The reason I am writing all of this is that I learned today that Nathlie passed away on April 18, 2006. Part of me is just shocked and another part is deeply saddened. I knew she had lymphoma. What happened was that while she was on chemotherapy she had a throat infection and then developed bleeding ulcers. During a procedure for the bleeding ulcers involving a tube down her throat, the tube inadvertently went to her lungs and spread the infection there and her immune system was too weak to fight it off.

Nathlie dedicated may years of her life to the adoption community making a difference in the lives that she touched. If you knew Nathlie you would agree that she was a very sweet woman and found humor in almost every situation.

Like I said above, Nathlie served on the board of a state wide adoption search and support group. S he was elected the secretary and served in that capacity for several years. The organization at the time of her election was really not doing well and her along with the president of the organization at the time, reeled in additional volunteers and board members, guided the organization out of the red, into the blac, rejuvenated the annual conferences, and taught those of us who followed how to carry on. Although many dedicated individuals put their time into the organization it really was Nathlie and the president that saved the organization from becoming non existent and played a major part in revitalizing the organization. Those of us who worked with Nathlie know how hard she worked, how she felt about the various adoption issues, and had a way of helping others view the adoption issues that come up in life in a mentally healthy way.

I have many fond memories of Nathlie but will only share one with you.