It was the summer of 1969 and I found myself homesick for
Texas and disillusioned about the 'Hippy' scene in San Francsisco. My aunt Helen
drove me and 'boy-friend-for-the-week' to Santa Barabra. She bought us a bus
ticket to Bakersfield (with what I later learned was what she had saved of her
'allowance') and $30.00 for food. We hitched-hiked from Bakersfield to Galveston
safely. She never tried to change who I thought I was or my dreams of what I
wanted to be. She just tried to keep me safe. She will always live on in my
memories...she painted them withbright and true colors. I love you
Aunt Helen!!!
Cynthia Conner-Haggerton (Lufkin, TX)
Wow, hmm, I really wanted to see Helen before she set her departure. No one to blame but myself on this count, I just failed to make it a priority, I knew she was leaving. I feel like I never really knew her.
It seems so strange to me, this distance between myself and the elder members of my family. Why is it that we allow ourselves to become so isolated from one another? Am I to resign myself to lonesome alienation as my future fate? Am I to wile away my late hours in silent contemplation of white walls and sanitized serving trays?
Ah, but I am indulging my pessimistic hider-in-the-shadows. It would be presumptuous to assume that Helen felt this alienation I speak of, which in truth reflects only a lack of relationship from my own perspective. Through her relationship with the divine, I think perhaps she did find much companionship and solace.
I invite her spirit to accompany me wherever I may travel. I do feel this love for her, I know she had affection for me. I would have liked to tell her that I love her, and Jesus... it's true you know. Beyond all dogmas and religious conceptions of what Jesus(Yeshua) is/was... I love Love, and I love
all the great lovers. We all need inspiration to summon the courage to love deeply and openly.
I have great respect and admiration for the strength of Helen's love and faith. I wish I had made more effort to see her alone so that I might have felt the true, undiluted flavor of her presence. I never once had a private conversation with my grandmother.
This is my truth.
Joel Maurer (7th ring of Saturn)
My great grandma Helen was so kind. I loved her so much. I remember playing checkers with her at the Carolton Plaza in Hayward. It was sad for all of us for her to die. If she didn't have diabetes I'm sure that she would have lived to be 100 years old. I will miss you great grandma SO MUCH! Nisa Linda Zamora (Napa, CA)
Dearest Linda, Sonny, Karl and Roseanne...Oh, How I miss your
mother.
My dearest sister, Helen, was my favorite sister. When I was ill she called me EVERYDAY. In turn, I called her everyday. We would laugh, talk and sign with each other over the phone. We made each other's day!! When Ben and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary...Helen flew out inspite of having a broken arm and foot. She said she would not have missed comming to help us celebrate for anything. She had been my matron of honor..Oh, how beautiful she was. Helen always made us feel welcomed in her home when we came out from Texas.
I hope you gain peace from knowing that your mother was LOVED by many.
Prayers and Blessings to ALL Helen's family.
Love Aunt Nancy
Nancy Thompson-Conner (Galveston Island, TX)
o Helen's family and loved ones, I thank God for my mother
being willing to give of herself to make it possible for Helen and I to be
sisters. I left Calif. at 20 but in later years we got to enjoy each other after
the death of my 1st husband. I married an independent missionary with a limited
income. If it had not been for Helen's kindness toward Bro. Bryan and I, we
would not have been able to go to our family reunion at Hazel's or the one at
Dorothy's, not would I be enjoying the Guidepost in large print. Near the last,
Helen's eyes being bad, I'd read the one year Bible to her over the phone. At
the last, Linda would hold the phone to her ear and I'd sing "Jesus loves Helen
This I know" and "Everything's Bright in my Father's House, There won't be any
more pain in my Father's House".
I'll miss her sweet fellowship, trust those left behind will get acquainted with our Savior, and read His love letter (The Bible) to be ready to be with Helen.
May the Lord bless each loved one of hers, for He is the "God of all comfort" Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.
Helen's sister just younger than her,
Ruby May Thompson G. Williams
16550 Varnado Rd.
Walker, LA 70785
Ruby May Thompson Williams (Walker, LA)
Linda dearest, I watched you all these years give so much to
your mother and learn so much from her. She was truly an amazing woman. If only
she could have told her story the way it really was.
"If just one woman told the story of her life, the world would break wide open." Muriel Rukeyser.
Kali Grosberg (Oakland, CA)
From across the water in London I want to send my loving thoughts to my dear friend Linda-Marie. I remember how kind and loving she and Kali were when my Mother died in the UK in 1989 and I was miles away in San Francisco. I also remember the loving warmth extended to me from Linda's Mom when we visited. With love and warmth to you who remain on this planet with us and blessings to Linda's Mom for having been with us. Jennifer McCabe (London England UK)
My mother had a fun loving side
Linda Marie Pillay (San Francisco, CA)