Valerie Kirkpatrick Gattuso

Gene and Sharon:  I thank you for sharing Valerie with me these many years.  There are so many times that I begin to feel sad and regretful, missing Valerie...but then I become overwhelmed with Hope and Joy, and I know at that very moment Valerie is praying for me.  Her life's testimony is about Living! Not despair, not defeat, not quitting, not looking back.  Just like Jesus.  Valerie is Living today...Oh, that we would daily forsake this body of death and clothe ourselves with the life of Christ, and begin to Live!

I got to know Val while she was working on her master's thesis.  She submitted her thesis for review right before her first surgery.  It was several months before she was able to work on the thesis again.  No matter what health obstacles Val faced, she was determined to finish the thesis and complete her master's degree.  Many people would have given up, but Val was very determined to complete the task.  It was a joy, honor, and privilege to work with her.  I was happy to be able to tell her "congratulations" when she had completed her degree requirements.

 

It was a blessing to email Val and to hear from her.  In one email, I sent her a Bible verse.  Her response to that note was very touching and truly brightened my day.  I will miss her thoughtful emails and her friendship.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the family now.  May God's gift of salvation grant you peace at this time.

We personally didn't know Valerie, but we knew of her courageous fight . My sister Nela is Regan's sister in law and we knew of her ups and downs.  We only wish we had the opportunity to meet this young beautiful woman.  God sent Valerie to us and she is now resting and watching over all of us.

May God bless you all.

 

With Love,

David and Silvia Halpern

I had the honor of helping to take care of Val while she was up here in Minnesota. She was one of my favorite patients of all time! We are all so heartbroken to hear that she has gone to heaven but happy at the same time too. I don't think people understand how hard it is to live through what Val had lived through, she truly had an amazing spirit and a determination that is unmatched. She touched so many lives just in her short time here, it was amazing. I will always remember her. My prayers go out to her entire family. I have never seen a family more dedicated to helping their loved one get better, you are all saints!

Only once did John and I have the pleasure of meeting Val and Kennedy at an unplanned breakfast.  Somehow God works miracles through others and these moments of short visits before your church and after ours made us realize how strong a family unit you have created.  May God blessings pour out on your family and know the candles lit and prayers said by all Christians for Val brought many unbelievers into the presence of Christ.  It was His Will not Ours, and you are truly a reflection of that eminent domain.  Please know we truly enjoyed those meetings of coincidence and especially recognized your beautiful Val/Kennedy as very special!  For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, Forever and Ever AMEN! 

Gene and Sharon, 

 

What a battle you have fought and what a victory Valerie has won.  As you have shared in previous emails, God is merciful and He will see you through this time of grief as well.  Thank you for sharing Val's journey with us and allowing us to lift you in prayer. 

 

In Christ's love,

 

Mike and Reba Dunnam

Valerie was a lovely, godly young woman showing God's love and character in so many ways.  She was courageous and had faith beyond measure.  God has answered our prayers, Valerie is healed.  Our selfish, fleshly natures desired her healing to be here on earth, but our heavenly Father knows best.  May His love and comfort surround you now and give you strength and wisdom.  May God's love and mercy be upon Kennedy and I pray that God will give her sweet memories of her mother.  Your family has been a witness and a testimony to God of His love and faithfulness.  Through Valerie's affliction, your family has touched so many lives and so many have drawn closer to God through their prayers for Valerie.  I priase God for the blessings that your family gives to others. 

Gene and Sharon, I grieved with my mother-in-law when her son, my husband's brohter was buried at age 30.  A parent's love for their child is so great, and when that child is gone there is a hole in their heart.  Mom says it never goes away, only God can fill it and even that takes time.  Regan, there isn't a day that my husband does not miss his brother, wish that he could have lived to see his own children grown, lived to see his nephews, shared family celebrations, just had more time together.  But God has made the memories that he has of his brother so precious.  You had a wonderful sister and she will live on in your heart and you will see so much of her in Kennedy as she becomes a young lady.  Taylor, you will miss your aunt but she left you with a godly example to follow and you know that she loved you dearly.

May God's arms just hold all of you close, His presence be so real and his love surround you and sustain you as you have celebrated her life, but mourn the loss of your precious Valerie.

With love,

Dear Phillip, Kennedy, Gene, Sharon, and Regan,

 

I love Valerie!  I have so many good memories with her - laughing, praying, sharing....My heart and thoughts and prayers are with you today and over the next weeks.  My life is better because of Valerie and I grieve over your loss.  -Darilyn

 

 

Although I only met Valerie once her impact on me will last forever. To hear of how she faced each challenge with such courage, grace and devotion is such a statement of how she lived her life. My prayers are with you all.

 

I started most of my days saying a prayer for Val.  I wish I had words that can comfort but, there is nothing but the Lord who can comfort your loss.  I will still start my days out now with prayers, just now they will be for you, Gene, Kennedy, and all others who were close. Cling on friends....  DD