tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post1935218729115451696..comments2023-04-10T05:38:38.735-04:00Comments on My big fat cancer blog: Anne Meredith Stevenson Ginestier 1947-2011Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08064191523119302477noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-32533426811599290902011-05-14T12:37:03.798-04:002011-05-14T12:37:03.798-04:00Cher Jean-Paul,
c`estz par hasard que j`ai lu que ...Cher Jean-Paul,<br />c`estz par hasard que j`ai lu que tu as perdu ta chère femme Anne.<br />Je ne sais pas si tu te rappelle la petite Karin,fille au-pair chez tes parents à Willerby.Toi et Anne,vous nous avez visités une fois à Bensberg.<br />Je me rappelle très souvent à mon stage chez vous en Angleterre.<br />Je suis désolée en apprenant qu`Anne a souffert de cette maudite maladie - comme mon père et ma meilleure amie......<br />Je t`embrasse très fort et si tu as le temps de m`écrire un petit mot,cela me fera un grand plaisir.<br />mon adresse électronique:<br />g-beier@t-online.de<br />Karin (Beier),née SchmidtKarin Beiernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-25160446513369761552011-02-12T12:59:42.220-05:002011-02-12T12:59:42.220-05:00De part de Padovani ,ce commentaire s’adresse en p...De part de Padovani ,ce commentaire s’adresse en particulier à mon collègue et néanmoins ami Jean Paul.<br /> Nicole vient de m’apprendre une bien triste nouvelle ,Anne Meredith nous a quitté .le témoignage de Nicole relatant sa récente visite chez vous m’a bouleversé aussi je te joins un extrait de cette lettre (voir ci_dessous)<br />Je vois que sur les photos Anne Meredith(j’adore ce prénom typiquement américain),a gardé son sourire éclatant et ses yeux expriment toujours sa générosité du cœur pour aller vers les autres.C’est ainsi que je me souviens d’elle.<br /><br />Anne Ginestier est morte le 30 janvier, le jour de mon anniversaire. Nous étions allés à St Gély passer quelques jours avec Lisbeth. Dix jours après notre retour du Canada. En effet, les nouvelles étaient si mauvaises que nous avons pensé que si nous n'allions pas la voir très vite, nous ne la reverrions certainement plus jamais. Nous y avons passé une semaine. Elle était en soins palliatifs à la maison et quand nous sommes entrés dans le salon,j'ai eu du mal à réaliser que la personne assise à côté de Jean Paul, c'était elle. Terrible. Cette maladie peut être la pire des saloperies. Dans son cas, lorsqu'on l'a découverte, il n'y avait plus rien à faire pratiquement. Peut-être lui faire "gagner" six mois. Et malgré ça, son regard était toujours le même et elle mourait avec une élégance et une grâce incroyables. Elle était même capable de rire et de s'intéresser aux autres. Cette fille est exceptionnelle. Il régnait dans la maison un mélange d'énorme chagrin et de joie car elle avait sa famille qui l'entourait et qu'elle en était toujours le pilier. Enfin, je suis incapable de t'expliquer ce que j'ai ressenti mais c'est une semaine qui m'a enrichie et, j'aimerais le croire, rendue plus humble et meilleure.<br />Si tu veux avoir des nouvelles en direct, elle avait créé un blog pour ses amis et sa famille. Va le voir. Quand elle en avait la force, c'est elle qui l'écrivait, sinon c'était J.Paul ou les enfants.<br />Il n’y a rien à ajouter. <br /> Quand à moi , je vis ma retraite à Paris ,si tu passes par là( you are wellcome) je peux te loger j’ai une chambre d’amis<br /> Grace à facebook le fils d’un de nos anciens élèves de Buea m’a contacté ,il s’appelle Tousse Manfo Padovani !!! Son père ,notre ancien élève lui a donné comme prénom ,mon nom de famille<br /> Tout en te souhaitant bon courage, je t’embrasse <br />philippepadovaninoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-14117947171405453592011-02-03T18:03:43.116-05:002011-02-03T18:03:43.116-05:00My sincere condolences to you, JP, and to your fam...My sincere condolences to you, JP, and to your family. I found this blog only today and was deeply moved by the story that Anne has told.<br /><br />I met Anne only once and that was when the two of you generously hosted Grzesiek and me at your place last summer. But this one meeting with Anne was enough to fall in love with her and her kind spirit. The days when our ways have crossed are a very special memory to me. <br /><br />I am wishing you lots of support, warmth, and love for the time to come.<br /><br />Much love from Vienna,<br />LaraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-56903173839937795782011-02-01T14:35:07.763-05:002011-02-01T14:35:07.763-05:00Thanks for all the great times and fond memories, ...Thanks for all the great times and fond memories, they will all live on.<br /><br />Always there with a smile, and full of life, Anne was always someone I would look forward to seeing, and I treasure the time I've had a chance to spend with her.<br /><br />She will always be remembered.<br /><br />Sigbjørn, RCN 95-97Sigbjørnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-20918026597681553172011-02-01T10:15:15.875-05:002011-02-01T10:15:15.875-05:00Beautiful and dearest Anne,
I have no words to th...Beautiful and dearest Anne,<br /><br />I have no words to thank you for all your love, warmth and care. I have no words even to start to describe how wonderful I believe you are and how much you have meant for me since the 11th of september of 1995. I love you, and I guess that is the best way to try and describe all the above. You have always been a role model and I thank life for the gift I got when I met you and you and JP let me be a part of your lifes. Fare well beautiful Anne and please give Thando a huge hug from me. Oh, and you are right, you will never be too far away, because you will always be in every heart you deeply touch, like mine. I love you Anne, forever.Larshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04053788528758963312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-12742568615260291452011-02-01T09:45:47.719-05:002011-02-01T09:45:47.719-05:00I'm thinking of you and your family, JP. Sendi...I'm thinking of you and your family, JP. Sending you a warm hug from Minneapolis!<br />Hoa (RCN 96-98)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01111014158456754801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-69044887608319314272011-02-01T06:32:31.534-05:002011-02-01T06:32:31.534-05:00Dear JP and the rest of the family,
I don't t...Dear JP and the rest of the family,<br /><br />I don't think I have seen Ann more that a handful of times in the last 30 years but I feel a great sadness at hearing that Ann has left us. Ann was always my favourite at school and it did not take much to get me down to her office for a nice chat and friendly smile. I could never quite figure out why my math teacher had such a beautiful and charming wife. <br /><br />JP please accept my condolences and best wishes. Ann could never have been all that she was without such a great person sharing her life. <br /><br />Much love from Amsterdam,<br /><br />John "Traps" TrapmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-20999289003352665412011-02-01T05:04:20.766-05:002011-02-01T05:04:20.766-05:00I did not know Anne very well but loved every minu...I did not know Anne very well but loved every minute of her company when we hung out together on UWC counselor tours in various places. She was so warm, funny, wise, and just lovely in every way. I have admired her courage through this cancer battle and just want to send your family my love and thoughts as you get used to Anne being 'nearby' in a different way. Love from Mallika Ramdas at UWCSEA in Singapore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-32940861862117684072011-02-01T01:22:56.809-05:002011-02-01T01:22:56.809-05:00Our heartfelt condolences to you, JP & family....Our heartfelt condolences to you, JP & family. We are so fortunate to have known Anne albeit a short time for she was indeed a gentle woman with a caring soul. Will miss her infectious smile! Our thoughts and prayers go with you.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing with us the story of her journey. This has been a source of inspiration and a reminder to all of us on how it means to live a full and meaningful life.<br /><br />Big hugs,<br />Jenny & JanisJenny and Janishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17340305963001731069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-30545927506734089972011-01-31T22:14:03.100-05:002011-01-31T22:14:03.100-05:00I got sick one ski trip to Parry Sound but had the...I got sick one ski trip to Parry Sound but had the good fortune of having Mme. Ginestier take care of me until the trip was over. Usually I'd have felt scared with such a fever and so far from home, but Mme. had this kind, calm sweetness to her that made me feel so comfortable. I remember how she came to check in on me and the way she explained everything to my mother when we got off the bus at home- it was evident I was in very caring hands. <br /><br />I'd see her every day at school, but felt particularly trusting of her after this experience, feeling that connection kids feel when someone has looked out/after them. I think she sensed that and always made an effort to validate it, even if with a knowing smile. <br /><br />I always remembered this through my years at TFS, and thought Mme. Ginestier to the most wonderful of souls. I was lucky to have her touch my life, and realise now just how rare such people are in the world.<br /><br />Your example will never be forgotten, Mme. Thank you for teaching it to so many of us, with such kindness and that ever radiant smile.<br /><br />My most heartfelt condolences to the Ginestier family. Sending you all much love.Tenny Manooknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-44555273573743994192011-01-31T21:00:52.632-05:002011-01-31T21:00:52.632-05:00Jean-Paul, Eric and Miriam:
We were with Mike whe...Jean-Paul, Eric and Miriam: <br />We were with Mike when he found out about Anne and we wish to convey how sorry we are for your loss. I too believe she is not very far, and she also lives on in her two great children. Peace to you all during this time.<br />Love, Tim, Lori and Oscar WebberUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11566991457398163842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-47257577007009540752011-01-31T17:52:43.315-05:002011-01-31T17:52:43.315-05:00Dear JP. I'm so sorry for your loss! Thinking ...Dear JP. I'm so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you and your family, and remembering your and our beautiful and kind Anne. KjetilUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16121964277842277222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-37580567784882124572011-01-31T14:39:23.801-05:002011-01-31T14:39:23.801-05:00Dear Anne
You will be missed! You have been one ...Dear Anne<br /><br />You will be missed! You have been one of the persons in my life that have been easiest to love; always smiling, always helpful and always caring about everyone around you. <br /><br />I have so many fond memories of you an JP during my time in Flekke (and from the gatherings in the years afterwards). From this blog I can see that you fought cancer the same way you lived your live, smiling and strong, only goes to show what a wonderful person you are. And yes, you will not go far, 'cause you live in all of us you have touched along your way. <br /><br />My sincere condolences to JP and family and all of those who loved you. <br /><br />Gugga RCNUWC 1995-1997Guggahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09478026999207684770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-56067446701823930252011-01-31T13:15:04.989-05:002011-01-31T13:15:04.989-05:00My sincere condolences to you Jean-Paul and your f...My sincere condolences to you Jean-Paul and your family. All of us who had privilege to know Anne will remember her as a special, loving person who indeed left a beautiful mark in this world. <br />Jelena Vojnic (RCNUWC)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-16905754328590262062011-01-31T12:30:48.214-05:002011-01-31T12:30:48.214-05:00The last time i chatted with Anne a couple of mont...The last time i chatted with Anne a couple of months ago, she was as happy as she has always been. During that conversation she mentioned to me that she was very happy with her life and that she was proud of what role she had played in this world. I still think of that conversation every day and i try to lead a fulfilling life where i care about others as much as possible while being happy and selfless. thanks for that lesson Anne. Anne is going to always be close to us- not far away. <br /><br />Much love to everyone. <br /><br />Peace,<br />David Sengeh (rcn 04-06)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-71086774813936407242011-01-31T11:33:48.675-05:002011-01-31T11:33:48.675-05:00I was just showed the blog by my 3rd yr. What has ...I was just showed the blog by my 3rd yr. What has happened cannot not be undone but the memories never die and we cherish those we love in our hearts. While Anne's passing is very sad and tragic, I am comforted by the fact that she passed on with love having received and given tonnes of it. JP and family please cherish and spread the love that Anne left as a her legacy so that she will continue living in this earth through your actions. BlessJBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-55746558274532203512011-01-31T11:06:27.966-05:002011-01-31T11:06:27.966-05:00Condolences and gratitude from Marija and Marko Li...Condolences and gratitude from Marija and Marko Linta, Zagreb.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-36252467746886631672011-01-31T09:50:40.311-05:002011-01-31T09:50:40.311-05:00The world has lost a rare treasure. My thoughts an...The world has lost a rare treasure. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.<br />Love AnitaAnitanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-41667351180211130012011-01-31T09:23:03.864-05:002011-01-31T09:23:03.864-05:00A candle is lit in Zagreb for Anne's beautiful...A candle is lit in Zagreb for Anne's beautiful and unforgettable soul to go free and blessed to her peace.<br />My love and respect goes out to JP and the family.<br /><br />Veljko, RCNUWC 98-00Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15296509641659825873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-52374893659695511452011-01-31T09:21:23.105-05:002011-01-31T09:21:23.105-05:00Dear Jean-Paul, dear Anne, to your family and ever...Dear Jean-Paul, dear Anne, to your family and everyone you have touched...<br /><br />You are oh so right Anne, you are very near indeed. In all our hearts, in the most visceral sense at this point of shock over your passing, but much longer than that, through the continued lives of us all. <br /><br />My memories of you is of generosity, of a very big heart, a warm embrace whenever it was needed, a smile that carried a genuine caring kindness. You always held a sober perspective on things, but would in no way suppress any passion that you would freely express when you felt so inclined. <br /><br />To the institutions that you have dedicated so much of your time and life to, it is without a doubt that you have been an invaluable gift. For so many young people you have given of yourself as a friend, substitute mother, confidante and soul mate I suppose, in its broadest meaning. <br /><br />For me, I regard the spirit which you so strongly purveyed to be at the core of the idea of the UWC-spirit, perhaps the very heart and soul of it. <br /><br />You have kept people together, through your efforts with the alumni network. You have told us that we need to take it over and carry it on. You leave an amazing legacy Anne, one that cannot be counted in numbers, yet so very strongly felt in the heart. <br /><br />I am very sad that you are no longer among your loved ones. I send my sincere condolances to all those who are near you, for their loss. I will be thinking about you a lot Anne, and I hope to carry some of your strength, joie du vivre, generosity, love, genuineness, spirit, and kindness with me throughout my life. And I hope to pass that onto others, the same way that I feel that you have given to me. <br /><br />With very much love to you Anne, and to those who love you!<br /><br />/Ola Nilsson<br />(RCN UWC 95-97)Ola Nilssonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14805038533556854885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-32819257236608079432011-01-31T07:29:52.781-05:002011-01-31T07:29:52.781-05:00I am sorry for your loss. Anne was truly a wonderf...I am sorry for your loss. Anne was truly a wonderful woman, a kind and generous person. You have my deepest sympathy.<br /><br />- RolandRolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08648113117175766727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-51105788254479737632011-01-31T06:26:52.974-05:002011-01-31T06:26:52.974-05:00Despite the wonderful blog and the beautiful photo...Despite the wonderful blog and the beautiful photographs, Anne's leaving has still come as an immense shock. My feelings go out to you Mr G , Miriam and Eric - you're such a close and special family, with Anne at the heart of it. She's always been there and always will be, a part of you and a part of all of us. <br /><br />"Do not stand at my grave and weep,<br />I am not there, I do not sleep.<br />I am in a thousand winds that blow,<br />I am the softly falling snow.<br />I am the gentle showers of rain,<br />I am the fields of ripening grain.<br />I am in the morning hush,<br />I am in the graceful rush<br />Of beautiful birds in circling flight,<br />I am the starshine of the night.<br />I am in the flowers that bloom,<br />I am in a quiet room.<br />I am in the birds that sing,<br />I am in each lovely thing.<br />Do not stand at my grave bereft<br />I am not there. I have not left."<br />(Mary Elizabeth Frye, 1932)<br /><br />Love you all very much, big cuddles and hugs HelenHelennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-42724685291487628852011-01-31T06:18:35.366-05:002011-01-31T06:18:35.366-05:00Dear JP,
What a beautiful photograph and moving tr...Dear JP,<br />What a beautiful photograph and moving tribute. So many of us have reasons to be glad that we were privileged to know Anne, both personally and professionally. I too believe that she won't be going far. She is part of us. When I'm gardening I always hear her reassuringly saying, "Don't try to do the whole garden at once. Do one section at a time and you'll get there." When I'm doing yoggalates I always think of her joy at discovering the Louise Solomon dvd. Last Saturday at Zoncolan I thought of the many happy days we had shared, coaxing terrified beginners down the slopes and feeling the satisfaction and triumph when students exceeded their own expectations. And the list could go on.......This is an immensely sad day and the sense of loss is profound. I am thankful for all that I learned from Anne. My love to you, JP, and to Eric and all the family members I have not met.<br /><br />SandyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-41518254692739451042011-01-31T05:21:38.955-05:002011-01-31T05:21:38.955-05:00Dear JP and the rest of Anne's family whom I&#...Dear JP and the rest of Anne's family whom I've never met,<br />I would like to add a few of my words to express my solidarity with you all, and wish you strength and acceptance to cope with the loss of one of the most beautiful persons I've been blessed to meet in my life. I can't put the mark Anne left on me in words, through her warm unconditional support that she always offered to anyone in need during that short and intense phase of our lives that the College has been. She will keep on living in my heart, a shiny star sparkling from within. If I close my eyes, and think of her intensely, I get the feeling that, when I open them, she could be there in front of me, reminding me that life is beautiful.<br /><br />Sara Avanzino, UWCAD 05-07Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980695993721824446.post-63322369480554690782011-01-31T04:01:52.312-05:002011-01-31T04:01:52.312-05:00Terrible moments... but so much love around from a...Terrible moments... but so much love around from all of you! <br /><br />The word "peaceful" was mentioned several times. Anne is now embracing the fullest of peace!<br /><br />Thank you so much for this blog, the lovely words and photos to help overcome the disease while creating this community of Anne's fans, as someone had mentioned!<br /><br />Big hugs to you Jean-Paul, to Eric and Myriam, so young to see their mother go. <br /><br />Jean-Paul, we are waiting for you to come and visit in the months to come. <br /><br />Big hugs for Jean-Marc and IsabelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com