I am so sorry that you and your family have such a tragedy to deal with. I am thinking of all of you, and wishing prayers of strength at this difficult time. I have been having trouble sleeping this week. I have been thinking of my precious friend, and your precious daughter, Tree.

I remember asking her once what kind of tree she thought she was. I don't remember if she could decide. I think I told her she reminded me of a cedar tree. They are tall and strong. They are also used as medicine in the form of protection (although I didn't know this at the time).

Another memory I had of her was a time when I was visiting her on a break when she was working at the legislature. We were just having a brief visit, not lunch or anything like that. She came out looking really sharp and sophisticated. I was in awe. So I told her, "Wow, Tree! You look like a model! You are so beautiful!" She beamed. She really beamed. She really stood taller than her 5' 11 1/2"! And she was always radiant when I saw her. She glowed in her beauty.

I always remember her smiling. And her laugh. I will miss her for the rest of my life. You had a wonderful daughter. I know that you already know that. She turned out the best person in the world. I am glad she and I were as close as we were. I know why she is so wonderful, it's because of you and Carol. You raised her, and you did a wonderful job. She is great because you two are great. I know this sounds a bit on the corny side perhaps, but I know it to be true. Thank you for bringing Theresa into this world. She made my world a much better place. She taught me many things. She is still teaching me. I will never, could never forget her.

Tomorrow night I am performing at a storytelling concert in our downtown library branch. Our theme is "Living, Laughing and Loving." I am hoping that I have the strength to tell my story tonight. If I do this, I am going to dedicate it to Theresa. I am going to talk about what she meant to me in my life. And the terrific person she was, and how I am not going to let her be forgotten.

Yours truly,

Roberta Kennedy