Joan and I were gifted with joining formation to become spiritual directors in the diocese of Austin, Texas. Every month, we would spend a weekend in prayer, formation and fellowship that would draw us closer together and to become attuned to the movement of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. There was laughter, tears, "aha" moments, and reverence. After reading Joan's book on hope and living in the present moment, I knew that I did not want our relationship to end at our commissioning on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 2006. Visits to Lakeway were a source of joy; seeing Joan in her "natural habitat" was amazing. Even running into her at Emmaus Catholic church was great fun. I had visited the Schoenstatt shrine in Austin, then drove the scenic route to attend Mass with my boyfriend and his mother who was also named Joan. We had a spontaneous "close moment" and I know many others were drawn to her. ( I know she was instrumental in encouraging others to adore Jesus Christ in a special chapel called "Eucharistic chapel" ) The Eucharist also means Thanksgiving, and I want you all to know that I am thankful for Joan's part in my life. I thought of and prayed for her often, even though we were separated by distance. She was a joy in my life. RONI COOK, Leander, Texas