Lea

Heroes:

MADELINE GALLANTMadeline Sue Brandt-Gallant was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. Those of us who know her couldn’t have asked for anything more from her. She always put others before herself, and never let any of us down. Madeline was beautiful both inside and out. She has more friends than anyone I know because of her amazing personality. Men flocked to her because of her beautiful looks. With her thick hair, hazel eyes, flawless skin, and attractive figure no one could keep their eyes off of her. Especially her adoring husband Robert Gallant.Growing up, aside from my mother, Aunt Madeline was my best friend. She would do my nails, take me to the Bronx zoo, invite me over for sleepovers, and pay me to clean her disaster of a room. She would take me to work, and teach me how to put together jewelry displays. Aunt Madeline was there to talk about the boy problems I didn’t dare talk to my mother about. When I was 18 a boyfriend left me broken hearted by dumping me without an explanation. Aunt Madeline offered to go to his house, and find out why. I of course declined knowing she would probably ring his neck. On Sept 11th 2001, I was stranded in the city with no way to get back onto Staten Island. Instead, I took the train to NJ, and Aunt Madeline was waiting there to pick me up. There are so many memories, and wonderful things she did for me, but these are just a few examples to give you all a glimpse into the wonderful kind of aunt I had.When I went away to college, I didn’t stay as close as I should have. I partied and studied, and found myself in those four years. Most people would have been a little hurt and angry, but not my aunt. She always loved me just the same, no matter how big of a brat I was. I am proud to say that we have become close again in these past couple of years. Aunt Madeline was my matron of honor in my wedding. When I got engaged she said, “This is the happiest news we have gotten in a long time.” Aunt Madeline was ecstatic for me, and was so honored to be in our wedding party. She was so terribly sick, and she still planned my shower and bachelorette party. Through the sickness and pain she went dress shopping, went for fittings, walked down the isle, and stayed through the entire wedding. She was very determined to make it to the wedding, and she did. Aunt Madeline was glowing the entire day, and took such pride in watching her little man Ethan walk down the aisle, dance, and pose for pictures like a mature boy.Through it all Aunt Madeline’s courage never faltered, and she never lost hope. She fought until the end because she did not want to leave her little boy, and Ethan should remember that always. Mommy loved you more than anything in the entire world. Aunt Madeline took her love for us with her to heaven, and our love for her is with us in our hearts and memories.I leave you with this poem: WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO It cannot cripple love It cannot shatter hope It cannot corrode faith It cannot destroy peace It cannot kill friendship It cannot suppress memories It cannot silence courage It cannot invade the soul It cannot steal eternal life It cannot conquer the spiritIt may seem like cancer has won, but it has not. Love, hope, faith, peace, friendship, memories, courage, the soul, eternal life, and the spirit is much stronger and has endured. I will love you always Aunt Madeline!