A Woman Of Valor

To the Editor:

Mrs Van Zanten, you were a captivating woman. Dignified, yet humble, poised and elegant, I thank you for teaching me the most valuable lesson of courage that I have ever known.

You fought a 16-year battle with a relentless enemy, yet through your profound struggle, you taught an invaluable life lesson — teaching us the power of your inexhaustible human spirit. Your walk here answered a question so many of us ponder daily: if God is for us, who can be against us?

Thank you, Mrs Van Zanten, for teaching my son the values of a Christian life well-lived and inspiring him with your passion for life, reading, culture, dance, and, sharing your love for God and all that is good in this world.

As a parent who was given the honor of knowing you, you will always be an inspiration to me. It is the joy in your beautiful smile that I will not soon forget.

I saw the light of Christ in your eyes and felt a special presence when I was with you. You inspired me to always count my blessings and to live life to the fullest as I believe God has intended me to live it.

Today, I mourn you because you always gave me strength and lifted my spirits in spite of your enormous struggle with illness. I mourn you because I will miss the woman who always acknowledged me by name, with a warm, sincere smile.

I am grateful that my young son was given the gift of your influence on his life. What a priceless gift. We will always remember you and your unconditional goodness.

Meg Soto

Charles Soto (fourth grade student)

4 Deerfield Drive, Sandy Hook                                     October 3, 2008