Christa
Dear precious Jeanene, my heart is heavy. Yet, it’s comforting to know that your many unanswered questions about where you are now, are answered.
You loved to hear about my memories lived as a child in Germany’s horrendous Second World War. Sometimes, I saw you straining to hear, promised you to speak up louder, but often was carried away by my memories.
You wondered why I sincerely look at you as my inspiration and why I loved the hours I was privileged to have in your company. You were so humble. You made me think of a phrase I read when I was a young student in Paris, France. It’s from the French writer, statesman, philosopher, etc. Andre Malraux in his book La Condition Humane (The Human Condition) and says something like this (probably my own rephrasing): Important is to leave a trace on this earth. I think that you don’t find the quotation anywhere, but it has been etched in my heart forever.
Well, look at your awesome family. You left an amazing trace. I personally know only Karen who is my neighbor and has been an exceptional guide for me being part of our wonderful ward. I know about her gifted hands and have the pleasure to possess and admire her creations. I give a deep thankyou also to Vaughn, her husband; Vaughn who baptized me and guided specials blessings when I needed them.
Valerie, I know you only through your writings; the richness of your vocabulary, the accurateness of their usage, your endless research, and many more distinctive characteristics absolutely capture me. The first of your books I read was Until Hope Whispers. At the second page I screamed out loud: “Finally somebody who knows how to write.” Since then, I haven’t stopped downloading and borrowing more. I really owe you a lot of reviews. They will come when my desire to have a magic wand to transform each day into a 36 hour day comes true. Only kiddidng, of course. Gifted has a special meaning for me. I take care of my husband, a retired airborne Special Forces (Green Beret) reservist with a once brilliant mind and an exceptionally high IQ. It has now mutated into cognitive darkness due to Vascular Dementia. He lives at home with me. I am his care giver. You will understand. Know that English is my fourth language, but my entire life has been filled with speaking, reading, studying, writing, even dreaming in all “my” different languages. Words for me have and always had colors and sounds. I don’t know of a special artistic talent I have, but I try to see and live my life with all its changes, detours, challenges, different cultures and countries as an artistic kaleidoscope in which all of you are precious colorful tiles.
I am eager to possess at least one of your other daughter’s minute paintings. I know other family members by bits and pieces from your sayings: A remarkable family how you were a remarkable person.
Jeanene, you are and always will be part of my precious life caleidoscope. I will miss you tremendously and will miss the meaningful messages that I found in my mailbox so often. I am glad that I kept them all. I feel so honored that you allowed me to wear the beautiful gown you are wearing now when I lately went to the Temple for my endowment. Your person is gone, but your sweet spirit will be with me as long as I am on this part of the veil. With Heavenly Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit and in the name of His beloved son Jesus Christ who is among us, I believe that we are united forever.
Christa
