Fred and I met in early 1988, near Providence, Rhode Island.  I knew the exact moment that we met that he was the man I would marry.  When I saw him, my heart was pounding inside my chest. His beautiful brown eyes and deep mischievous dimples tickled my heart from the start.  I don't believe I had ever seen someone so beautiful. When we finally got together, we enjoyed our lives very much and Fred taught me what love is all about. We had our share of ups and downs but our love never wavered and grew stronger every day.
A few days after our wedding anniversary in February of '99, we got the devestating news that Fred had an incurable form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.We were also still recoving from the loss of Fred's sister who bravely battled leukemia but died in October of 1996. Our lives were turned upside down but Fred fought with all his might to beat the odds and destroy the tumor.  Everyone who knew us understood the driving force that kept us fighting.  We loved each other deeply and when he died, part of me died too. I miss Fred more than words can say but know we will be together again in heaven and if I must stay here without him for now, I vow to make my life count.  I vow to make Fred's death not be in vain. I decided to finish school and I hope and pray to be a doctor.  If I have my way, I would like to build a facility named after Fred and would like to treat those dealing with brain tumors.  I have a long road ahead of me before I can become a doctor but it's the only thing that keeps me going. I know Fred would want me to go on and do the best I can to live a good life.  I hope I can reach my goals.  I know if he could, he would be cheering me on and would want something good to come of his death.  I want that too and if I can help just one person with a brain tumor fight for better medical care and be able to instill some hope in their heart then my life will be complete and then I can be at peace.
I thank God every day for the life that we had.  I will be forever in love with this beautiful man that God was good enough to bring to my life.
My heart and my soul were fused with Fred's and not even his death can separate the bond we shared.  My dearest Fred, I will love you for all eternity.