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Ralph E. Smith- Publisher
Renee Chong
Captain
New York City Correction Department
A Last Salute To Our Sister
Hi Ralph, this is the poem that I read today, Renee was a big support for me.
She held me up! I feel so lost without her, I couldn't help my friend
this is so sad for me but today the service was fit for a queen, that brings me joy.
IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart "
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
Anastasia
J. Gibbs November 14, 2007
THIS IS A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE THAT YOU PRESENTED.
Anthony Myrick- Retired NYCD Correction Officer November 15, 2007
My name is retired N.Y.C. Correction Officer Anthony Myrick. I now reside in Virginia Beach V.A.
and i just found out about this tragic situation on 11/14/07. At this time I am heart broken and very sad as
I type this to you the family and loved ones of Renee Chong. Renee and my self worked together for many years. She was always so lively and cheerful and always had a positive word for everyone. This young lady
will be greatly missed. Renee was an angel on earth and at this time I am having a very hard time dealing
with this loss. God bless her family.
Josephine Lee: School Friend November 16, 2007
Josephine Lee <strictlyme2001@yahoo.com>
MY CONDOLENCES
I just want to express my condolences to the Chong Family for their losses. I met Renee in Francis Lewis High School where my brother and I attended. We were good friends and I really loved her spirit and my sister, Officer Lee met her in Corrections and we did realized we both met her at different stages of life. The world is so small. Renee and I lost contact after some years but the lost of a good person and those beautiful children is a tragedy.
I always say Jesus is looking for Jewels to put in His Glorious Crown and on that day He wanted Three.
We here mourn the loss but we have to Celebrate Their Lives because that is what keeps them alive in our hearts.
Keep your heads up an just put it in Gods hands.
These words always comfort me in times of Sorrow:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
"It is Well With My Soul"
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
ON BEHALF OF THE LEE FAMILY
JONATHEEN AND ALEXANDER
AND MY SISTER OFFICER GLENDA LEE AND THE LEWIS FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. THE CHONG FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.PEACE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
TO THE WORLD YOU ARE ONE PERSON..... AND TO ONE PERSON YOU ARE THE WORLD!!!!
From: dkevsmith@optonline.net
To: rsmithnew@aol.com
Sent: Sun, 2 Dec 2007 9:19 pm
Subject: Poem by Marie slaughter
This poem is written for Renee Chong and sons Elliot and Noah who perished in a fire on October 30, 2007. Written November 10, 2007 by Marie Slaughter
Thank God for Yesterday
Renee, you were my friend in my community and my co-worker. Time went by so fast.
It was only yesterday when I followed you and A. Russell in A. Glass’ Dad’s Cadillac car
in 1988 so I would know how to get to Riker’s Island the following week for OJT (on the job training in Correction Dept.)
It was only yesterday when we stood up for justice at Wards Island.
It was only yesterday when we gave out toys and clothes at the Wards Island Shelter.
It was only yesterday when you became a mother.
It was only yesterday when I babysat Elliot for you.
It was only yesterday when I went to Elliot’s Christening at St John Methodist Church
and attended Noah and Elliot’s 1st birthday parties. Noah’s birthday theme Noah’s Ark and Elliot’s was Winnie the Pooh.
It was only yesterday when you graduated from college and became a Captain in DOC.
It was only yesterday that you came to the Guardian Award Ceremony in Harlem to
support me receiving my award as a Solo Mommy of the Year and you told me
you were proud of me.
It was only yesterday when we went to the Guardian’s Olympics.
It was only last Christmas, we went to the Guardian’s Children’s Christmas party.
It was only yesterday when Noah and Little Ruth, my daughter, got on rides at Playland
in September of 2006 and 2007
But most of all, despite your busy schedule, you took time to remember 2007 was my
first Christmas without my parents and You supported me at their home going services.
You took my daughter and I out to Pennsylvania for the Sight and Sound Theater to see
The Miracles of Christmas and have Dinner. Noah slept through most of the show while Elliot and Little Ruth watched the show with delight. On that trip we spoke about how I never saw so many Angels; about 60 appeared in the production when Jesus was born. Luke 2:13. Suddenly many other Angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said praising God in heaven gave peace on earth to everyone who pleased God, not knowing that a few months later You, Elliot and Noah would be Angels too. On that trip you won a flower basket with perfumes, lotions, a pocketbook and money. You gave me the flower basket and donated the money to your church.
I thank God for you being a part of my life One thing you know how to do is make
strangers friends. You were the first person I met who talked more than me.
But this tragedy has made me become silent. Just praying and thanking God for you. I am glad the last time we saw each other, the last five words spoken were,
“You know I love you.”
Renee, you didn’t get Mom of the Year award in life but you made the ultimate sacrifice
in death. You are a hero for the children. This makes you Mom of the century.
Renee, Elliot and Noah, we will always be your friend. Rest in peace! Rejoice in heaven!
Love always - Marie Slaughter and Little Ruth
FUNERAL SERVICES
NOVEMBER 8, 2007
October 30, 2007: A 20 year Veteran of the New York City
Correction Department and her two children were killed by a 5:00am
house fire in Rosedale Queens, New York
FUNERAL DETAILS
Renee Chong
NYCD CORRECTION CAPTAIN
November 8, 2007 at 8:00am
A MOMENT OF REFLECTION
St. Johns United Methodist Church at 2105 Stuart Avenue
Valley Stream, New York
November 8, 2007 at 10:00am
FUNERAL SERVICES
SAME LOCATION
Renee Chong
New York City Department of Correction
Thoughts and Words From Friends & Co-Wokers
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To Family, Friends, and Co-Workers who could not attend the HomeGoing Service for Renee Chong & her children; we hope that this special Guardian Chronicle Photo Tribute will bring you peace.
Ralph E. Smith- Publisher
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