Mason's Plans for 7/01-7/08

We've almost made it through our first week - so far I would call it a success. I haven't "double-booked" anything, Mason hasn't gotten lost, nor has she had to call me and ask where she's supposed to go. Thank you to everyone for all of your help! Next week is the last week of Summer School, so things get a little "trickier" starting July 10th - I'll be sure to post those dates a little earlier.

Saturday, 7/01 - So far we have nothing on our schedule. Mason is spending the day with Lena S. This will give me an opportunity to do some house work and run some errands.

Sunday, 7/02 - Nothing planned here yet either. I'll be at Wrigley Field (hoping the Cubs can pull out a victory over the Sox) with my old friend Bob Atkins and Mason will be spending the day with Lauren H. Lauren and Mason met at the local driving range, Bushwood, so I'm sure there will be some golf involved.

Monday, 7/03 - I'm assuming (but I'm not sure yet) that there is no Summer School today or tomorrow. I'll have to go into the office for a couple of hours, Mason will be coming with me and then we'll head over to the Taste of Chicago. If we plan everything right, we'll stay for the fireworks display. We went to the office and actually managed to get some work done, the weather was quite "iffy" so we opted to not go to the Taste. We did make it downtown to see the fireworks, we had a terrific time with Ray, Lisa and Nikki. I'll be posting some pictures soon.

Tuesday, 7/04 - Happy Independence Day! I need to get these four days planned or else it will be "major boredom" around here ;-) Thanks to Bill, Elizabeth, Isabel and Tommy we had a full day. We were their guests at the River Forest Tennis Club. No tennis, just a day of lounging around the pool and playing some games in the courtyard. Overall a very nice day.

Wednesday, 7/05 - Summer School in the morning. Mason is free in the afternoon. Mason is going to spend the afternoon with the Currans at the Forest Park Pool.

Thursday, 7/06 - Flute lesson at Roosevelt at 10:00, then she'll be in Summer School till 12:00. Mason will be spending the afternoon with Elly and Shannon - not sure of the agenda, but knowing Elly, they'll have a funfilled day.

Friday, 7/07 - Summer School in the morning. Mason is free in the afternoon. Mason will be spending the day with Elizabeth and Isabel.

Saturday, 7/08 - We are going to the Taste of Chicago. We'll be taking the early train to the Loop and enjoying the festival - the weather looks like it's going to be great.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help with Mason on her free days, please e-mail max_rose@sbcglobal.net, stop by or call us and I'll update the calendar for everyone to see.


Thank you,
Max and Mason

The Cards and Letters...

Just keep coming. We're actually getting real mail - everyday there are at least four or five letters or cards from friends and family offering their condolences. Mason and I have opened and read each and every one of them. We read, we cry, we laugh and we enjoy the the written thoughts about Jenny and her memories. We find comfort in the fact that Jenny had so many friends - her circle is large and diverse. Responding to each one will be a daunting task, but Mason and I are going to start tackling that project very soon (just as soon as I can get to the store to buy a large quantity of thank you notes).

Some people have chosen to send e-mails - we love that! Some of the notes and e-mails contain some great stories about Jenny and the memories others have of her. Here are a couple of them, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did:

Laura S. wrote, "Your e-mail was the first I'd heard of Jenny's death. My husband and I were fortunate to have Jenny's kind and very competent services as our realtor a little over a year ago when we purchased our first home, a condo in East Ukranian Village. We were impressed by how quickly she knew just what we wanted - she "got it." She was natural and easy to be around, one of those sincere 'what you see is what you get' kind of people. Very trustworthy. And she earnestly laughed at all of my husband's jokes along the way, which I know he appreciated. Two friends of mine, Mila and Litha, were also in the email list, as they too know Jenny and we were all very saddened and stunned to receive this news. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. My husband John and I met your beautiful daughter on two occasions when she was along with Jenny. My heart goes out to you and Mason."

Len C. (grade school and high school friend) wrote, "I am moved to write because I went to the Madison School with Jenny, and I have some of my happiest school memories of playing tag and crack the whip with her on the playground during recess during what must have been the years 1967 to 1971 or so. It's the sort of stuff her parents must have presumed were a part of Jenny's daily school life, free-spirited running and playing in the warm Illinois sun with other little kids. There remains a person, me, now far removed in years from those days, and now far away in western Wyoming, who remembers with great affection her childhood beauty and athletic grace. She was the loveliest girl. Through my tender-aged eyes I adored her. I now have young children, a daughter Madeline who turns 9 in a few days, and a son, Reed, who yesterday determined with keen interest that he is now five and three-quarters. They run, they play tag, they do all the glorious exuberences of children. One of the next times I see them in full living stride playing with their mates it will occur to me to remember Jenny, and the moment will deepen my gratitude for the lives of my children, and give me one of those grown-up moments of quiet reflection that I would rather not have."

Merideth C. wrote, "Hi guys...we missed Jenny tons on tour Tuesday. So many realtors who barely say hello approached me to give their condolences....it's like out little comedy central caravan lost a wheel. I valued Jenny's advice, friendship and will miss her dry humor always. We will look forward to Mason joining us when she's ready."

Christy T. wrote, "Dear Max and Mason, I am so sorry to hear about Jenny, thank you for sending me the email. My daughter and I were in Chicago to look for new homes a few weeks ago. Jenny was so nice and gracious to take her time to show us around. I only knew her for a few days, but she was the kind of person you felt you knew your whole life. She was so easy to talk to and I could tell she was a person who was kind and caring. I know this must be an extremely hard time for you and your daughter, my thoughts and prayers are with you."

Margie and Dan C. wrote, "Please know how very sad we are for your loss and how very much we will miss Jenny. It is very hard to believe I won't see her each morning walking Daisy home from Roosevelt. I often stopped to chat with her and catch up on what you both were doing. She was a dear, sweet, thoughtful person and we will miss her very much. "

Mary Ann H. wrote, " Dear Mason, You don't know me, but your wonderful mother was my very dear friend. I loved her so much. I know you loved her and miss her more than anyone. When you see beauty in the world - baby kittens, lovely flowers, sunrises & sunsets - be reminded of all the beauty your mother possessed."

Kathy W. wrote, "We were so sorry and shocked to hear of Jenny's sudden passing away. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you. We so vividly remember seeing her in the driveway, getting into her car, so proud that Mason is riding her new bike. We remember seeing her walking Daisy. We still hear her bubbly up-beat voice chatting normal neighborly things. We will miss her vibrant, positive energy and her loving, caring humanitarian heart. She leaves behind many good memories and a great example to live by. She loved her family. You were #1 in her life. She was a care-taker of animals which was her gentle way..."

We will be posting more stories of Jenny - our memories and yours - very soon. If you have pictures or a story to tell, please send them to me at max_rose@sbcglobal.net. You can also read more about Jenny and the thoughts of friends and family at the online Guest Book.

Love,
Max and Mason

Beautiful Day in Chicago

It is going to be hard to beat the day we had today. First, Mason and I both got a pretty good night's sleep (first for us in over a week). We awoke with great anticipation to the day - one look at the clear blue sky and gentle breeze and we knew at least the weather was going to be cooperative.


We arrived at Elly and Tim's house in Oak Lawn and were greeted with fresh berries, pancakes, sausage, eggs and juice. We also got a chance to see firsthand what a delightful little girl Shannon is becoming - she's a very smart and happy child. After breakfast we drove over to one of Oak Lawn's three swimming pools and practically had the place to ourselves. We soaked up the sun, played some exciting games of "Marco Polo" and even managed a few Can Openers and Belly Flops off the diving board.


In the afternoon we made the trek to Holy Name Cathedral, the architectual landmark located at Chicago and State, for Mason's 5th grade Science teacher's wedding. The service was warm, funny at times and fascinating for Mason and four of her middle school friends (shocking that none of the boys made it to the ceremony, huh?). The bride was beautiful and so were the bridesmaids (no fuchsia dresses for these ladies). At one point in the ceremony the priest read aloud love letters that the bride and groom had written to each other - it was very nice to witness the start of their new life together.


Mason and I finished the day with a visit to the Disney store on Michigan Avenue and Pizzeria Due - a fantastic finish to a beautiful day together.

Golf is Great, Golf is Good

Mason and I had a good day together today. While Mason went to Summer School (thank your Julia B. and Lena S. for getting her there safely), I popped into the office to make sure I'm still needed. It was great to see everyone working so diligently at the office - keeping focused on our goals as individuals and as a company. I'll be back in the office next week (almost as many hours as they're used to) thanks to the outpouring of support we're receiving from our friends.

After school, Mason walked home with her friend Vicky and called to see if Vicky could join us for a round of golf - she's never played before, doesn't own any clubs - of course I said "yes".

We played at a great little 9-hole venue that we've heard so much about, Legends of Bensenville. Each hole is a reconstructed version of a famous golf hole found around the world. Eight par 3's and 1 par 4 - very accomodating staff (they didn't even mind that the girls would be sharing a set of golf clubs, kudos).

We walked, we laughed, we had fun. It was an all-around great afternoon. We topped it off with a trip to The Brown Cow for ice cream (you need that after walking up and down those hills and swinging that heavy stick). The single scoop of Coconut Brownie Fudge sure hit the spot.

Mason's Plans for 6/23-6/30

Well, I've finally been able to sit down with Jenny's calendar and see more than a few hours ahead (I should have done this last night - Mason and I missed her flute lesson today at 10:00). I think we have the next few days figured out, but we'll probably need some help next week (as I need to get back into the office).

Friday, 6/23 - Mason will be going to Summer School with Lena S., Vicky R. and some of her other friends. The school has been gracious to allow Mason to attend, even though we didn't register her this year. You see, this was supposed to be a "free-for-all" summer. Mason and Jenny had planned short, intermittent camps all summer and the rest of the time they had just planned to be together doing mother/daughter things. After Summer School lets out I plan to pick Mason up and take her golfing in the afternoon - we have no plans for the evening.

Saturday, 6/24 - We'll be going to Oak Lawn in the morning to see "Aunt" Elly, "Uncle" Tim and Shannon. If it's nice, we'll go to the pool and just hang out. At 4:00 Mason's 5th grade Science teacher, Ms. Mirabile is getting married at Holy Name Cathedral on State Street - so we'll be attending her wedding and then we'll spend the evening in the city doing fun stuff.

Sunday, 6/25 - We have no plans during the day, so let us know if you would like to have Mason for a few hours. I was thinking I needed to get some shopping in, laundry done, house cleaned and if there is some time left over, a round of golf ;-). At 5:30 we have a party to attend. Our neighbors are throwing a graduation party for their daughter Becca. I can't believe she's finished with high school! Mason will be spending time at Matt and Sarah's till about 11:30 and then we're invited over to Thomas and Julias for some burgers, hot dogs and Football, the other kind. After that we'll be at Becca's graduation party.

Monday, 6/26 - Summer School in the morning. Mason is free in the afternoon. At 6:15, Mason has a doctor's appointment - so I'll need her back by 6:00. Mason is going to spend the afternoon with her friend Isabel - then it's off to the doctor.

Tuesday, 6/27 - Flute lesson at Roosevelt at 10:00, then she can attend Summer School (or even go over to Grandma and Grandpa's). Mason is free in the afternoon and evening. Mason has a couple of options for today, she'll be making a decision before we leave for school on Monday and I'll update this post then.

Wednesday, 6/28 - Summer School in the morning. Mason is free in the afternoon and evening. Mason now has plans for this afternoon (see comments).

Thursday, 6/29 - Flute lesson at Roosevelt at 10:00, then she can attend Summer School (or even go over to Grandma and Grandpa's). Mason is free in the afternoon and evening. Mason will be spending the afternoon with her friend Nikki. If I can make it home at a decent hour, we'll be going to the Forest Park Pool for the River Forest Swim Night.

Friday, 6/30 - Summer School in the morning. Mason is free in the afternoon and evening. Mason has been invited to a friends house from 3:00 on - if someone wants to have her over following school (12-3), please let us know. Mason will be at Nikki's from 12-3 and then she'll be going over to Matt and Sarah's for a little neighborhood party (hopefully I'll be joining them shortly thereafter).

In a future post I'll list the major things happening in July and August. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with Mason on her free days, please e-mail or call and I'll update this calendar for everyone to see. Sometime before Friday night I'll be posting Mason's calendar for next week - it should be a fairly light week since the 4th of July weekend is four days!

Thank you,
Max and Mason

How to help

Thank you to everyone who has contacted us. Mason and I are lucky to know so many caring and wonderful people. Jenny would be thrilled to know that we have so much support.

So many friends have asked, "What can we do to help?". Many have offered to shuttle Mason to and fro, prepare meals, walk Daisy and run errands. Some have offered to help with things that frankly; I didn't even realize needed to be done (Jenny did everything!).

So, in order to let everyone who is interested know our needs - I'll be posting to this blog regularly. If you see something that you would like to do, send me an e-mail, post a comment or simply pick up the phone and give us a call. If this isn't your style, but you would still like to help, we've set up an account called, "Mason Rose Education Fund" at Community Bank, Oak Park River Forest, 7777 W. Lake Street, (708) 366-4700.

We look forward to this next stage in our lives, living among so many cherished friends - thank you so very much.

Max and Mason Rose

Jenny, we miss you

There is no possible way to describe the emptiness we feel.

You were a wonderful wife, mother and animal lover. Mason and I are who we are because of you and the way you lived your life - full of passion, honesty, vigor, happiness and love. You were cherished by many, nearly 500 friends attended your service and I'm sure I still have others to tell of your passing. Everyone who knew you is saddened, some of us are angry and confused - we all lost a terrific friend, much, much, much too soon.

You will always be in our thoughts and our hearts.

We love you.
Max and Mason