Monday, March 30, 2009
Oh How I love Hearing Mom
Well You've probably all gotten your new DVD's about mom's life. I can't tell you how many times I've watched them or just listened to them. I'll turn on the unedited DVD's and just hear her and my sisters in the background. It's just comforting. There are some things in the unedited footage that I wish could have been on the originals. One especially was mom's comment about feeling her mother's presence in the Salt Lake Temple. I did some ancestry names for the Flegals last week and I was brought to tears when some of the names were sealed to each other. There is such a link between the two worlds. We just need to be in the right place to feel it. Thanks Alecia for sharing your experience at the Draper Temple open house. I'm amazed at how randomly the tears come, today is particularly weepy morning. I love you all... Hope you can feel her presence in your lives.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A touching memory for my kids
Hi everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well and getting settled back into life. I like Marisa, really like this forum for keeping in touch. I must admit however, that I am not great at contributing. I will try to be better.
I did however, have a really neat experience that I wanted to share with everyone. A few weeks ago, Romney and I took our four kids through the Draper Temple open house. This temple sits in the southeastern corner of the Salt Lake Valley and is an absolutely stunning building. Its architecture and interior design were probably the most striking of all the temples I have seen. It had beautiful dark African cherry wood and exquisite limestone from France throughout. It was truly breathtaking.
The tour itself was quite simple. There was not a tour guide or formal narration. We simply walked through the hallways and quietly visited each room. It was unbelievably crowded. As we quietly walked through the temple, at one point, I looked down and noticed that Lauren had tears streaming down her cheeks. I leaned down to ask her if everything was okay and she whispered back, "Mom, it feels like Grandma Helen is walking with us." I was so touched. I told Lauren that Grandma probably was there. I wanted to tell Romney, but he and the boys had fallen behind me in the line.
Once we caught up with each other and were walking out of the temple, I asked all of the kids what they thought about it. Thomas' reply was so sweet. He said, "Mom, I didn't want to leave that place. I really liked how I felt in there. Plus, it sort of felt like Grandma Helen was inside." I was so touched. I then shared Lauren's sweet experience from inside the temple. We were all very moved and grateful to have been in a place where they were allowed to feel our amazing Grandma's influence and love. I could not believe that both of my kids felt the same prompting and yet each was unaware of the other.
I am sure that it will be an experience that they will never forget. I guess that I am just a little envious that Grandma didn't visit me too. I would have loved to feel her loving presence. I keep waiting for her to come visit me in my sleep and say, "Give me back my golden leg..."
Marisa and I have been working on the photo book of Grandma's life. It has been such a treat and we can't wait to share it with everyone. I will keep you posted with the details when it is ready.
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. I hope you don't mind me sharing this story. It was very comforting to me. Grandma was an incredible person. I can't believe how much I still miss her.
Take care and lots of love,
Alecia
I hope everyone is doing well and getting settled back into life. I like Marisa, really like this forum for keeping in touch. I must admit however, that I am not great at contributing. I will try to be better.
I did however, have a really neat experience that I wanted to share with everyone. A few weeks ago, Romney and I took our four kids through the Draper Temple open house. This temple sits in the southeastern corner of the Salt Lake Valley and is an absolutely stunning building. Its architecture and interior design were probably the most striking of all the temples I have seen. It had beautiful dark African cherry wood and exquisite limestone from France throughout. It was truly breathtaking.
The tour itself was quite simple. There was not a tour guide or formal narration. We simply walked through the hallways and quietly visited each room. It was unbelievably crowded. As we quietly walked through the temple, at one point, I looked down and noticed that Lauren had tears streaming down her cheeks. I leaned down to ask her if everything was okay and she whispered back, "Mom, it feels like Grandma Helen is walking with us." I was so touched. I told Lauren that Grandma probably was there. I wanted to tell Romney, but he and the boys had fallen behind me in the line.
Once we caught up with each other and were walking out of the temple, I asked all of the kids what they thought about it. Thomas' reply was so sweet. He said, "Mom, I didn't want to leave that place. I really liked how I felt in there. Plus, it sort of felt like Grandma Helen was inside." I was so touched. I then shared Lauren's sweet experience from inside the temple. We were all very moved and grateful to have been in a place where they were allowed to feel our amazing Grandma's influence and love. I could not believe that both of my kids felt the same prompting and yet each was unaware of the other.
I am sure that it will be an experience that they will never forget. I guess that I am just a little envious that Grandma didn't visit me too. I would have loved to feel her loving presence. I keep waiting for her to come visit me in my sleep and say, "Give me back my golden leg..."
Marisa and I have been working on the photo book of Grandma's life. It has been such a treat and we can't wait to share it with everyone. I will keep you posted with the details when it is ready.
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. I hope you don't mind me sharing this story. It was very comforting to me. Grandma was an incredible person. I can't believe how much I still miss her.
Take care and lots of love,
Alecia
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I Am A Big Fat Liar
Hey everybody!!!
I really love this idea of all of us keeping in touch this way. Thanks to everyone who has posted and all the stories and obituaries. We have a great family.
So I lied to everyone, and I want to apologize. I said that we were related to Edward Rutledge (youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence and Paul Rubens). That is not true! There is a place on Ancestry.com where you can ask who your famous relatives are. So, we typed our info in and out came those famous relatives. Yesterday, I dug a little more, and Ancestry had it wrong. Here is the positive though - Rutledge wanted to stay part of England and loved slavery, and Rubens painted some very questionable paintings! We don't have to be embarrassed now.
On to some good news! I discovered that we are related to one of my all time favorite people in history. Her name is Catherine Swynford, and she married John of Gaunt - considered the "last knight" of England. There is an amazing book written about her titled, "Catherine" by Anya Seton. If you get a chance - read it. Basically through her we are related to big players in the War of the Roses and the Tudor line. It is really one of my favorite books, and one of the best things about it is that every single name and character is based on a true person. As a side note, her sister married Geoffrey Chaucer ... which is pretty cool if any of you have read the Canterbury Tales.
Anyway, we are also related to Mary Boleyn, Ann Boleyn's sister. I also discovered that we are related to a very famous Revolutionary War hero named General James Screven. There is a museum in Georgia based on him, war memorials built by congress to him and war markers talking about him all over Georgia ... I think its Georgia. He was killed on the battle field. Don't worry, we are still a really cool family - and these relatives are for real. The relatives mentioned above come from the Nettles line, which is Wickman's mother's maiden name - look it up if you get the chance.
I hope you are all doing well. It was great to see everybody. Lots of love, Marisa
I really love this idea of all of us keeping in touch this way. Thanks to everyone who has posted and all the stories and obituaries. We have a great family.
So I lied to everyone, and I want to apologize. I said that we were related to Edward Rutledge (youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence and Paul Rubens). That is not true! There is a place on Ancestry.com where you can ask who your famous relatives are. So, we typed our info in and out came those famous relatives. Yesterday, I dug a little more, and Ancestry had it wrong. Here is the positive though - Rutledge wanted to stay part of England and loved slavery, and Rubens painted some very questionable paintings! We don't have to be embarrassed now.
On to some good news! I discovered that we are related to one of my all time favorite people in history. Her name is Catherine Swynford, and she married John of Gaunt - considered the "last knight" of England. There is an amazing book written about her titled, "Catherine" by Anya Seton. If you get a chance - read it. Basically through her we are related to big players in the War of the Roses and the Tudor line. It is really one of my favorite books, and one of the best things about it is that every single name and character is based on a true person. As a side note, her sister married Geoffrey Chaucer ... which is pretty cool if any of you have read the Canterbury Tales.
Anyway, we are also related to Mary Boleyn, Ann Boleyn's sister. I also discovered that we are related to a very famous Revolutionary War hero named General James Screven. There is a museum in Georgia based on him, war memorials built by congress to him and war markers talking about him all over Georgia ... I think its Georgia. He was killed on the battle field. Don't worry, we are still a really cool family - and these relatives are for real. The relatives mentioned above come from the Nettles line, which is Wickman's mother's maiden name - look it up if you get the chance.
I hope you are all doing well. It was great to see everybody. Lots of love, Marisa
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Messages for Grandma...
March 01, 2009
To Helen's Family;
I am so sorry to hear of Helen's death. I and my family knew her many years ago when we lived in the "low country". My brother, John, was with Wick when he died in the airplane crash. I saw Helen at a high school reunion in Bluffton and I met Wick's sister for the first time two years ago when my husband and I visited a school mate who lives in Bluffton. I remember well three beautiful little girls who had a beautiful mother.
My thoughts are with you.
God bless you.
I am so sorry to hear of Helen's death. I and my family knew her many years ago when we lived in the "low country". My brother, John, was with Wick when he died in the airplane crash. I saw Helen at a high school reunion in Bluffton and I met Wick's sister for the first time two years ago when my husband and I visited a school mate who lives in Bluffton. I remember well three beautiful little girls who had a beautiful mother.
My thoughts are with you.
God bless you.
February 18, 2009
Melanie my friend, I'm more sadden then you know that I wasn't able to hug you and talk to you and your family. I loved your mother and will always have great memories from Mornarch Way. I feel blessed to have spent time with all of you and hope to say in touch. eaduncan4@yahoo.com
February 18, 2009
HI girls. First, I want to say how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your mother, aunt Helen. But I want all of you to know of the impact she and Adrian had on the life of my wife (Kay) and I. We feel the time we spent with them in Utah helped us on the path to being closer to our "Heavenly Father". She meant so much to me, and I will miss her, dearly. I love you all.
Wayman Shuman
Brooklet, Georgia
Wayman Shuman
Brooklet, Georgia
Aunt Helen will surely be missed. She touched our hearts and had more of an inpact in our lives than she will ever know. We love all you girls!
February 16, 2009
My love to the family of Aunt Helen. I appreciate the opportunity to have known her, it was an honor. She taught us what was important in life, family!
February 15, 2009
If Helen's history is written, it will be a great read! Loved her colorful stories, especially of her childhood in the South.... singing and walking around the turkeys to put them to sleep!
xo
pam and verdi
xo
pam and verdi
February 14, 2009
We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you at this time. Our prayers are always with you.
Love,
Mark and Lorie "Gibbons" Ross
Love,
Mark and Lorie "Gibbons" Ross
February 14, 2009
Helen was a great influence on my wife Leianne as a young woman.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the family. Her passing is a great loss to us all.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the family. Her passing is a great loss to us all.
February 13, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Love Marilee Smuin & family
Love Marilee Smuin & family
February 13, 2009
Helen, like Helen of Troy, was one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. She was vivacious, a little bit mischievous, fun, loved people, and was an inspiration for many. I hate to think she is gone.
I lived by her in Old Farm, where she lived for years. She was a lovely lady, and will be missed. I think of her with love. Such a smile, such movie star teeth and beauty. She was beautiful within, as well.
A friend, Marianne Buchanan
Draper
I lived by her in Old Farm, where she lived for years. She was a lovely lady, and will be missed. I think of her with love. Such a smile, such movie star teeth and beauty. She was beautiful within, as well.
A friend, Marianne Buchanan
Draper
February 13, 2009
Dear Teresa and Doug,
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you at this time. I know you will miss your mom. Sometimes I think that we think they are immortal. Though I did not know her she sounds like a wonderful example and she obviously raised a sweet and caring family by the example I see through you, Teresa. Keep those happy memories in your heart.
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you at this time. I know you will miss your mom. Sometimes I think that we think they are immortal. Though I did not know her she sounds like a wonderful example and she obviously raised a sweet and caring family by the example I see through you, Teresa. Keep those happy memories in your heart.
February 13, 2009
Dear Family:
Aunt Helen was a wonderful, beautiful and loving lady that will be missed. She raised an awesome family and taught them all Christian values, family ties, and good times. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let the wonderful memories carry you through.
Love you,
Your Cousin Ginger
Virginia (McCormack) Brannen
Aunt Helen was a wonderful, beautiful and loving lady that will be missed. She raised an awesome family and taught them all Christian values, family ties, and good times. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let the wonderful memories carry you through.
Love you,
Your Cousin Ginger
Virginia (McCormack) Brannen
February 13, 2009
My love to each of you and prayers to all. I am there in spirit with you.May God bless you at this time.I passed love letters to Helen from her husband Wickman before they were married. She was a beautiful girl.She truly loved life and will be missed by all. She and Dick will be having a ball.
Hi Family of Helen,
We were on our Mission with Helen and Adrian in Ohio, and spent some good times with them, they were great missionaries, fun friends, we miss them very much. Luena Howell Francom
We were on our Mission with Helen and Adrian in Ohio, and spent some good times with them, they were great missionaries, fun friends, we miss them very much. Luena Howell Francom
February 12, 2009
The Carruth family offers our condolences to Helen's family. So many years, so many memories, from the Holladay 15th Ward to most recently at Highland Care Center.
Dear Linda, Kathy, Teresa, Melanie (and families):
This is a great loss in the Shuman Family (on this side of the veil) because Aunt Helen is the one that kept all the Shumans together and conected . . .we will miss her love, laughter, and stories. We are grateful for her four outstanding daughters and the grandchildren to carry on her legacy! Our love and sympathy, Jan Black, Julaine, Jennifer and Janelle
This is a great loss in the Shuman Family (on this side of the veil) because Aunt Helen is the one that kept all the Shumans together and conected . . .we will miss her love, laughter, and stories. We are grateful for her four outstanding daughters and the grandchildren to carry on her legacy! Our love and sympathy, Jan Black, Julaine, Jennifer and Janelle
Thank you Helen, for being a great neighbor and friend for many years. You were a great example to me on living a gospel centered life and raising a great family. love and condolences to that great family at this sad time.
February 12, 2009
Dear Teresa,
I want to offer my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. She was an amazing lady, always smiling, positive and upbeat as I remember her. I have never forgotten the story of her selling family portrait photos door to door and taking a cooking roast as the deposit payment for the photo shoot. She was a great lady. My best to you, your sisters and extended family.
I want to offer my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. She was an amazing lady, always smiling, positive and upbeat as I remember her. I have never forgotten the story of her selling family portrait photos door to door and taking a cooking roast as the deposit payment for the photo shoot. She was a great lady. My best to you, your sisters and extended family.
February 12, 2009
Teresa and Family, We have had great times together, happy and sad. We grieve with you for the loss of your mother and share your peace that she is free. Your precious memories of her will bring you great comfort. Thank you for sharing that tender experience with Pres. Monson. We send our love,
February 12, 2009
Dear Family of Helen,
My husband, Chalo, and I send our love and memories of Helen. We are in the Study Group that she and Adrian belonged before his death. We still read Helen's Christmas story booklet that she gave to each of us a couple of years ago when we have our annual Christmas party. Both Helen and Adrian are happy memories for all of us!! We're grateful to have known them.
My husband, Chalo, and I send our love and memories of Helen. We are in the Study Group that she and Adrian belonged before his death. We still read Helen's Christmas story booklet that she gave to each of us a couple of years ago when we have our annual Christmas party. Both Helen and Adrian are happy memories for all of us!! We're grateful to have known them.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Remember Me
She could tan just being near the sun.
>
I wanted to share these of mother just before she passed to the other side. I think she looks terrific. I hope we can all remember her fun, her enthusiasm, her true zest for life. As hard as it was she was up for a day at the beach, even if she couldn't go in the sand but had to stay on the pier at Hanalei Bay.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Pictures from the Funeral...
It was so good to see everyone! It was such a peaceful day and in it's own way, was a happy day as well! I am posting all of the pictures that Kara and I took from that day, feel free to click on any pictures, then right click and hit "Save Image As" so that you can have your own copies of the pictures!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
You Will Be Missed
I am probably the only person who will read this but I think it is therapeutic in some way. You are leaving a huge hole in our family. I can't think of many people who have been so fortunate to have had a grandma who loves to play with her grandkids nonstop. Your house was so full of love and you brought that love whenever you visited us.
I have to admit that I feel awful about not writing or calling more often. A few days ago I sent you a Valentine's day card but what I really should have done was call you also. I miss your laugh and how your eyes light up when you get excited.
I am so grateful to have had the chance to spend your last night in Salt Lake with you. Even though you weren't feeling well and may not remember everything that we did that night it is going to be a cherished memory. I just wish I had known it was going to be my last time seeing you; I wold have hugged you longer and sat and had you pat and hold my hand longer and I would have tried to hear your infectious laugh a few more times.
How grateful I am for the knowledge of eternity and that I will have the opportunity to see you again. In the meantime I am excited for you to sit with your mom and get to know her; to hang out with your brothers and sisters and to connect with old friends and new. I hope you get to look after those who haven't yet come so that my kids will have had a part of you too -they'd be so lucky.
I bought a ton of tweety bird press-on tattoos in your honor. I think I'm going to see if everyone in the family will wear them at your funeral. Hopefully the sight of all of these happy yellow birds around will bring some joy and light to an otherwise sad day.
I love you and am going to miss you. Thank you for being my grandma.
Love,
Kara
I have to admit that I feel awful about not writing or calling more often. A few days ago I sent you a Valentine's day card but what I really should have done was call you also. I miss your laugh and how your eyes light up when you get excited.
I am so grateful to have had the chance to spend your last night in Salt Lake with you. Even though you weren't feeling well and may not remember everything that we did that night it is going to be a cherished memory. I just wish I had known it was going to be my last time seeing you; I wold have hugged you longer and sat and had you pat and hold my hand longer and I would have tried to hear your infectious laugh a few more times.
How grateful I am for the knowledge of eternity and that I will have the opportunity to see you again. In the meantime I am excited for you to sit with your mom and get to know her; to hang out with your brothers and sisters and to connect with old friends and new. I hope you get to look after those who haven't yet come so that my kids will have had a part of you too -they'd be so lucky.
I bought a ton of tweety bird press-on tattoos in your honor. I think I'm going to see if everyone in the family will wear them at your funeral. Hopefully the sight of all of these happy yellow birds around will bring some joy and light to an otherwise sad day.
I love you and am going to miss you. Thank you for being my grandma.
Love,
Kara
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