Our grief is tremendous. We all are shaken by Kim's loss. Kim was Rodolphe's sun. We'll always miss her radiance.
May our thoughts and prayers help each and every one of you through these difficult times.
We thank you with all our heart for the affection and support you are currently providing Rodolphe and Lysiane with in these difficult circumstances.
With love from Lysiane POULAIN-GELLY's family in FRANCE
To Mr. and Mrs. Boylston, Laurie, and all of Kim's family, Christopher and I are so saddened by the sudden loss of Kim.
Kim was my very best friend, and I will miss her enormously.
Christopher and I met Kim and Rodolphe in Beijing. Kim had applied for a job at the Palace Hotel, where Christopher worked. Although there was no job available Christopher suggested to Kim that she call me, thinking we were both American and might hit it off. Kim called me several times until we made a date for dinner. We met for the first time at Franks Place.
After half and hour we were like the oldest of friends. And that's how it was the whole time with us. Easy, and real.
We watched Kim and Rodolphe's engagement turn to marriage. How Rodolphe always needed and counted on Kim. How he loved her, and how she loved him. They had a beautiful engagement dinner at The Roma Restaurant in The Palace Hotel.
We had Nathaniel and Julien a month apart from eachother. We would call Kim and Rodolphe in Washington, and they would call us in Manila. Then Sophie came, and then Zoe. We visited eachother in Washington, New York, and Los Altos. We saw the year 2000 in together at The Regency Hotel. I thought that we would be grandmothers together. I never thought that I would lose Kim.
I think of her committment as a mother. Kim loved her children, and always knew that she belonged with them. When Christopher and I think about what Kim would have wanted we think of Julien and Sophie. We are committing ourselves to staying close to them. We want to help them to remember their beautiful, good, funny and compassionate mom. Kim's light will shine through Julien and Sophie.
I am putting together a book of memories, with all the photos and video footage I have. I will send it just as soon as it is complete. Kim was my very best friend, and I loved her.
May God bless all of you.
Nicole Knable
My sympathies to both families. Kim was a wonderful person, and friend. I'm not surprised to discover that she was also a wonderful wife and mother. Viewing the website earlier today really made the loss real for me. God speed to Kim's spirit, and to those she left behind.
James A. Manley
I am continually praying for the families. I do pray to hear good news for Rodolphe as I know his children need their Daddy.
Deborah
I'm still numb from the news that I received today. I tried to call Rudy about doing some business for me, and his admin. told me the sad news. Words cannot express how shocked and saddened I am, and my prayers go out to you and the entire Gelly family. No words can comfort you at this time, but I am really, really sorry to hear about Kim, and the whole tragic situation. I lost a close family friend in a similar fashion (eg. a wreck where she left a husband and small child).
Rudy helped me with many contracts when he worked for Winston and Strawn and I got to know him quite well. We talked almost daily and he came to St. Louis to meet with my work team one time. We had a lot in common and joked often about our Southern wives. My wife and I are both from Oxford, Alabama and visit Atlanta often, so it was fun to talk about the big family outings around holidays, and how southern girls miss their momma's and daddy's, even if they only live an hour away, so I'm sure this is very difficult for you.
I also didn't realize how beautiful Kim was until I visited the web site. The children are beautiful too. Its just so sad. I wish I could do something for all of you. Please, when you can, tell Rudy that I'm praying for him and his family, and that you all will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
I know not to mention Kim to Rudy, but I would love to talk to him when he is better. He's a great guy. And thanks for the web site updates.
July 10, 2002
B. Bryan Parker
Manager, Global IT Procurement
Pharmacia Corp.
I only knew Kim for a few years when she and Rodolphe lived in the D.C. area. Like she did with so many people, she won my heart right away and I felt I had known her forever. We got together with three other friends, Susan Brown, Nigelle Eelman and LeAnne Poindexter and all our children for play dates and girls-night-outs. In fact, when I first met Kim she was pregnant with Julien and my first son was an infant. What struck me most about her was how much joy she conveyed in everything she did and said. She was simply a person that loved life. She loved the Lord, she loved her husband and children, she loved her family and she loved her friends. She expressed her love in a generous and uncomplicated way. I couldn't help but be taken by Rodolphe as well. They were such fun to be around, the room was brighter when they were in it. I pray for Rodolphe's recovery, and for the sweet children. My prayers are also with Laurie, Rodolphe's mother and Kim's parents. May you find peace in knowing so many people support you and admire your strength. I will always remember Kim and be grateful for the brief time I had with her.
Margot Smith
Fairfax, Virginia