Arlene was my "other mother". She was my mom's (Su Klinkkammer) best friend and cared for her through my childhood while Mom was ill, as well as being my babysitter. When my mom passed away, she was always there for me, even making me my 18th birthday cake with a very unconventional design. When I was going through chemo as a teen, she would visit me and make sure I was doing well. We reconnected several years ago and once again, she was the mom that I needed, as we talked about what it was like caring for my mom, for both of us. I'll never forget my husband being terrified when he walked in and we were hugging and sobbing after she had told me what a good child I had been, and how strong, to face some of the challenges that happened with my mother. I didn't know I needed to hear that until I did. I think Arlene always just knew what you needed, and gave it freely. We've talked over the last few years and I've been so grateful to have her back in my life. I, and my family, will miss her so terribly.
I'm so very sorry for John, Matt, and the rest of her family. She was so full of life, and her love for others knew no bounds. She was truly such a wonderful person, beautiful inside and out, and there is a hole in the world missing her spark.
