This past January 15th
represents our first year without Lisa. A difficult
year for her family and friends, we've experienced holidays,
birthdays, life's triumphs and setbacks without sharing them
to hear her laugh, her rants, her advice.
As life goes on for the rest of
us, we hope she's been able to catch these moments from her
new place in the heavens. As stars in the winter sky
glint and sparkle just so, I often think of her and wish her
well.
Here in Los Angeles, friends of
Lisa can look forward to participating in the Susan G. Komen
"Race for the Cure" 5k run next month. It's a happy
day to join with friends, don our Lisa t-shirts and run a
few miles in her honor. If you'd like to
participate in your city, visit the Komen web site more information.
Lastly, I was forwarded this
poem from Laura, written by a longtime friend of Lisa.
T.J. connected with Lisa on a level that few others could.
He provided solace in her darkest hours - and I've
personally witnessed his ability to change her tears to
laughter when moving Mt. Everest to the Moon seemed more
likely. Thank you T.J.
Kind Regards to you all,
Doug Moore
Friend of Lisa &
Webmaster LisaStarret.com
Fur Elise
Together we spent sunny days,
Lazing on in evening haze,
Happy, young and healthy - free were we.
So many nights with starry skies,
Smiling into each other's eyes,
We could not see a better way "to be".
But best for me were nights of rain,
The sound of midnight passing trains,
You never asked me why - you understood.
The sun was yours, the rain all mine,
And when perchance did intertwine,
This us of all - so good - as be it should.
The love we came to realize,
Grew stronger watching each sunrise,
Moments in love stretching to the dawn.
But rain and sun became undone,
Like the difference between all and none,
The sun obscured by cloudy curtains drawn.
But rain still fell from a great height,
From twilight on and through each night,
I watched and stared while a nothing crept inside.
Still came the passing midnight trains,
And staring through dim window panes,
Only then could silence and memory confide.
If all our memories like raindrops fell,
I would kneel into their splish-splash knell,
And to each and every falling drop I'd pray.
To turn the rain to water - water wine,
And intoxicate with providence divine,
To somehow be with you on all the sunny days.
I would hear inside the sibilant refrains,
The wisdom each drop of rain contains,
And find a way through the vale of tears to see.
Like the reason behind the random glance,
Or the act before the circumstance,
See through the mystery so we again could be.
But deep inside the wet pell-mell,
Are ringing chimes and tolling bells,
No stars to guide the way, no light to see.
It's like the curious etiquette
Of blindfold and last cigarette
For the man who will soon be "not to be".
And while I search for what most I miss,
I find instead in all of this,
A labyrinth maze of days of future past.
The chances that were never taken,
All the roads that were forsaken,
This is the always legacy of what's left last.
So to the deepest hinterland,
This sadness, madness I remand,
A thing which has been done - can't be undone.
Beyond all reason, behind all rhyme,
Outside of space and without time,
Is a place exactly where is born each new sun.
And when all things have come to pass,
When no more is the darkened looking glass,
The sun will come again to meet the rain.
How and when I do not know,
But it is written, it is so,
And no longer will I watch the rain in vain.
Goodbye Lisa, I love you and miss you.
And it is with the heaviest of heart I speak
These words of farewell to you -
A last and final time:
Indigo... Indigoing... Indigone...
September 20th 2007
Dear Family and Friends of
Lisa,
Since January we have grieved the loss of our friend and
sister. Yet
since her passing, Lisa's spirit has lived on in the form of
tributes, services and celebrations. From Sacramento
to Los Angeles to Sandusky Ohio and places in between, loved
ones, family members and friends have come together in
celebration of Lisa these past months.
One such celebration was dubbed
the "Hike for Lisa". Before she passed, Lisa made it
known that she wanted to have some of her ashes spread in
the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. So, this
past July a gathering of her friends - as well as others -
donned full packs, boots and sleeping bags for a 3 day
odyssey into the Sierra backcountry to honor her wishes.
Laura and I had done this same trip with Lisa many years ago
and our goal was to recreate it as faithfully as we could.
We tried for the same campsites, day hikes and meadows.
To this end we were completely successful - as was the
entire trip. We bonded as hikers, friends, and have a
new love and appreciation for Big Whitney Meadow in the
Golden Trout Wilderness. This meadow has always held Sierra
beauty and it now holds Lisa as well.
As a result, I'm proud to share
an online video of the Hike for Lisa. "Hike for Lisa:
Three days honoring our friends wishes" runs 7
minutes 15 seconds.
For you techies out there, it's
in flash format (.swf) and your browser requires the Adobe
Flash plug-in for it to play correctly. Most of you
already have this plug-in and the video should play -
although patience is required for slow internet connections
and underpowered computers. DVD discs are available
for those who can't manage to get the video to play online.
Email me at
doug@mooremediaone.com with your contact info and I'll
do my best to send one out.
Click the
(play) button below to start, and make sure you have your
speakers on.
Best Wishes to you all!
Doug Moore
Hike for Lisa hiker
and Webmaster LisaStarrett.com
February 19th 2007
Dear Family and Friends of
Lisa,
On the evening of January 15, Lisa died. She was at home,
thank God, sitting in her own room. When her body finally
surrendered, her face relaxed into a beautiful peace. The
pain was over.
The week prior, Lisa had been
back in the hospital because of severe pain in her side. She
found out that there were new spots, now on her liver. I
have reflected on her last days over and over, and I believe
it was at that point that she began to come to terms with
her departure from this life. Lisa was very quiet her
remaining days, and let me know that at times she needed to
be alone. Yet even on the morning of her last day on earth,
she walked to the kitchen for something to drink, and was
able to talk to me.
I have avoided this entry on
her web page for one month now because of its finality. Too
much has ended, and writing this marked one more end. But I
realize each day that some things never end; they are as
eternal as the spirit.
Love doesn’t end, though the form has taken on something
different. It will take a long while to adjust to the
physical absence, and to say goodbye to the days when seeing
her meant a walk down the hallway. But the person of Lisa
continues; I believe that with all my heart. She was a
dynamo here on earth, and I know that her vitality is even
greater, now that she has been freed from her sickened body,
and is in the presence of God, where all confusion and fear
have melted away.
Personally, I am not the same
person for knowing Lisa. She has sharpened my appreciation
for the “ordinary”; for every breath, for every sunset, for
every child I teach, for every song that plays, for every
bite of tasty food. She has taught me to be grateful for all
of it, good and bad, because even on her toughest days, she
wanted to live. She relished this life.
I can hear Lisa’s voice tell me
“Come on, Laura, live a little!” So that is what I will take
with me; her push to “live a little” and live a lot. I
admire her and respect her more than I ever have for her
determination to live, and for her willingness to endure so
much pain just to spend more time with us here.
I am grateful to all of you for
sending your love to Lisa, especially during these last
months.
Now, with deep deep respect, with honor and love to my
eternal friend, Lisa, it is time to say farewell, until we
meet again.
-From Laura
Thoughts from Doug: Lisa lead such a brave fight against her disease.
In the cards and messages I'd sent, I’d tried to express it
so many different ways over these past years – trying not to
be repetitive, but there are only a few words worthy to
describe what she had accomplished. Heroic, Inspirational,
Relentless, come to mind over and over again.
I’m sure I’m not alone in
experiencing the range of emotions that come welling up
knowing that Lisa has passed.
Firstly - of course there is
sadness in witnessing the ultimate finality of death itself.
I had been bracing myself for the day that I’d get the news.
No matter how prepared you think you are – BOOM – it
hits.
There is also sadness for
Lisa’s sister. Susan and Lisa were so close, even though
they were separated by many miles and many states.
And my heart goes out to my
friend and hero, Laura. She lived with Lisa, and was on the
front lines helping so much every single day. Together, Lisa
and Laura were an amazing duo. Lisa was inspiring in her
will to fight the cancer. Laura, inspired by Lisa,
continually transformed this spark to such tangible things
as comfort, help and care for Lisa; day in and day out. This
cycle of friendship continued, blossomed, and ultimately
became a blazing pillar of love and hope. We should be
thankful for all the “Laura’s” in the world. There are scant
few of them out there, and are blessed that we have one we
can call a friend. Yet others helped Lisa too, and I'm
proud to be a member of the circle of friends that pitched
in continually.
When the news came, there was
also such a sense of relief. That day, I took a long breath,
exhaled and thought: Ok Lisa, your suffering is over. No
more pain. No more anguish. Take a rest, girl. The fight is
over and it's time to relax.
As well – in the weeks leading
up to her final day, some events transpired that, in
retrospect – where quite magical. As such, I can include
Gratefulness as yet another feeling that has been following
me since her passing.
To know Lisa, is to know she
was a teacher. From the classrooms of L.A.U.S.D. she taught
her students with vigor and moxie. From her bed she taught
her friends and visitors with wisdom and conviction. She
knew what was important in this life – and made sure you
understood it too: Make your own happiness. Don’t
wait for it to come. Life is short.
In her absence, she still can
evoke inspiration for those that kept track of her fight.
Laura had asked me to include a poem that I inserted to a
card I made for Lisa this past December. It is a little sad,
but it conveys my feelings on her amazing courage.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On a cold winter day
I struggle to the highest peak
as sadness surrounds my knowing that
this climb is not as grueling or as arduous
as your easiest day.
On a cold winters eve
I gaze into the black sky
as sadness surrounds my knowing that
this is not nearly as cold or dark
as your easiest night.
In a world of false beacons
I live in confidence
as I know my uplifted spirit
comes from your relentless fight
which is not in vain.
For those who know you
and tell your story
they have found a true source
and a lifetime of inspiration.
Lisa, we know not what you endure
each day in your world.
We stand in the wings
offering hopes and prayers
while only surmising your fight.
Regardless, we urge you
to gather your every ounce of
might and will for the challenges you face each day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Our friend may be absent, but that shouldn’t stop us from
expressing our love for her. If you would like to have your
thoughts posted to this page, please use the form here
to continue the celebration of Lisa's life. I’ll be sure to
get them posted in a timely manner.
-Doug Moore
Webmaster LisaStarrett.com
December 17, 2006
Dear Family and Friends of Lisa,
It is with great joy that I report to you that Lisa returned
home from the hospital on Thursday evening, 12/14! Due to
many prayers, good care at the hospital, and her unparralled
ability to persevere, Lisa has improved remarkably.
She decided in the hospital that she wasn't ready to ask for
the help of hospice, but rather has opted to continue an
oral chemo that she began in October. The hospital staff
have grown very attached to Lisa, and are amazed at her
strength.
On Saturday and Sunday, three friends - Doug, Beth and
Virginia - visited from Los Angeles. The weekend was
perfect. Lisa was up most of the weekend, and we enjoyed a
wonderful dinner, watched one of Lisa's favorite childhood
movies (The Ugly Dachshund!) and exchanged Christmas gifts.
To see the improvement in Lisa's health is the greatest
Christmas gift of all. I am so grateful to God for
accompanying us at every moment, and giving us these days of
renewed joy and health. I am grateful to you for your
prayers, phone calls, and love.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Love, Laura
December 10th 2006 Dear Family and Friends of
Lisa,
I have sad news to bring you. On Friday, I took Lisa to the
emergency room due to extreme pain in her lung. The hospital
ran tests looking for a blood clot, but found instead a
large amount of fluid build-up and a lung that appears
partially collapsed. Procedures were performed to drain the
fluids, but her health is declining. She is heavily
medicated right now, and not in pain. Our goal is to bring
her home within the next couple of days and call in hospice.
My prayers are that she has one
of those unexpected, Lisa rebounds that she has had before
due to her fighting spirit. I also pray for the Lord's peace
to surround and fill her. In her awake moments she continues
to express the desire to go home, so I will work with all my
heart to accomplish her wish.
Let us pray for Lisa
continually. If you want to speak to her or let her hear
your voice, call me at (916) 832-1546. If you are able to
fly out, we have room for you in our home.
Thank you for your love and
prayers, Laura
Thanksgiving Weekend, 2006 Dear Family and Friends of
Lisa,
Many months have passed without an update, so here’s what’s
happened. After the great news in July, Lisa began pursuing
a new chemo drug that has proven effective in studies on her
rare type of breast cancer. Lisa battled the insurance
companies because the drug is exorbitantly expensive, and
not typically used on breast cancer. Once again, due to her
indomitable spirit of perseverance, she got the
authorization.
Unfortunately, shortly after
starting the new drug, an MRI revealed that the tumors had
returned to her brain. Again, Lisa grabbed onto her inner
strength, researched the entire country for options, and
worked with all her might to get accepted into a specialized
clinic at Scripps in San Diego. In late September, she had
fifteen brain tumors treated there, using Gamma Knife
Radiation.
Though every one of those
tumors was successfully treated, another MRI revealed some
new spots on her brain. On Tuesday, November 14, Lisa began
whole brain radiation. She was hospitalized for twelve days,
and fought to get home for Thanksgiving, which she did! Our
friend Erin flew in from Hawaii on Thanksgiving Day, and
spent a couple of days with Lisa.
Tomorrow, she will continue the
radiation treatment, which should conclude on December 7th.
The radiation treatment has been very hard on her whole
body, and Lisa is feeling very sick, and in bed continually.
Everyone who has had the chance to be in her presence is
inspired and amazed at her spirit of endurance. She will not
give up hope; she is fighting for her life. Personally, I
have learned great life lessons from Lisa during this last
year. Lisa has taught me to work with all my might for that
which is important to me, and to not let a “no” deter me
from striving. I pray to God that her fight may result in
healing. I pray that God’s healing love may be the ultimate
foe against this disease.
Thank you for your love, your
messages and your prayers. Your love and outreach truly make
a difference, as she spends so many days unable to leave her
room. Lisa loves receiving cheery cards, so if you find the
time…1591 Gateway Drive, West Sacramento, CA, 95691. God
Bless You and Your Families, Laura
July 18, 2006
Dear family, friends and those in between-
I want all of you wonderful friends and family that have
walked this terrible, bad news path over the years to hear
this one as soon as I did:
MY LAST CHEMO ROUND FROM APRIL
TO JULY HAS PRODUCED A TUMOR REDUCTION BY ONE HALF OF ALL
TUMORS!!!!! In the lungs and under the arm. This chemo is
called Doxil and has limited side-effects (I've got my hair)
and we all just couldn’t be more thrilled!!!!!
Well, I was almost as thrilled, well certainly taken aback
and deeply moved when in June I received the most wonderful
outpourings of stories and love and pictures and
inspirations for my Birthday Book. I laughed and laughed and
cried and cried. It’s amazing how special a great big
wonderful bunch of special people can make you feel. I felt
all your love so clearly, and truly realized how much I
missed you all dearly. I know this too must have a place in
the healing of my body and I can’t thank each of you enough.
That is a special book that I wish we could all sit down and
re-read over and over together.
I love you all and thank you for your unending support,
Love, Lisa
Birthday Party
Pictures:
One of the kids made this wonderful sign for the
party.
Laura had lots of games planned for the kids
who came to the party.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic...
The girls team up to create a whopper bubble!
The Shish Kabob was delicious!
April 6, 2006
On Palm Sunday, Lisa and I will
board a Carnival cruise ship and set sail for Mexico!
Our destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo
San Lucas. This trip could not have happened except
for a generous gift from Lisa's Dad, who wants us to have
the time of our lives! I am grateful to God that Lisa
has been feeling so much better this last month. The
chemo has left her system, and she is out of bed every day.
We will think of all of you as we soak up the warmth and
beauty of the Pacific. Have a Happy Easter!
Love, Laura
March 22, 2005
Hello everyone and thanks for all your wonderful thoughts
and comments! They mean the world to me and really help to
keep me going. I just returned from Stanford where they told
me they could not get rid of my lung tumors with the
cyberknife, (a new way of radiating tumors more
effectively). This leaves chemo and chemo doesn't work
so far. It is a depressing situation but I continue to
look for new developments. I am not doing any chemo
now but just enjoying some time without it. I am so happy
that my sister Susan is here visiting. We (T.J, Susan
and I) went to Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur along the
coast for a few days. We had a wonderful time seeing
the aquarium, cannery row, and pebble beach golf club as
well as fisherman's wharf. I think Big Sur was my favorite
spot with all the huge redwoods and waterfalls. The drive
along the coast is just spectacular!!! Carmel is the most
beautiful little town. Susan said it reminded her of the
south of France very much. Thank you all for writing it
means so much. I love hearing about your comings and
goings!! A special thanks to Aunt Lois it was just great to
hear about your activities...79, 81, I don't believe it, not
from the pictures I have seen lately Aunt Lois you really
look great!
All my Love,
Lisa Starrett
Feb 20 2006
Greetings to all of Lisa's Family and Loved Ones!
My hope is that this web page will be a way for me to
communicate with all of you about Lisa. I continue to
be amazed at Lisa's capacity to endure all of the side
effects of treatment with the hope of longer life. I
know that the unique love relationship you each have with
Lisa gives her the inspiration to keep going. Last
week we received the discouraging news that the most recent
chemo drugs have not been working on the tumors in her
lungs. She has declared an end to chemo, and as the
drugs leave her system, she is feeling much better.
Her close friends, Erin and Kelly, were here for the long
weekend and brought with them much needed laughs.
While the girls enjoyed scrumptious snacks, videos, good
wine and an occasional scrabble game, Lisa's friend TJ
burned the midnight oil painting Lisa's bedroom a lovely
light blue to cheer it up. This week we will
investigate any alternatives to chemo. I am the
fortunate one that is with Lisa daily, always amazed at her
humor and great spirit. Thank you for your love.
Please use this web page to send Lisa messages. I will
continue to update the news. Gratefully, Laura
Feb 12 2006
Happy Valentine's Day to all of Lisa's loved ones!
Doug is visiting this weekend and is giving us web page
tips. Our goal is to provide you with regular updates
on Lisa's life as she continues her determined fight.
Thank you for your prayers and love. Near or far, you
make a difference! Gratefully, Laura
3/20/2007 A
friend let me know of Lisa's passing. When I
think of Starrett (as I referred to her), I think of
a person who had a positive outlook on life. We
taught in the same grade level and there was a group
of us who had moved from one school to another so we
had a lot of experiences in common. Starrett
and I were neighbors on the same floor so to speak.
In the morning I could always count with a funny
remark coming from her lips. She asked me to take a
picture of her and her class for Halloween, 2004. I
looked for this picture and was glad to find a copy
(I gave Starrett the original). As teachers we
relished the times we got to talk to other teachers
(i.e. recess, lunch) and Starrett always made you
smile no matter the situation. I take that with me.
Thank you for this site. Carmen
Alvizures
2/27/2007 I was
saddened to hear from Laura of Lisa's death. I guess
I was also proud that she was so valiant and
outwitted the fox for so long. Our thoughts are with
all those who loved her and were close to her. I
appreciated her lack of shame about being ill. It
allowed us to have some very frank and intimate
conversations. This is evidence of the value of
stubbornness. Don't underrate it. -
Armen Sanasarian & Valentin Toledo
2/20/2007
Doug and Laura,
I was sad when Susan told me about Lisa's death.
Your words are comforting - as we all try to deal
with the loss of Lisa. I have NEVER seen anyone with
such a zeal for life - Lisa had it to be sure! She
was fortunate to have two GREAT friends like you...
Paul Highfield
7/19/06 Dear Lisa: What wonderful news that
your tumors are shrinking!!! How long must you stay
on this chemo? Loved the pictures
of your birthday party and your young friends.
How fortunate you are to have Laura and Doug with
you. I am sure they are fortunate to have you, too.
Not a whole lot going on here. It is hot, hot, hot,
so we limit the time we go out of the house, where
we can stay cool. We have a party Friday night, my
friend Betty from Florida will be here Saturday to
stay for awhile, got a doctor's appointment today
after going to exercise this morning. We are
planning on going to Sandusky, Ohio in September for
Barney's 63rd high school reunion. Do you think
anyone is still alive??
I hear from Shirley and Bonnie regularly and Ruth
and Frank write letters once in awhile.
Take care, gal, and keep us in touch regarding your
health. Love, Aunt Lo
3/6/06
Dear Lisa, I learned of your site from your sister
Susan, an Eyes on the Prize sister. I want you to
know many of us at EOTP are keeping you in our
thoughts and prayers as well as your sister and
niece. Cancer will run the course it runs; we're all
learning and struggling with that. But it doesn't
define who we are. I wish you heartpeace independent
of outward circumstances and the full assurance of
love without limits. May God bless you richly -
body, soul and spirit - in this and every day. ~ Jan
(EOTP)
2/26/06
Dear Lisa, Although I am not very good about calling
or emailing often, I want you to know that not one
day goes by without me thinking about you, and about
how amazing you are. I am sending you positive brain
waves and positive thoughts every day. Beth Billett
2/21/06 Dear Lisa-
Any battle hardened warrior from any army of the
ages - be it Roman, Spartan, those of Alexander the
Great, Napoleon, or General Patton would be humbled
by your vigorous efforts and spirit you've displayed
during your fight. You are amazing and we are all in
awe. Lots of Love from Doug...
2/21/06 Dearest Niece
Lisa: Your Aunt Shirley keeps me up on your battle
weekly and I am so proud of the way that you keep
everyone else's spirits up. As you know I am a
breast cancer survivor and only those of us who have
gone through the "Chemo" scene know the terrible
consequences that we have had to go through. I also
had radiation, which was a piece of cake after the
chemo. I have just passed the 4th year of survival
for which I am so grateful.
It sounds as though you
have wonderful friends and caretakers. The Lord does
provide, doesn't he????
I am having alot of trouble now with arthritis - -
-but with my 79th birthday coming up next Monday, I
guess this is to be expected. Barney is now 81 - -
-and both of us try to pretend that those ages are
our grandparent's ages!!! We are going this weekend
on a retreat to Georgia with our Boating group, and
In April, we till take our boats (14) and trailer to
the coast, and go on down to Savannah and Hilton
Head, and then back up the coast.
I had better stop here or I won't have anything to
say next time. I hope you know that your mother
Eileen is never out of my thoughts and want so many
times to ask her questions that only she would know
the answer. Love Ya, Gal Aunt Lois
Here are some pictures of me, Oliver and other important
people in my life.
(play) button below to start, and make sure you have your
speakers on.
