(209) 728-2873 cahvadvocate@yahoo.com

Greetings, hugs and much love coming your way!

It has been quite some time since sitting down to write my few words and thoughts.  Understandably, it has been a very difficult year plus for all of us on many levels. My family was certainly not spared a very painful time. I thank God for them every single day, as I have many shoulders to lean on.  My CAH family (some of which I now consider as part of my extended family) have also been here for me. (I will share more with you shortly).

I know all of you are aware why CAH came to be. Jane Alexander and I had both suffered the unthinkable loss of a loved one to homicide. Jane lost her beloved Aunt Gertrude McCabe and I lost my oldest daughter, Veronica “Roni” back in 1984. She was 19 years old and a nursing student at California State University—Chico. The pain will never change and the hole in my heart permanent.  BUT – Her death has brought about a number of positive things; The Veronica Perotti Scholarship at Marin Catholic High School in Marin County; the annual Mass to celebrate her birthday with friends and family; and then, of course, Citizens Against Homicide—which has enabled us to help hundreds of families suffering the same loss. I also diligently work in my rose garden to create something warm, beautiful and inviting for all of our family and friends to enjoy.

Now, I believe many of you knew my second daughter, Nichol “Niki”; she was the young girl not long out of school, who was our “photographer” at the CAH golf tournaments. She and I became business partners in 1992 for Miller and Perotti Real Estate Appraisal. Later, she joined the CAH Board and became more involved in the golf tournament. She also had many other outside interests and, most importantly, she gave me two amazing grandsons.  

Over the past two plus years, Niki had fought a very tough battle with cancer. Her strength and fortitude was like none other. Giving up was never a thought; she was determined to fight the fight.  In January of 2021, my dear girl’s battle was over.  Her amazing strength, courage and strong will allowed us the time we needed to listen to her words and wishes (there were many); to allow God to guide both her and all of us —especially her sons.  We were all together each and every day helping, guiding, listening and doing whatever was needed. Needless to say, these were very precious moments.

I would be amiss to not reach out with an honorable mention for Niki’s most amazing “friend group”. They not only helped care for her and her boys, they have been and continue to be here for her family also.  Too many to name, but you all know who you are and many of you have been strong supporters of CAH over the years.  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here.  

An annual remembrance/celebration for Niki (similar to Roni’s) is still in the planning stages. I am confident she and our Lord will guide us.   Already I am creating a special “grotto” for Niki in the garden; one of the things she shared with us was how she managed her pain by praying the Hail Mary.  In this “grotto” there will be a statue of Mary of Fatima.  She wanted us all to know the importance of praying the Hail Mary.  

I realize I am not the first person who has buried two children in their lifetime.  Two very special ladies come to mind immediately.  Clearly I/we will not be the last. But that does not change the two very large holes in my heart that although will never be filled, will realize some relief from doing good and positive things for other people. Enough now why I have been absent from all of you. Life does and will go on one step at a time; one day at a time.

Charity Golf ClassicCAH will, once again, have a 2021 Fund Raising Golf Tournament!

Save the Date: Friday, July 30th 2021 at Rooster Run Golf Course in Petaluma just like the many years before – With added costs, our 27 years of charging $150.00 will now be changed to $175.00 – At this moment, we plan to have things just like in prior years.  If there are changes we will let you know as soon as we know.

I hope to see all of you July 30th and get at least 2 years worth of hugs.

WE HOPE TO HAVE ALL REGISTRATIONS AND  PROGRAM DONATIONS BY JULY 1

CAH has not been standing still — Gene, Shellie, Eryn and many others have been working very hard.