truly earned praise. Honor her for her work; her life proclaims her praise. (from Proverbs 31) If there is anything at all that I can do for you & your family, please feel free to call me. I make a great pot of chicken soup! Give Anna & Joseph hugs from me, Love, Lori |
| 3/26/2003 12:07:38 | Brigit Parlow | Wichita | Kansas | Dear Annette,
You were always such a ray of sunshine...always curious and happy. My recollections of you run back before Peter, Joseph and Anna were in your life...back to junior high school. You were always so content with life, and worked hard each day to complete your schoolwork. At night when we would congregate at home it was food and fun. After dinner, you would shout, "MASH ATTACK!" and we would all run upstairs to the second floor laundry room to huddle on the couch and bean bag chairs in front of the TV to watch MASH. Dinner dishes be damned! Weekends back then for you were spent horseback riding with your friends. It always amazed me how you were able to command respect from the horses and how much you enjoyed them. Your passion and love for the horseback riding was evident back then, as it continued for years afterward at Camp Miller. I remember your saxophone playing...I can still recall the exact warm-up routine you played on you sax each evening as you faithfully practiced. You were so disciplined. I enjoyed accompanying you on the piano for you sax solos. Classical sax solos were a rarity, and opened my eyes to a whole new musical realm. I remember slathering make-up on you one night. i think your mother was horrified, but we sure had a giggle-fest! It was one of those "female bonding" moments that we shared. Even though heavy makeup was definitely not your thing, we had some fun experimenting. We shared clothes and secrets and learned a lot about each other. After we moved away from Duluth and you went off to college, we rarely saw each other. Nevertheless, I took for granted that you were off doing great things and achieving your goals as planned. When we did meet it was with joy, as there was never a dull moment as the first wave of Boman grandchildren emerged. When you met Peter and the wedding was being planned, I was honored to be made a part of it. Perhaps the most memborable moment was playing the Bach piece on my oboe. I poured out my heart to the two of you, and I hope you felt the love I was sending your way that joyous day. Annette, I am still in disbelief that God has chosen you to be with him. I know that true faith is based on belief without proof. Not very scientific, I know, but I have to believe that faith is strong enough to know without proof that you were meant for a higher purpose. You have most certainly made an indelible mark here on earth, and will be remembered always. To Joseph, Anna, and Peter... Blessings to you each and every day of your lives! There is so much in life left to experience, and you have the privilege of going through life's hills and valleys knowing that your mother and wife was one of the most wonderful women to ever grace the earth. Cherish it always! with love, Brigit |
| 3/26/2003 12:12:48 | Peter Jungmann | Minneapolis | MN | My deepest sympathies to you Peter.
Perhaps Annette did so well on the test that is this life, that God has allowed her to leave class early. It's the only way of thinking that consoles me when people who are so young, and so good for those around them are taken from us. You are in my prayers. |
| 3/26/2003 13:12:20 | Eleanor Hannah | Duluth | Minnesota | Dear Peter,
I just heard the sad news about Annette and so came at last to your website, where I have spent some time reading your entries over these last weeks. I have been following some of Annette's progress through Lori, so I knew a litte about how things were going, but now I wish I had been looking here as well, for this is a wonderful tribute to a life cut too short, too soon. I never got to know Annette as well as I hoped, given how much we had in common - busy lives being at the top of the list! and including a neighborhood and little children and careers, and daycare providers. What I did know of Annette made me want to know more. She was a warm and friendly woman who loved her wonderful children very much. My heart aches for you and Joseph and Annarose. I can only trust that their joy in life will keep joy in yours. Eleanor |
| 3/26/2003 13:33:39 | Dan and Kate Sharer | Atlanta | GA | Pete,
Greatly saddened to hear the news about Annette. She was without a doubt one of the finest human beings I have ever known. It was a privilege to know her, and I will always look back fondly to the time that we worked together. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and the family. Dan Sharer |
| 3/26/2003 13:52:20 | Steven Puri | Los Angeles | CA | Dear Peter,
My heart goes out to you, and to your two children. Such a loss is hard to comprehend. In reading your updates everyday, I learned what an amazing partnership you two had, and I am glad to live in a world where two people can love each other so much. Meg and I have been talking every day about Annette, and the touching website, and your love for each other, and something that I know we wanted to share with you was that it was clear to us that out here, both of us know - are connected to - hundreds, maybe thousands of people...and yet the love and connection that you and Annette and Joseph and Anna shared is unlike any that we know. I know that for you the acceptance of such a loss will take time and patience, but you must know more than any of us that Annette shared a love, a connection with you and the children while she was here on Earth that was beyond words. and that is living. with love, - Steven (and Meg) |
| 3/26/2003 14:28:01 | Steph Mueller | Middleton | Wisconsin | Peter and Family,
I am so sorry. I'm not as eloquent as most of your friends who have written here, so I'll post some of Annette's own words. At our reunion last summer, Annette filled out a questionnaire. The answers are telling of a person who, while accomplished in every earthly endeavor she tried, knew what really mattered. One question asked what single piece of advice she'd give others. "Get to know as many people as well as you can," she wrote. How well that advice would serve all of us! When asked what she was most proud of: "My kids," she wrote, "Just look at them!" Enough said. I was privileged to know Annette and proud that she was a fellow Minnesotan. My love to you and your family. |
| 3/26/2003 15:29:47 | Alastair Mackay | Towson | MD | Peter, I remember Annette's smile so clearly from her grad school time at Johns Hopkins. Thanks to you for putting up this site and sharing the family's pain and joy. My heart goes out to you on this sad news. |
| 3/26/2003 15:50:43 | The Hopkins Wednesday Night Running Group | Baltimore | MD | We exercise, watch our diets, and comparatively are
in great shape. Although mortal, we know we will all live forever, and then
Annette, bless her heart, brings us back to reality. We do not want to think
about it but there are no guarantees for our ephemeral existence.
Annette was a special person. A wife, a mother and a friend. A genteel, giving, and admired woman with so many talents. A tenacious competitor. An example for all of us. Our lives have been touched by Annette who by example taught us kindness and compassion. Her engaging smile could brighten up a dark room. Her friendship was forever. We have all been touched by an Angel named Annette. To paraphrase Robert Burns· So Annette hereās a hand to you my trusty friend And give me a hand of yours, And we will drink a toast of kindness And remember you And all the good old days. Peace |
| 3/26/2003 16:19:35 | Michael Anderson | Townsend | MA | Pete, Joseph & Anna:
Ours hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of overwhelming sadness. I had thought that with the hopes and prayers of all the wonderful people (evidenced here) surrounding you, that Annette would be guaranteed success. Since God has not willed that, perhaps all of our love and prayers can help you through this difficult time. Our love to all of you, Mike, Lisa, Danny and Christopher |
| 3/26/2003 16:40:15 | Paula Schlax | Lewiston | Maine | Pete-
Pete, Sarah, Norah and I all want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your beautiful children. God acts in strange ways sometimes. Paula |
| 3/26/2003 16:50:15 | Jodi Lieske | Duluth | MN | Peter, Joseph, Anna and family,
Words can not express the sadness we are all feeling right now. Annette was a truly wonderful person and an inspiration to us all. She will be in all of our hearts forever. This web page has been a wonderful gift to everyone and I thank you Peter for that special gift. Writing in this guest book has made me feel like at least I was able to do something, even if in a very small way. Annette will live in our hearts forever. She touched so many lives and will continue to do so. There has been the strength and love of thousands of people expressed in this guest book, lean on all of us during this difficult time. We are ALL here for you. Love Jodi |
| 3/26/2003 18:35:06 | Rick and MaryBeth Hockett | Fishers | IN | Peter-We are so very sad to hear about Annette. We want to thank you for the wonderful updates...we disagree with your assessment that you should've taken more creative writing...we found the updates to be the perfect mix of love, humor and reality. Annette was as blessed to have you as you were to have her. She will be sadly missed by many, many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joseph and Anna. |
| 3/26/2003 19:05:54 | Mark & Carolyn Lammers | Tucson | Arizona | I cannot tell you of the great loss that Carolyn and
I feel at this moment. Annette was such a special person and student. We
have such great memories of her as a student at Gustavus and of her wonderful
family. To her husband, who we have never met, we say we have some understanding
of his sorrow - we have both gone through the death of a spouse. It is not
easy, but life must go one and we wish you the continued great courage now
that you have shown during the course of Annette's illness. Our sympathy
to you and to her parents and brothers.
Sincerely, Mark & Carolyn Lammers 35981 S.Crest Drive Tucson, AZ 85739 LammersE@aol.com |
| 3/26/2003 20:46:21 | Gerry and Merrie Durmowicz | Timonium | MD | Dear Pete,
We can't express enough how sorry we are to hear about Annette. Take strength in all the wonderful times you shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,Joseph,Anna and the rest of your family. Gerry and Merrie |
| 3/26/2003 21:15:51 | Heidi Dahlberg Wojahn | Prior Lake | MN | Dear Peter:
I am so sorry to learn of your loss (Sue Hoffbauer Hellmers has been diligent about keeping me up to date). Although I did not know Annette particularly well, I can tell by all the entries that Annette was greatly loved and will be missed by all. Annette is the second gem that the GAC class of '88 has lost in less than a year. Thank you for your website--what a wonderful gift to your wife and those who knew her. Heidi Dahlberg Wojahn Gustavus classmate of Annette's |
| 3/26/2003 22:12:30 | Mark Runquist | Melbourne | Iowa | Peter,
I think we may have only met once. I worked with Annette at Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake MN. There she was known as the "horse lady." The summers at Miller were special times, and Annette was a big part of that. Her humor, understated as it could be, grace, poise, and willingness to enjoy life were apparent. After reading these pages, it sounds like nothing has changed in the 15 years or more since then. I'd like to share a story about the ONLY time I saw Annette lose her grace (I view this occurance like winning the lottery, since its rarity makes it so remarkable). She was leading a horseback ride through a forest of old-growth red pines. Without warning, a Goshawk decided that the parade of horses was approaching too close to her nest. So down the hawk dived, dragged its talons through Annette's head, the leader of the pack. Of course, she continued on and corralled all the campers and horses back to camp. Thank you for these pages - I only found out about them today. I leave you with the following verse - my best recollection of the opening words of closing song on the campfire the last night of camp. "On the shores of Sturgeon Lake we gather, as the flames leap heavenward towards the sky, and our thoughts rise with them to the father as we pray for guidance on this heavenly night." |
| 3/26/2003 22:50:06 | Sue (Larson) Brusenhan | Magnolia | Texas | Peter:
It is you who should be giving all of us creative writing lessons. It is obvious that you adored her as did her family. Please know that my family's hearts go out to all of you. I had the pleasure of knowing Annette all through High School - at Duluth East- and it was evident then, as it is now, that she made friends everywhere she went! We will always be remembered as the Saxophone Trio (Annette, Jerry and me) and I will always hold forever, in my heart, memories of our two trips to Florida with Band. She was always a top student and favorite in many teacher's eyes as well as all of her classmates. Hold close the memories that you had with her and what you will continue to have with your children. They will never go away. She is an "Angel" up in Heaven smiling down on all of us knowing how much she was loved. Your children will grow up knowing how much she loved them whether it be through pictures or stories that you tell of her. She is an example to all of us on what all mothers should be. It was (and still is) a rare privilege knowing her. As you know, her smile could light up any room and she made many friends along the way. What better way to honor her than to set up this website. Nobody knows how much time any of us has in this life. She was put here on Earth for a special purpose and now God has other tasks for her to undertake and teach in the Heavens above. You will have many fond memories of your life together (as will your children). Stay strong with all of the love and support that you have from family and friends at this time. Remember that all of us have our arms around you, Joseph and Anna. Feel the love and support from those of us who will not be present to say our final good-byes to Annette in person. She has made a difference in ALL of our lives. With all of our love and prayers, John, Sue and Ross Brusenhan |
| 3/26/2003 23:32:08 | Jim Tanner | Baltimore | MD | Pete,
I am saddened to read your message. I did not know the two of you but your ordeal has been so difficult. My sympathies are with you and your two lovely children and wishes for the growing journey for you all to come. Sincerely, Jim Tanner jim49chev@hotmail.com |
| 3/27/2003 0:35:57 | Dave Ross | South Orange | NJ | Pete,
When there is so much wrong with the world, it's hard to accept the loss of someone so right for the world. Let your love with Annette be the strength to see you through these times. |
| 3/27/2003 3:14:59 | Troy Voeltz | Duluth | MN | Dr. Kebbekus,
For the first time in my life, I am at a complete loss for words. I am greatly saddened to hear of Annette's passing and my deepest sympathy goes out to you, Joseph, and Anna. I can only hope that in my lifetime that I will find someone to love me as much as you love Annette. You and your family are in my prayers. Your student and friend, Troy Voeltz |
| 3/27/2003 5:22:11 | Paul Vescio | Gansevoort | New York | Peter,
|
| 3/27/2003 5:30:29 | Paul Vescio | Gansevoort | New York | Peter, We are so sorry to hear of Annette's passing.
For the past 2 months through your webpages we have shared every moment
in our hearts and prayers. I know there is little to say to ease the pain
but please know that we have learned more about love, life, all that is
good through the valiant fight that Annette gave to a horrible disease.
New York is far but please remember that there is always a place in our hearts and home for Annette. Our prayers go out not only for Annette but for all of the family and friends that have followed her crusade against AML. With love, a loss for words, some true sadness, but a bright outlook for truly strong family, Paul, Christine, Anna, and Paul Jr. Vescio |
| 3/27/2003 9:47:47 | Chun-Jiang Zhang and Dong Li | Rockville | Maryland | Dear Pete,
We are deeply grieved to hear that Annette has passed away. It will be very hard for all of us who knew her well to carry on without her, but it was my privilege to know such a lovely person and work with her for many years. We'll always remember her. She'll always live in our heart. Please accept the deepest sympathy of my husband and I and convey our sympathy to all family members. |
| 3/27/2003 9:59:24 | Paul, Alisa, Alex & Nicholas Kiprof | Duluth | MN | Peter,
Paul and I are deeply saddened to hear about Annette. Our hearts ache for you, your beautiful children and your entire family. The last time we saw Annette was at the new Weber Music Hall at UMD at a Dale Warland Singers Concert. As always, she was beaming with a beautiful smile as we talked about our children. I will always remember Annette as someone who always had a smile on her face and her love for you and your children. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Alisa and Paul |
| 3/27/2003 10:00:19 | Xinjun & Yunfei | Gaithersburg | MD | Hi Annette and Pete,
It took us a day to be able to write to you since We can't accept that Annette is no longer physically to be with us. The worst thing we worried and it happened, though we tried very hard to hold her and fight with you to win this battle and though we cried to beg God to have a miracle on her. It was our privilege to know you and we have enjoyed a wonderful time in Kahn's lab, while you were making cakes and I was making dumplings for the lab... Lots of memories flash over. Annette is still here and alive in our hearts ad she will be remembered by all her friends forever. |
| 3/27/2003 11:10:00 | Debbie & Pat Langone | Union | NJ | Peter-
Our hearts grieve for you and your family. We know there are no words to truly comfort you at this time, but please know that we love you and that you are in our thoughts. Although we cannot be with you physically on Saturday, we will be there in spirit. Debbie & Pat Langone |
| 3/27/2003 11:17:04 | Mark Drabkowski | Baltimore | MD | Stepping out of my office yesterday afternoon it was
cold, dark and raining. However, I did noticed the forsythia was beginning
to bloom for the first time this spring. As often is the case, I attribute
specific moments either images or music in my life with friends I have lost.
Whenever I encounter those songs or images I immediately think of that special
person. From now on whenever I see forsythia in bloom I will think of Annette.
As sad, dark and dreary was the day. And as my mind with continually preoccupied with thoughts of Annette. The realization and beauty of the simple yellow blooms, brightened my day. And the memories of that moment will stay with me forever. |
| 3/27/2003 11:25:04 | mariann kurtz | falls church | VA | Dear Peter, Joseph and Anna.
We grieve with you the loss of Annette. Her love and example will remain with you always. Celebrate the joy and light she brought to you and to this world and know that her light keeps shining. I am sorry I am unable to attend the service this weekend. Like so many others from Leadership America, while we are unable to be with you during the funeral, please know you are held close in our thoughts and prayers. with love and peace, Mariann and Chuck |
| 3/27/2003 13:28:04 | Laurie Anderson | Duluth | MN | May we always live by your example. |
| 3/27/2003 14:25:26 | Stephanie Lynch Klinosky | Dover | NJ | Annette was such a wonderful person. I am sad that this illness took her so fast. We all benefited from knowing her. I just wished I had more of an opportunity to get to know her better. It is very clear to those who knew her that she was a very special person. All of us will make sure her childern will know this. My prayers are with you and your family. |
| 3/27/2003 14:29:01 | Laurie Anderson | Duluth | MN | Dear Peter, Joseph, and Anna,
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as I share in your sadness. Peter, thank you for keeping us informed daily of Annette's progress and for sharing your thoughts so openly. It was wonderful to feel so connected through your words. This was a gift to those of us who felt so helpless. I continue to learn more and more about Annette through this guestbook and from those in the community. She continues to inspire me. I remember one day Scott telling me that he and Annette used to have saxophone competitions for first chair in the East band. Later, Scott and Annette would playfully argue over who occupied that chair the most. I find comfort knowing Scott was waiting to greet her and they can continue their music in harmony. Warmly, Laurie and Evan |
| 3/27/2003 14:45:39 | Michael Rivera | Arlington | Virginia | Pete,
My heart goes out to you and your entire family (natural and extended). I had the pleasure of meeting and enjoying Annette's company in her prime and that memory will stay with me. If you ever come through the DC area be sure to look me up (202 431 0699, rivera@alum.rpi.edu). Yours in the Bonds, Alpha 1261 |
| 3/27/2003 16:20:57 | Mary Hopkins Weber | Reston | VA | To all of Annette's family, my deepest sympathies. I had the good fortune to know her in college and played clarinet with her in the band. I was deeply saddened to hear the news this morning, and my heart goes out to you for your loss. |
| 3/27/2003 17:04:28 | Carolyn Bouma (& Jim Stoll) | Amarillo | TX | Dear Pete, Joseph, Anna and family,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Annette will be deeply missed by many people. Her talents - academics, athletics, everything! - are too numerous to describe. Pete, your web site is amazing and a very fitting tribute. You made Annette's courage and strength shine to their fullest! I have many, many fond memories of Annette and our time at JHU, the BRRC "Wednesday night" gang, and NIH! I benefitted from her friendship, intellectually and athletically. We had fun times and fast times! The Wednesday night run-pizza-beer workout was good running, a great stress-buster and filled with fun people. Annette would enjoy our Wednesday night group in Amarillo - a 2 mi run/11 mi bike-2 mi run duathlon workout. It's not the same without PJ's pizza and burgers, although we do drink beer! It was a blessing to train with her again while we were post-docs at NIH. This time of year, I always think of running through the Bethesda neighborhood, the streets lined with blooming cherry trees (and, how tough it was to keep up with Annette!). There are so many other wonderful things to recount; it's not possible to mention them all. Annette's beautiful personality and talents touched everyone who knew her. Pete, take care of yourself! Joseph and Anna, your mommy was very proud of you! You will miss her a lot in the future, but remember her with happiness and know that she lives on through you. Thinking of you - Carolyn & Jim |
| 3/27/2003 23:54:01 | Paul Salo | Atlanta | Georgia | I was a member of the Boman Lab for two years prior
to graduating from UMD in 2001 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry.
I will always remember her big smile whenever she walked into the lab. She really loved what she did. She was an outstanding mentor and scientist. I owe most of the credit for my excellent technical writing skills to Dr. Boman. I am very grateful for the two years that I spent working in the Boman Lab. I consider the things that I learned from Dr. Boman to be the most valuable part of my educational experience at UMD. It was a great privilege to have learned from the best. The legacy of Dr. Annette Boman will live on in the accomplishments of her students. |
| 3/28/2003 8:36:45 | Neil Johnson | Downingtown | PA | Annette deeply touched every life she had contact with.
Her spirit will stay in us forever. We are deeply saddened by this news,
but know that in time when we think of her, a smile will come to our face
similar to the one she always carried.
Annette lived her life the way most of us aspire to, and this gives us inspiration to continue on. |
| 3/28/2003 9:29:05 | Kristi Swenson | Richmond | VA | What a privilege to spend time with Annette last weekend.
And what a tremendous life gift to have shared all those growing up years
with her! All that time together, when the days flew by in games and laughter
and were never long enough to feel like saying goodbye.
Peter, you have been the most fitting companion, indeed complement, to Annette that anyone could ever imagine. Wow. You're an outstanding person, bringing yet more rich novelty to the strong, vibrant, loving Boman clan. I know I am only one of many many many people in places far from Duluth who support you and Joseph and Anna with our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I suppose Anna will be outside eating the fresh snow you all just got. And it's easy to imagine the same twinkling laughter of Joseph in the sled as Keith pulled him in circles in Boman's backyard last weekend. I am thinking of you all, so dear to Annette and to all of us who first met you because of her extraordinary life. |
| 3/28/2003 10:41:29 | Margo Cavenagh | Washington Grove | Maryland | CONVERSION
It is hard to believe that one so alive Isnāt. I strive to contrive to conform it to Reason. It doesnāt. So I cry, and I wonder about vibrance and Loving life and living love, when A shiver Prompts a gently-dawning realization of ever-present Eternity. I believe! |
| 3/28/2003 17:20:39 | Zandra Zwiebel | Duluth | Minnesota | I was so sad to hear of Annette passing..and so struck
by the irony of it all. I met Annette through Association of Woman in Science.
I have spent the past few years working with the AWIS scholarship committee
and funny thing, is every student who has applied for and been awarded that
fund was encourage to do so by Annette. When Annette first became ill it
crossed my mind to suggested to the committee members that we call our travel
fund the Annette Bowman honorary scholarship fund – since it seemed
if it weren’t for her there would be no reason for us to have
a fund. Sadly now, we will give serious consideration to calling it the
AWIS Annette Bowman Memorial Travel Scholarship.
AWIS will be providing a contribution to the Med School Scholarship fund post our membership meeting in May, it is only fitting, and based on Annette’s actions – just what she would have wanted. Thank you Peter for sharing your thoughts with us all. I want to express deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. |
| 3/28/2003 17:34:39 | Carrie Newman | Denver | CO | Annette, I have so many fond memories of you...
you are that breath of fresh air that enters a room, you are that warm smile that makes me feel welcome, you are that strong runner, and most of all, I will always remember you as a loving mother. I feel so fortunate that we share time together at our Leadership America reunion this past September in Colorado. I feel such a loss and yet I can feel your spirit comfort me. I love you and will miss you. |
| 3/29/2003 13:00:20 | Cathy Ojakangas Friehs | East Greenwich | RI | Gerhard and I were so sad to hear of Annette's death
when we got home from a family trip and called my parents in Duluth this
past Thursday. Our families grew up together. Annette was almost 10 years
younger than I, and I recall her from my youth as one of the younger kids
in my family's group of friends with long, blond hair and a large smile.
She was always kind and always ready to laugh. Then, suddenly we were all
grown up and she was achieving great things. Her achievements in science,
a field I am also in, are more than amazing. Who knew that that little kid
was so intelligent and talented! (A typical Boman, I might add). She became
a mentor for me, someone who had achieved motherhood AND success in science
(a very difficult combination).
I wish I could have been in Duluth today for Annette's funeral. It starts one hour from now. My heart goes out to Mary and Tom and Tom, Bob, and Steve, and of course to Peter, too, and the children. It seems that Annette's life blazed bright and extinguished too quickly. Someday I believe we will all understand why this was so. For now she remains a shining example for me of how to live my life - with determination, love, and a smile. |
| 3/30/2003 14:57:20 | Paula,Mark, and JohnMerrill | Washington | NJ | Peter & Kids,
I can not even say how much I will miss Annette. She was one of the most caring people I had ever met. After I read some of the entry in this guest book, I am not alone in this feeling. I wish that I could have been out there for you Peter, but my doctor told me the stress may be too much for me and the baby. Please know that I am thinking about you and kids everyday. Joseph and Anna, You have had one of the worst losses I hope you ever experience in your young lives. Please remember that your mother loved you both very much and she will always be looking out for you in you lives. You dad will need you to help him through this. Be strong for each other. Tom and Mary: Please know that you had raised a wonderful daughter and a great person. She brought a smile to all that met her and got to know her. I see her up with God, making heaven a better place. I feel your lose. Good Bless All, Paula, Mark, John Merrill |
| 4/1/2003 7:23:03 | Paul Vescio | Gansevoort | New York | Peter, Joseph, and Anna
I came to Duluth this weekend to give support to an good friend and to honor a woman whom I only know to be as wonderful as she was through knowing her husband. I only met Annette once and she left a wonderful lasting impression on me. I left Duluth this weekend with much more. Not only did I take part in the difficulty of laying a loved one to rest but was able to be a part of a love from family friends and community that can only inspire a person to strive for the same in his own life. Annette was a special woman and her memory as well as the strength love and support during her illness and passing will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life. Please take care of yourselves and god bless you, Love Paul |
| 4/1/2003 8:09:22 | Bill Sigel and Family | Phoenix | Arizona | Hearing of Annette's passing was very sad.
It is clear to see what kind of woman Annette was by reading all of the entries in this guestbook. If each of us take a little of "Annette" forward in our lives, this world will truly benefit. She touched many people in her life and will be greatly missed. My memories of her were from Duluth East High School. Her smile and quick wit were always in high gear from the front row of jazz band. She could always get away with a little more and push the envelope a little further than the rest of us. Somehow, she never got into trouble-she knew how to work her smile! Somewhere between all the rehearsals, concerts and trips, we all became a family. As a small tight-knit group of young musicians, we all shared the emotions of a family. The ups and downs, the good times and not-so-good times. Then in June of 1984 our family went in separate ways. Guilty of not keeping up with people after high school or college, as many do, I got caught up in life. Every once in while, I would dig up the yearbooks to show my kids, "...what dad looked like with hair." After hearing about Annette's death. I took the yearbook out to show the kids that. "...dad knew a real angel and her name was Annette Boman." Together, we read the articles, the journal, and then the obituary. It was obvious through the eyes of an 8 1/2 year old and 7 year old that Annette accomplished more in her tragically-shortened lifetime than most could hope to achieve in 100 years. We are sad in her death but happy in her life. I feel fortunate to have been lucky enough to spend 3 years with her on her journey. Love to her family and friends. Bill, Wendy, Sophie, and Hannah Sigel |
| 4/1/2003 11:10:41 | Hollie and Barb Collins | Floodwood, | Mn | Peter, Thank you so much for sharing with us the last few months of the struggle that Annette faced in her battle with leukemia. It gave us an insight into this terrible disease, the realization of the need for donors and an understanding of the need for continued research to beat cancer. What a wonderful person she was and you all have our love and prayers as you cope with the tremendous loss you are dealing with now. May memories of the times you shared sustain you through the days ahead and be kept forever in your hearts. With sympathy. |
| 4/1/2003 21:51:00 | Britt Boman | Wichita | Kansas | Uncle Pizza;
I want you to know that you and annette were always one of my favorite pairs of aunts and uncles. You would always stir up a laugh and make me giggle till I cried. Annette would have great conversation topics and was always willing to talk to me when I was little and naive. When you and Annette had Joseph and I was around for the holidays, I would always want to go and have a private conversation with Annette while she breast-fed Joseph. I think this is why I wailed about the most during the funeral service. I knew her the best out of all my aunts and uncles. I really miss my aunty nutt-butt. And now I wish I known her more and better. I can't change that now, but now whenever we talk, we might just understand each other's feelings because we shared them around Annette's death. I hope that you will always be my Uncle Pizza... -Britt :) |
| 4/2/2003 11:55:35 | Blair (Vos) Schrader | Sauk Rapids | MN | To Peter and the Boman clan -
This Web site is amazing to me, and only affirms how amazing Annette was in her all-too-brief lifetime. She certainly touched many with her vigor, wonder and true appreciation for everything. You touched many with this tribute to her. As said at her funeral, the greatest tribute is for each of us to live our lives to the fullest extent possible, just as Annette did. Peace and comfort to all of you. Blair |
| 4/2/2003 15:32:42 | Gia Mix DesLauriers | Minnetonka | MN | Dear Peter, Joseph and Anna,
Although I have never met you, my family is good friends with the Bomans through First Lutheran and Duluth East. I know I speak for all the Mix's in sending you our heartfelt sympathies now that Annette has passed. You have a tremendous circle of family and friends to support you which I hope will come as a relief in these difficult days. As a big fan of the Boman family, I can only think of them in positive and wonderful ways from being smart and gifted to being spiritual and giving. I also have shared another connection with you with children ages 11, 5 and 21 months and have heard many stories from Tom and Mary about Joseph and Anna with their similarities in ages. Last fall, I heard the news of Annette's diagnosis at my parents' cabin (on the same lake as Tom and Mary) and have sent many prayers and good thoughts her way. In fact, I am training for Grandma's Marathon and have kept Annette's work ethic and discipline as a motivator throughout my training. Most recently every mile was a prayer to God to give her health and strength, but alas that was not to be given to her here on earth. She will forever be raised up as a model as a mother, a wife, a scientist and an athlete. I hope you and Joseph and Anna continue to feel her amazing human qualities and unending love forevermore. Keep music in your lives and God at the center of it. You will be lifted up when you are down, the spirit of Annette will remain in your home and you will be filled with peace. With deepest regret and unending hope, Gia, Kevin, Becca, Claire and John DesLauriers |
| 4/3/2003 11:12:23 | Tracy (Schurtz) Thompson | Lakeville | MN | Peter, Joseph, and Anna -
I just learned of Annette's death through a former Gustie, and I also just read many updates on your website. I have never met you, but I ran with Annette in track at Gustavus, and I was also one of her roommates her senior year. I was so shocked to learn of her illness, and also of how quickly it progressed. I wish I could have been to her funeral to give my condolences in person, but I just wanted you to know that we will pray for you and the kids as you try to deal with her loss. Annette was such an incredible person - she was so smart, so talented athletically and musically, and so nice. She was a joy to be around, and I am so glad I had a chance to know her. I can't imagine what you are going through, especially as you try to explain it all to Joseph and help him with his grief. We just have to believe that she is with God and is no longer in pain, and you will all be reunited some day. Take care and God bless you and your family! |
| 4/3/2003 14:56:27 | Andy Tyser | Madison | WI | Annette (Dr. Boman to me) was one of the best people I have met in my life. Everything about her--from the way she talked about her kids and husband, to her enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and playing--was inspiring. I had the chance to work for Annette for one summer as part of an undergraduate research program, and she was amazing. It was my first exprience with "real" research, and what a great person to have teach me! She helped me into medical school with her letters of support, and always provided me (and still does) with a great model of what someone looks like when they love thier life. I'm sure that some of her infectious enthusiasm and energy lives on in every one of her students, like it does in me. |
| 4/3/2003 21:51:06 | Barbara Yontz | Springfield | OH | I was visiting my friend, Shirley Wuchter in Duluth and she shared Annette's story with me. I was touched hearing of Annete's death and wish to express my sympathy. My prayers are for your peace and comfort and God's loving touch upon your entire family. In Christ, Barbara |
| 4/5/2003 19:48:54 | Britt Boman | Wichita | Kansas | Hey. It's me again, Uncle Pete. I wrote this little
poem that might help a little. It's an original by me so I want you to keep
it. And if you don't I'll try to. (P.S.- My email is littlewashu4@aol.com)
When some special has gone away, and you can't understand why it's that way. You try to hide it, fight it, and question why. But there's nothing you can do You may not even try. You may cry your heart out, you may stare into nothing but all I know is that I what to do something. I'll tell you a secret that only you and I know, It's that your special someone is closer than you know. You sit by your bed close you eyes and pray, you pray for your person until you hear your heart say... "I will love you until the end of time. I will be with you right by your side," "I'll come by and hug you everyday. You're my special person, it'll always be that way," "I don't want you to worry, for I am with God. He protects me, watches me, which makes me awed," "I will love you until the end of time. I will be with you right by your side..." I hope our little secret is forevermore. Keep it you heart right down to the core. Love, Britt |
| 4/7/2003 15:48:24 | Kirsten Bich | Duluth | MN | Dear Peter, Joseph, Anna, and the Bowman family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you as we grieve over the loss of Annette. It must be comforting to know that even though her life was shorter than expected or hoped, she seemed to live life to the fullest. From all that I have seen and heard about Annette, she affected a lot of people in a positive way and in that way she lives on. We will miss her. God's peace to you and your family. |
| 4/7/2003 22:16:26 | Jun Kuai and Lixin Zhang | Boston | MA | Dear Pete and kids,
I can hardly believe that it was true when the sad news reached me. Tears burst from my eyes and all the beautiful memories that Annette and I spent together at Dr. Kahn’s lab came back in front of me. It was like happened yesterday. I know there is no word could console you at this sad moment. All I want to say is that it was my great privilege to know Annette. The world becomes better because of her. The spirit of the deceased is alive in my heart forever. With heartfelt condolence and sympathy, Jun, Peijin and Lixin |
| 4/10/2003 1:13:13 | Jim Adams | Baltimore | MD | Hi Pete and Family,
I am in a state of shock, I never dreamed that this could be someone I knew. Even though I have lost track over the years, I remember those times with you and Annette as if it were yesterday. I still have fond memories of all the good times on University Avenue and down at PJ's afterwards, and even though those days are gone for me too, I will remember you and Annette in my prayers from now on out. Jim |
| 4/26/2003 14:17:18 | Dominick & Sherrill Minotti | Brandon | Florida | Dear Peter: We spoke to MOM today and she informed us that Annette was with the Lord. We pray that with God's strength and support of family & friends will help you go on. We know these last months have been a struggle. We will pray each day for one month for you and the children. Be strong, Peter, and God Bless You. Dom & Sherrill |
| 5/8/2003 15:14:41 | Zach Tassi | Wylie | Texas | I have been looking at this website for the past few days and I just want to say is this is a good recommended website. Thank You I have found what I have been looking for. |
| 5/8/2003 16:19:58 | Debra England Hartsock | Apple Valley | MN | Dear Peter and family,
I'm so very sorry for your great loss. We were at GAC together and although I didn't know her very well I never forgot her intelligence and beautiful spirit. I remember has as being so very friendly and she always had a smile on her face. While reading through this wonderful site, I can see she was a lovely lady who has accomplished a great deal in every part of her life. May God give you his peace. Debra England Hartsock |
| 5/13/2003 17:02:06 | Michael Brill | Baltimore | MD | I wish to express my sadness and shock at the news
of Annette's passing. It would probably have taken a few minutes for Annette
to remember me as the time we shared was brief and long ago. She and my
best friend Tom Barth were traveling with the Gustavus band across the Pond
in 1988 and after the tour, we met in Frankfurt and hopped a train south.
We sampled lots of wine and danced the polka in Freiburg, hitchhiked our
way around the Lake of Lucerne, stood at the edge of the world in Vitznau,
took the Glacier Express train to the top of it in Andermatt, and had cherries
and wild strawberries for dessert in Kuessnacht.
I never saw Annette again after that week and a half, but the memory of that wonderful time with old and new friends has always been kept close. To her family, friends, and others like me who got to know her for short stretches along the Way, as I extend you my deepest sympathies, I also wish you to know that she was a great adventurer and lived every moment to the fullest. I am honored and grateful that I was allowed the good fortune to walk those roads with her. Thank you Annette. I will miss you. |
| 5/15/2003 16:58:48 | Karen Lundquist | Minneapolis | MN | Hello -- I just wanted to write and add my condolences.
Annette was someone I knew primarily as a musician from our time together
at Gustavus (although we all knew she could do anything!) I played for her
recitals, and remember the energy and drive she brought to bear on complex
rhythms, but also the soaring beauty she created, making her sax sing.
God be with you and your family... |
| 5/19/2003 17:38:15 | Tibor Roberts | Bethesda | Maryland | Dear Peter,
It is so difficult for me to come to grips with what has happened that I can't even imagine how it must be for you. I admired Annette, as a scientist, yes, but also as a human being. And I believe I had that in common with everyone else who knew her. My thoughts are with you. --Tibor |
| 5/20/2003 14:39:14 | Carol Renfrew Haft | Bethesda | Maryland | Dear Peter,
I was skimming through the American Society for Cell Biology newsletter yesterday and I saw Annette's smiling face on the side bar. I started reading the article expecting to read about some special award/honor that Annette had been awarded, when I read the sad news of her death. It took me completely by surprise. Around a year ago when I saw Annette at a meeting she seemed great. Work was going great, her family life seemed great and she seemed very happy. After reading about her rapid lose of life, it helped me to remember that no one has a contract and that one shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Annette and I were both graduate students at Hopkins in the Cell biology department although I was finishing when she was just beginning. We also both spent time at NIH together and I often saw her running or at seminars. I always admired her energy and positive outlook on life. After you and she left the area would get periodic updates about you and Annette from a mutual friend of ours, Tibor Roberts. Although I don't believe that we have ever meet, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you gather strength and help from family and friends and continue to provide a loving, caring and happy environment for yourself and children. With deepest sympathy, Carol |
| 5/26/2003 23:40:53 | TC and Diane | Albany | NY | Just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and the kids. Please visit if you are coming through town. |
| 9/22/2003 15:13:52 | Lisa "habba" Habedank Stewart | Pelican Rapids | MN | Dear Peter and kids,
I was a classmate of Annette's at Gustavus. Last spring when Annette passed away I deeply grieved the loss of such a bright spark of energy and love in the world. It was (and is) hard to believe that she was gone from this world to the next. I'm writing this now (Fall 03) just to let you know that Annette continues to be remembered and to know that you and your children are still a part of our prayers. There is a 15 year class reunion this weekend at GAC and I know many of us will take some time to share stories about Annette and steal away to say a prayer in Christ Chapel- God Bless, Lisa "habba" Stewart |
| 9/26/2003 9:35:17 | Michael | St Paul | MN | I am a pre vet major currently taking biochem 3021. I never knew Annette and happened upon this website while looking for the email address of another professor. This enitre site devasted me. I can not begin to imagine the pain felt by the entire family and friends. After getting offline, I am going to call my wife and schedule a dinner date tonight, and maybe forget about the small stuff we fight about, at least for a little bit....Life is so fragile. Even though I do not know them, I will say a little prayer for her husband and her children.... |
| 2/22/2004 15:14:00 | Julee Norberg-Hitz | Mt. Carroll | IL | Dear Peter and family,
I have been reading the guest book and I am moved by how many people one life can touch. I knew Annette was a special individual from the time I met her in kindergarten class at Washburn elementary school. We started as classmates there and continued all the way through Gustavus. She was always happy, smart, and athletic (even in elementary school!). Annette developed each quality to depths I never could imagine myself and she is now the most respected and loved individual I have ever known. The lord works in ways we can not understand at the time. I celebrate the fact that she met you and had children. I celebrate the fact that she became a teacher. I celebrate her legacy. I grieve deeply for you and your children. I will think of you in my prayers. Julee Norberg-Hitz |