Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week.
Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month.
As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are:
"Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!)
We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps.
She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family.
Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.)
Love and peace, Linda
Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA
Dear Helen, I am go glad to sing your praises, maybe the Queen of the cemetery house in DC. I remember you as a leader in corporateness, in playing the necessary role, in living your life. When we were all dragging, you and Bill were cheering us on. What a couple. We love you. Journey on in gracious peace. John And your "kids" are chips off the off block of what you (and Bill) are made of, and I'm sure the grandkids are too. _____ From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com Hello everyone, I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are: "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps. She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family. Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.) Love and peace, Linda Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA
Well Helen, from the "cemetery House," as John puts it, to the top of a warehouse, then an old abandoned school in Ivy City; you certainly made your mark on Washington, DC. You and Bill quickly became the continuity and an invaluable resource when the House was moved to Ivy City and we launched the Ivy City HDP. Your fearless presence and tenacious work ethic was visible in the house and throughout the community. Most notably, I remember how you worked in kinding food, goods and services and involved community people in shadowing you. You enabled them to feel a new kind of power and ownership as they took responsibility for their preschool and youth programs and community wide events. As Fred Wilson, one of the saints of Ivy City use to say, "That's one feisty little woman." I salute you and pray God's Blessing and His Peace for you and your family. Joyce On Sun, Feb 3, 2013 at 3:29 PM, John Cock <jpc2025@triad.rr.com> wrote:
** ** ** **
Dear Helen,****
** **
I am go glad to sing your praises, maybe the Queen of the cemetery house in DC. I remember you as a leader in corporateness, in playing the necessary role, in living your life. When we were all dragging, you and Bill were cheering us on. What a couple.****
** **
We love you. Journey on in gracious peace.****
** **
John****
** **
And your “kids” are chips off the off block of what you (and Bill) are made of, and I’m sure the grandkids are too.****
** ** ------------------------------
*From:* dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] *On Behalf Of *Carol Crow *Sent:* Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM *To:* Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community *Subject:* [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk****
** **
Dear Friends,****
** **
I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in ****Virginia****, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from ****Serbia** ** but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving.****
** **
Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week.****
** **
*Subject: **Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013*****
*Reply-To: *ljknutsen@gmail.com****
** **
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month.
As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are:
"Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!)
We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps.
She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family.
Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.)
Love and peace, Linda
****
Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community,****
** **
Carol Crow****
Patricia's Housemate in ****Bothell**, **WA********
_______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Dear Newkirk Family and Friends, We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC. Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition. Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members. Louise and Jack Ballard -----Original Message----- From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com Hello everyone, I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are: "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps. She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family. Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.) Love and peace, Linda Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA
Dear Newkirk family, I don't have particular stories and remembrances of the Newkirks, but I do remember Helen and Bill as two of the most authentic, lovely people I ever met. I send love and prayers as Helen continues this stage of her journey...and hugs and peace to the family. Priscilla Wilson On Feb 5, 2013, at 7:36 PM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote:
Dear Newkirk Family and Friends,
We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC.
Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition.
Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members.
Louise and Jack Ballard -----Original Message----- From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk
Dear Friends,
I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving.
Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week.
Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month.
As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are:
"Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!)
We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps.
She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family.
Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.)
Love and peace, Linda
Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community,
Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Priscilla H Wilson Pris@TeamTechPress.com 913-432-2107 www.teamtechpress.com
I really knew Helen after she and Bill moved to Utopia, TX, and we were in Smithville, TX. We visited them a couple of times at their B&B--what a treat that was. At that time, Helen zipped around in a VW convertible, and I must say I was envious! Subsequently, Helen and I attended some women's retreats which were conducted by our long-time colleagues. The last time I saw Helen was at one of those retreats, just before she left for Denver to help take care of new triplets that belonged to her niece. She said she hadn't been sure where her next tour of duty was going to be, but after these babies arrived, her mission was clear. Helen, you and your family are amazing people--and will continue to amaze, I have no doubt! Grace and Peace, Doris Hahn On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:19 PM, Wilson Priscilla <Pris@teamtechpress.com>wrote:
Dear Newkirk family, I don't have particular stories and remembrances of the Newkirks, but I do remember Helen and Bill as two of the most authentic, lovely people I ever met. I send love and prayers as Helen continues this stage of her journey...and hugs and peace to the family. Priscilla Wilson
On Feb 5, 2013, at 7:36 PM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote:
Dear Newkirk Family and Friends,
We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC.
Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition.
Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members.
Louise and Jack Ballard
-----Original Message----- *From:* dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]*On Behalf Of *Carol Crow *Sent:* Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM *To:* Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community *Subject:* [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk
Dear Friends,
I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving.
Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week.
*Subject: **Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013* *Reply-To: *ljknutsen@gmail.com
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month.
As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are:
"Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!)
We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps.
She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family.
Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.)
Love and peace, Linda
Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community,
Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA
_______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Priscilla H Wilson Pris@TeamTechPress.com 913-432-2107 www.teamtechpress.com
_______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
My first memory of the strong and committed Newkirk family was the several times I was assigned to teach RSI with Bill back in the mid 60s. I'm guessing we were both "regional colleagues" at that point, soon to become part of the OE. I didn't know Helen well, but always saw her as the kind of intentional woman we all aspired to being in those days (and ever since.) When our just-turned-three-years old twins were barely potty trained (by Nan Bailey) and sent to camp for the first time, Patty was Ben's counselor - such a dear and kind presence who allowed these two little guys to connect, especially holding hands at Daily Office. Patty - thank you so much! Especially for communicating with us. Joe and I especially admired Jim - a strong, focused spirit man, quite like his Dad. With much love and respect for an amazing Mom and her family, Marilyn and Joe Marilyn R. Crocker, Ed.D 123 Sanborn Rd West Newfield, ME 04095 From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Doris Hahn Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 5:36 PM To: Colleague Dialogue Subject: Re: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk I really knew Helen after she and Bill moved to Utopia, TX, and we were in Smithville, TX. We visited them a couple of times at their B&B--what a treat that was. At that time, Helen zipped around in a VW convertible, and I must say I was envious! Subsequently, Helen and I attended some women's retreats which were conducted by our long-time colleagues. The last time I saw Helen was at one of those retreats, just before she left for Denver to help take care of new triplets that belonged to her niece. She said she hadn't been sure where her next tour of duty was going to be, but after these babies arrived, her mission was clear. Helen, you and your family are amazing people--and will continue to amaze, I have no doubt! Grace and Peace, Doris Hahn On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:19 PM, Wilson Priscilla <Pris@teamtechpress.com> wrote: Dear Newkirk family, I don't have particular stories and remembrances of the Newkirks, but I do remember Helen and Bill as two of the most authentic, lovely people I ever met. I send love and prayers as Helen continues this stage of her journey...and hugs and peace to the family. Priscilla Wilson On Feb 5, 2013, at 7:36 PM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote: Dear Newkirk Family and Friends, We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC. Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition. Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members. Louise and Jack Ballard -----Original Message----- From: <mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net> dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto: <mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net> dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: <mailto:ljknutsen@gmail.com> ljknutsen@gmail.com Hello everyone, I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are: "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps. She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family. Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.) Love and peace, Linda Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net Priscilla H Wilson <mailto:Pris@TeamTechPress.com> Pris@TeamTechPress.com <tel:913-432-2107> 913-432-2107 <http://www.teamtechpress.com> www.teamtechpress.com _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Dear Helen and Newkirk family, We will remember Helen (and Bill) at our monthly House Church on Sunday. Blessings, Louise and Jack -----Original Message----- From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Marilyn Crocker Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 6:08 PM To: 'Colleague Dialogue' Subject: Re: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk My first memory of the strong and committed Newkirk family was the several times I was assigned to teach RSI with Bill back in the mid 60s. I'm guessing we were both "regional colleagues" at that point, soon to become part of the OE. I didn't know Helen well, but always saw her as the kind of intentional woman we all aspired to being in those days (and ever since.) When our just-turned-three-years old twins were barely potty trained (by Nan Bailey) and sent to camp for the first time, Patty was Ben's counselor - such a dear and kind presence who allowed these two little guys to connect, especially holding hands at Daily Office. Patty - thank you so much! Especially for communicating with us. Joe and I especially admired Jim - a strong, focused spirit man, quite like his Dad. With much love and respect for an amazing Mom and her family, Marilyn and Joe Marilyn R. Crocker, Ed.D 123 Sanborn Rd West Newfield, ME 04095 From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Doris Hahn Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 5:36 PM To: Colleague Dialogue Subject: Re: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk I really knew Helen after she and Bill moved to Utopia, TX, and we were in Smithville, TX. We visited them a couple of times at their B&B--what a treat that was. At that time, Helen zipped around in a VW convertible, and I must say I was envious! Subsequently, Helen and I attended some women's retreats which were conducted by our long-time colleagues. The last time I saw Helen was at one of those retreats, just before she left for Denver to help take care of new triplets that belonged to her niece. She said she hadn't been sure where her next tour of duty was going to be, but after these babies arrived, her mission was clear. Helen, you and your family are amazing people--and will continue to amaze, I have no doubt! Grace and Peace, Doris Hahn On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:19 PM, Wilson Priscilla <Pris@teamtechpress.com> wrote: Dear Newkirk family, I don't have particular stories and remembrances of the Newkirks, but I do remember Helen and Bill as two of the most authentic, lovely people I ever met. I send love and prayers as Helen continues this stage of her journey...and hugs and peace to the family. Priscilla Wilson On Feb 5, 2013, at 7:36 PM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote: Dear Newkirk Family and Friends, We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC. Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition. Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members. Louise and Jack Ballard -----Original Message----- From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com Hello everyone, I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are: "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps. She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family. Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.) Love and peace, Linda Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net Priscilla H Wilson Pris@TeamTechPress.com 913-432-2107 www.teamtechpress.com _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Jan and I remember Helen and Bill as fewllow founding members of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. I even remember being a substitute Sunday School teacher for dear Patricia. Bill and Helen became good friends long before the EI days. While on a business trip to WAshingtin, DC, I had lunch with Bill, and he made me promise to take RS-I. I agreed. That night he took me to a temporary religious house in nearby Virginia, where I saw and hugged Dear Helen again. When my best friend Bill died Helen asked me to officiate in the scattering of his ashes in the creedk that ran behind their house in Utopia, TX. We've seen Helen twice in more recent years when she's come to the Northwest on Grandma Duty. We know and love her eternally. Jan talked with her on the phone for an hour or so about a month ago, when she sounded pretty good. That Call was a blessing for us. We continue to be eternally grateful for that RS-1 promise I made to Bill. It led to a number of EI courses in Clumbia, MO, and eventually two years of internship in 5th City. Previously Jan had participated in Summer '71, and me in Summer '72. We were in 5th City '73-'75 .Jan followed up wiith lots more preschool teaching later, and headed up Leadership Options later on. It has all been quite a jouney and Bill and Helen Newkirk were right at the center of it all. Grace and peace, Bud Ames -----Original Message----- From: Doris Hahn <dshahn31@gmail.com> To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net> Sent: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 2:36 pm Subject: Re: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk I really knew Helen after she and Bill moved to Utopia, TX, and we were in Smithville, TX. We visited them a couple of times at their B&B--what a treat that was. At that time, Helen zipped around in a VW convertible, and I must say I was envious! Subsequently, Helen and I attended some women's retreats which were conducted by our long-time colleagues. The last time I saw Helen was at one of those retreats, just before she left for Denver to help take care of new triplets that belonged to her niece. She said she hadn't been sure where her next tour of duty was going to be, but after these babies arrived, her mission was clear. Helen, you and your family are amazing people--and will continue to amaze, I have no doubt! Grace and Peace, Doris Hahn On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:19 PM, Wilson Priscilla <Pris@teamtechpress.com> wrote: Dear Newkirk family, I don't have particular stories and remembrances of the Newkirks, but I do remember Helen and Bill as two of the most authentic, lovely people I ever met. I send love and prayers as Helen continues this stage of her journey...and hugs and peace to the family. Priscilla Wilson On Feb 5, 2013, at 7:36 PM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote: Dear Newkirk Family and Friends, We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC. Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition. Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members. Louise and Jack Ballard -----Original Message----- From: dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]On Behalf Of Carol Crow Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 Reply-To: ljknutsen@gmail.com Hello everyone, I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are: "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps. She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family. Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.) Love and peace, Linda Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net Priscilla H Wilson Pris@TeamTechPress.com 913-432-2107 www.teamtechpress.com _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ ialogue mailing list ialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net ttp://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net
Dear Jack and Louise It was a great time. Sent my remembrances direct to Linda and Jim With Bill and Helen and all of our community my growing up experience would have been quite different, Thank you all With love and respect, Larry Lawrence Philbrook, Certified ToP Facilitator Director, Institute of Cultural Affairs Taiwan www.icatw.com Tel: 8862-2871-3150 Fax: 8862-2871-2870 Skype: icalarry On 2/6/2013 9:36 AM, Jack and Louise Ballard wrote:
Dear Newkirk Family and Friends, We are so sad to learn about Helen's condition. Oh, my, the amazing memories we carry of Helen and Bill. Jack and I were a couple of young naive interns who showed up at the Decalceolate Carmelite Monastery at 4th and Rhode Island Ave. DC on January 1, 1971. How could we have been prepared for the likes of Helen Newkirk? She and Bill (and Linda who was attending U of Md) were priors and there was a youth component, including Larry Philbrook. Needless to say, it was a very lively place. Helen was the most irrepressible person I'd ever met. That is putting it mildly. Her question was always: Is it MISSIONAL? Will it get the MISSION accomplished? It was always about the mission. Her very favorite saying was "That's no problem". No matter how large or small the issue, to Helen it was simply "No problem." I remember her telling the story that she and Bill never cancelled an event just because of the weather. You could always figure out a way to have a picnic! Do you remember the hours we spent in the Collegium Room (the large end of the basement) covering those damp and crumbling walls with burlap? Bill apparently had a contact through the Forest Sevice to get us burlap that is usually wrapped around the ball of trees. Days and days were spent stapling the walls with burlap and it worked well enough to keep the moisture out and the walls together. Many Odysseys and area events as well as daily life went on in that room. I think no one realized what hit them when they first encountered this truly spirit-filled woman. She seemed unflappable. We are always grateful that Bill and Helen were selected to stand for the order at our Chris' baptism after he was born that year in DC. Helen has always continued to be the one with the big smile, the sparkle in her eye, the one full of optimism. Please send our hugs, our prayers and our love to Helen as she makes this Great Transition. Our love and prayers go to the family as well: Linda, Jim, Patricia, Lisa and David and all the family members. Louise and Jack Ballard
-----Original Message----- *From:* dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net]*On Behalf Of *Carol Crow *Sent:* Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:43 AM *To:* Colleague Dialogue; Order Ecumenical Community *Subject:* [Dialogue] Helen Newkirk
Dear Friends,
I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen@gmail.com <mailto:ljknutsen@gmail.com>. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving.
Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week.
*Subject: **Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013* *Reply-To: *ljknutsen@gmail.com <mailto:ljknutsen@gmail.com>
Hello everyone,
I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month.
As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My favorites are:
"Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!)
We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short periods between naps.
She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, wild and wonderful friends and family.
Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do that now and share with her all your loving communications.)
Love and peace, Linda
Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community,
Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA
participants (9)
-
Carol Crow -
Doris Hahn -
Jack and Louise Ballard -
jbames10＠aol.com -
John Cock -
Joyce Sloan -
Lawrence Philbrook -
Marilyn Crocker -
Wilson Priscilla