Thursday morning

Finally it looks like a beautiful morning in Twain Harte after a trace of snow Sunday evening and Monday morning. The sky is blue and the sun is shinning. Joanie used to love to sit and look out the windows at the our surroundings, especially in the spring. The birds and squirrels provided many hours of entertainment for her. Joanie still enjoyed watching the herds of deer tromp through the yard but was less excited when they had their way with the few plants not already eaten by their cousins! In Joanie's honor, I'm flying the American flag (a new one she ordered for me at Christmas) at half staff. She will be interred soon at the Dambacher Mountain Memorial Cemetery located 4-5 miles past Sonora on Lyon's Bald Mt. Rd. We are not planning any kind of a service at the cemetery.

Joanie's cousin, Judy from Norway, is the first to arrive. It is wonderful to have so many family members and friends coming--Joanie would have enjoyed seeing and talking to each one.

Troy, Brenda, and I are working on some pictures that we'll be projecting at her memorial on Sabbath. We plan to start them before the service at 3:00 pm and then play them again after the service concludes.

Thanks for your comments and prayers. It is especially fun to hear from former students who talk about Joanie's influence on their lives. Just today I heard from a student who said she and her brother sing some of Joanie's songs to her child many years after learning them from Joanie.

One of the many texts Joanie had underlined in her Bible: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

1 John 5:13 (NIV)

Monday evening update.

We continue to hear nice things about Joanie from friends, old friends and former students. Between that and looking at photos of her our hearts are touched with many good memories. Thank you for sharing with us. It amazes us how people learn about Joanie's death and how fast word travels.

Several people have offered to make food but at this point that generous offer is not needed. Brenda, Joanie's sister, feels like that is something that she can do to keep her mind off the sadness we are feeling. Thanks so much for your generosity.

The following is a statement that Janet, the school secretary, sent out today.

"A memorial service for Mrs. Carle is scheduled for Sabbath, April 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sonora Seventh-day Adventist Church sanctuary, and all are invited to attend the service and the potluck fellowship meal following the service. Mr. Carle has requested that no flowers be sent to the service or to his home. Memorial gifts may be sent to Mother Lode Adventist Jr. Academy, 80 N. Forest Rd., Sonora, CA 95370, marked for either the MLAJA Reading Program Trust Fund or the MLAJA Art Education Trust Fund. These are both programs that were dear to Mrs. Carle's heart."

Memorial Plans

Saturday evening, at about 6:00 PM, Joanie passed away. She had been kept alive with a respirator for the past four days. Joanie looked very peaceful and comfortable the entire time she was in the hospital. Within 30 minutes of removing her from life support she died.

A memorial is being planned for next Sabbath afternoon, April 17, at 3:00 PM, at the Sonora Adventist Church (40 N Forest Rd, Sonora, CA 95370), our home church for the past 31 years.