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OUR EXTENDED FAMILY

ANGELS

We think of four of our children as "angels,"- Tina (go to AIDS and/or THE FAMILY), Nicki, Josh, and Isabel. Nicki, Josh and Isabel seemed as if they never really came to earth. They were from heaven and never truly left it.

Picture by Anne Friedman

Joshua 12/4/86 - 12/23/87

Josh came to us with a bag of medicine that weighed more than he did. He was a sweet little fellow who enjoyed sitting in his baby swing in the middle of the action-packed play room. We knew he was not strong but we were not prepared for him to die quite so soon, the day after his first tooth appeared. He was a gentle presence in our midst.

Isabel 5/5/96 - 10/15/96

Isabel had Zellwegers Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She could not see, hear, swallow or control her muscles. Her parents had immigrated from Eastern Europe. They had lost four children and were caring for two terminally ill parents. We tried to help them care for Isabel but it was too much for them. Isabel's medical problems filled a page and she came with a "Do Not Resuscitate" letter. We were told that she would die in a few weeks but was with us five months. She brought peace and tenderness to all who were privileged to know her. [picture]

Nicole - 6/24/85 - 9/23/02

Nicki was abandoned at birth in a hospital. She languished in a room by herself until we became her legal guardians after months of red tape. When she came to Starcross at age 2-1/2 she could not walk or talk and had never been outdoors. Nicki was diabetic, epileptic, had a congenital heart defect and developmental delays. She was quite frail and needed constant care. In spite of all that, she lived to be a happy, 17-year-old child with a mental age of about 3. She delighted in the antics of cats and dogs. We continued to support Nicki and cared for her deeply, but her ever more complex medical and emotional needs forced us to find help with her care. She stayed with a wonderful nurse friend and attended a special school where she made friends and had fun. After several months of deteriorating health, she died peacefully in her own bed after a normal and happy day. Her grave is at Starcross. Her spirit is with God.

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FOSTER CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

We are very proud of the four young adults who grew up here at Starcross. They have all become responsible, hard working people.

Kevin lives with his wife and two daughters in Pennsylvania where he works in construction. Marlene lives with her daughter and son in Oregon. She cooks for a deli. Ethan is a self-employed construction contractor in Northern California, who is now happily married. Eileen is a nurse in the county. She has two young sons.

GODCHILDREN

There are many we count as godchildren but one in particular stands out. LOREDANA BELFIORE ("Dana Rica") is the remarkable child whom brother Toby found in an AIDS ward in Romania. She, along with Mihaela, Ramona and Ionul, have been adopted by Susan Belfiore, our first volunteer mother in Romania. Susan and her husband, Bill, have since had another child, Aidan. We consider them all part of the Starcross extended family. In August 2002 they came to Starcross to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the forming of their family and to help Bill and Susan renew their marriage vows. An olive tree was dedicated in their name. The following poem was composed by Loredana on World AIDS day, 1998.

AIDS

Tears and sadness

Fall on the quilt

Babys and kids have AIDS

Grownups and people suffering

Too hard help is coming

Don't give up we will help

Just like patch quilt

I feel warmth inside

Tears coming out of my

Eyes

There is

HOPE

Michelle - born 8/6/86

Michelle was a lovely little girl, always eager to lend a hand and do her best. She came to us a frail infant with a poor prognosis. You wouldn't know it now. Michelle is a naturally graceful dancer and swimmer. Her many friends appreciate her ability to resolve conflicts and include everyone in games. Michelle is an avid reader. She has a real gift for art and writing charming stories. As Michelle entered her teenage years it was necessary to provide a more diverse environment and an education to meet her special needs. She is staying with a friend of ours as she prepares for independent living.

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