Good morning Etrain family. I think we are all experiencing a great sense of loss with the passing of Claudette. I laid awake wishing there was something I could do and the only thing I could think of, was to start a memorial thread in her memory.

Myself, I am not very computer savy and haven't experimented much with uploading photo's, but I do know many of you are extremely talented.

Take a moment to share a memory, photo or even a video in honor of Claudette. We have all grown to love and admire her over the past few years and many of us have something to share.

Hopefully, when Elliott is ready...he will be comforted by reading and viewing how his special mom touched so many peoples lives all around the world.

In loving memory of Claudette Yamin...You will be missed, but NEVER forgotten

May God Bless Elliott and his family during the loss of your mom.

Theresa

My most recent memory of Claudette was at the JDRF Gala and watching her as she walked towards the dance floor. She was so incredibly happy and even did a little dance. I wish I could have captured it on video, but I did at least grab a picture or two:




Earlier in the evening, I saw her being escorted out of the dining room on the arm of Russell. That memory is forever etched in my mind and will always bring a smile.

I hope you will enjoy a few of the video's I was able to find to celebrate the beautiful person Claudette was. I will personally cherish the opportunities I had to meet and chat with her...she was one very special lady.


Elliott's journey home to Richmond during American Idol, with his mom by his side all the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDRbuR5N_qA

Elliott's elimination...Born to a beautiful mom, who inspired him to live his dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryOfZlyO9go&feature=related

Claudette takes the mic at the JDRF fundraiser held at Champps in Richmond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOE7UO0GghU

Claudette shares a little about Elliott at the JDRF fundraiser held at the Holiday Inn...Oct 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5VQa6hf0CY


Elliott shares a tender moment with his mom at the JDRF fundraiser in October 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_j_RoaWFBY

Claudette shares her experience and trials associated with Gastric bypass surgery

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28JEjVK6dnw

We already know Elliott had a special relationship with Mama Yamin but this vid just captures his love for her!

This is the very first video I thought of when I saw this thread. It warmed my heart when I first saw it and it's bringing fresh tears to my eyes again right now...

I didn't take pictures that day - but I am so very glad we had the special luncheon with Claudette a few weeks ago. (Thanks Chloe and Nancy for organizing this) She was wearing her ETrain for Life sweatshirt that Kagey made and telling Elliott stories for us all. Both Claudette and I won the exact same sweatshirt at the JDRF Fundraiser in October right before Elliott's solo concert. I will always treasure mine as a connection to her.

TX, What an absolutely beautiful photo of Claudette, you and our own handsome Brandon.
My heart is heavy right now but I am sure Claudette is smiling down from Heaven upon the beautiful legacy she left behind-- Elliott, Scott, and Jodi.

Thanks for posting.
That's my favorite video.
Loved to watch that Elliott gave a shower of kisses to Claudette.
My eyes are watering again...

My fond memories of Mama Yamin
Click on the picture for a slideshow or go here:
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd192/n...nt=6ff309e4.pbw

Nancy, just lovely. I remember seeing photos of your hubby's tee shirt. It brought a smile to my crying eyes. Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome. It gave me some relief to go through my archive of pictures of this lovely woman.

A picture from my first meeting with Claudette at teh Etrain Fundraiser, the weekend of Elliott's 1st solo show October 2006.



clockwise(starting at the left): Chloe, RM, Auntie Sheryl, Yellin & Claudette

What a good looking bunch of ladies you all are! Thanks RM. I am enjoying these photos and videos so much, especially now. I never had the pleasure of meeting Claudette but feel like I knew her from everyone's stories, photos, and videos.

I met Claudette at the JDRF gala and was able to tell her what an honor and privilege it was to support her son.

I will add mine when I get home because of course at work I can't get into anything, photobucket, you tube, nothing.

:grouphug:

That is so sad and my prayers are with Elliott and his family at this difficult time. I heard about this on American Idol message boards. I know first hand how difficult it is to lose a mother and I know how close she and Elliott were. I just wish I had the opportunity to meet her. She seemed like such a special women.

This is Claudette at the JDRF fundraiser singing "It Had To Be You"

:awe: I remember that night so well. In fact the YouTube I want to post is from that night when I played Claudette's bodyguard for a little while.

That is such a great pic Chloe!

This one's for you Sheryl,
Much love,
Carol

Another one from that same weekend...
The Look of Love...

Oh Chloe, What a beautiful photo. I don't believe I ever saw that one before.
So very touching. :grouphug:

Awwwwww this picture tugs at my heart strings...Thank you Carol for sharing.
That weekend is one I think all of us will always remember.

That is very sweet. Thank you.

Dreama(Reality Mom)
This one's for you!

Awwwww, thankyou chloe! :glomp:
Altho, I look like the jolly green giant next to lil Claudette! She was SO sweet to us, chatting away as if she had known us for years. My heart aches for Elliott, Scott & Jodi.

These are some pics from July 15th 2006, the first time I met Claudette. It was at the Nassau Coliseum box office in Long Island. After the concert she, Sheryl, and friends came over to the tailgate party we were having at my car to see the E-train, and sign Elliott's banner.
Claudette was a riot, working the crowd, singing and dancing to Elliott's AI music, which was blasting from my car. :rotfl: I wound up with a dead battery that night, cause of the cd playing so long with the motor off!

:awe: Chloe, thanks for all of this pictures.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your pics and videos.

I have pictures, I just dont know how to post them.


I remember at the AI tour, I was walking with my friend and I was like "OMG!!! THATS CLAUDETTE" I went over to talk to her, and shes just as sweet as can be. His Aunt was there also, and she asked me where I got my shirt. I told her I had it made. She was like "Claudette, She had this shirt mnade just for Elliott" and Claudette turned around and said "its beautiful" and I said "No. HE IS beautiful". She smiled and hugged me.

Shes an amazing woman. :)

Great Photos everyone. I've got to learn how to post mine, but in the meantime...thanks for the memories.

A friend of mine who is a Kat Fan, sent me an email that she posted the update about E-Mon on the Idol forums Kat board....it is Heart-Touching to read that Everyone, not just Elliott Fans loved and was touched by E-Mom!

http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=548199

Great Pictures, they bring back wonderful memories. :grouphug:

thanks, Ging. Someone on the idolforums posted Elliott's trip to Richmond.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDRbuR5N_qA...howtopic=548199

I met Claudette for the first time in February at the "welcome home" luncheon. Just before leaving, I got up the nerve to ask for a picture with her. Of course, she was very gracious and happy to do it. Peppers23 took the photo for me.

Efan2, I love your picture. Thanks for sharing it with us. What a treasure to have :)

Thanks Linda, I'm blessed to have it for sure.

I have a pic taken at the luncheon that I would like to post but don't know how to get it on there. Could someone give me a few instructions? Thanks so much.

Please click on the link!
http://etrainstation.com/index.php?showtopic=2128

Thanks so much. I will try that. You are so kind.