Adrienne Rae Castleman

Ashes resting at sea

The above card and photo was selected by Addie's best friend, Deanna K. (Katy) Andrews who knew her better than any one. Addie & Katy had many years to comtemplate her destiny, having been diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s when the two of them worked together at Sear's in Medford. When Addie became too ill to work Katy was her companion along with Ron, Addie's son until her demise and during that time they had many hours to decide what Addie's memorial would be like. Her wish was for all her friends to get together and celebrate her life. She made the most of the time alloted her!

The two messages below were read by Katy at the memorial reception. She authored the one to her best friend, read it then read Addie's for her.

~ Adrienne~ God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered "come with me". With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and fade away. Though we couldn't bear to lose you, we could not bid you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, our dear one laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best. May you always walk in sunshine, God's love around you flow. For the happiness you gave us no one else will ever know. It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, when God called you home. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried, oh if only love could have saved you, you never would have died. ~ Your friend, Katy ~

Don't cry for me! I've found a new place where I can be free, I've found a new beginning made just for me. I know only peace and never feel pain, day's are full of sunshine never rain. I'm no longer old, I've recovered my youth, and all of my dreams have become my truth. I can smile I can laugh I can walk I can run, I can hear every whisper I can see past the sun. My body is whole and my mind is clear, I know all the answers and I'm free from all fear. I know why you mourn me, I see how you weep; Your hearts full of aching from a love that was deep. Just remember though I've found a better place here I am still there beside you, always nearby. So, don't mourn me for long or forever cry. Whenever your sorrow bears down on your heart, think not of my ending but of my new start. For on earth there's no joy that I'd ever see, to compare to the joy of God smiling at me. Addie

In accordance with her wishes, her son Ronald and her best friend Katy oversaw the spreading of her ashes into the sea at Lincoln City, Oregon; a place she loved to sit and watch the waves, birds and animals. Her name is engraved on her grandparents headstone at Sierra View Cemetery, Olivehurst, Yuba County, CA.