Merry Christmas

I got these socks from Georgia as a Christmas present when we were in high school...which means they are at least a decade old. Maybe that's gross to have held on to them for all these years, but hey, I do wash them. I keep them in my sock drawer all year and wait in eager anticipation for the weekend of Thanksgiving when I can "legally" pull them out and wear them.

I know that since I'm almost thirty, it's slightly ridiculous to run around with sparkling snowflakes, reindeer and trees on my toes. But the socks make me smile, as does the absurdity of wearing them. I like to think Georgia would find it funny too.

And they fill me with reminders of her, that most Christ-like of people, during this beautiful season of remembering Him.

Merry Christmas, Georgia. And thanks for the socks.

The birthday Princess(a day late)

Happy birthday my dearest Georgia!!!

I found this picture while looking through old photos!! You were at my birthday party and look so darling( I think we were about 5)!! When I think of you, I think of the song by Josh Groban , ' You Raise Me Up.' Just a few of the lines to share:

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary; When troubles come and my heart burdened be; Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Georgia you really do 'raise me up' and so many others!! You sweet gentle spirit, your amazing smile that could light up a room and your Christ-like love that you showed to anyone you came in contact with! Thank you for your great example, I miss and love you! your cousin--

Karin

p.s. me and your mom were talking the other day and I told her that I felt you had a hand in sending me my boys, and she agreed and said you probably were best little friends! thank you Georgia Bean!

3 Squeezes...

The quirks and fun personality traits that Georgia still has in my heart are just timeless for me.
I have a story about my friend/fellow missonary Sister Marriott, and it just fills my soul when I remember it.
Georgia and I were dancing partners during our time in Nauvoo together, and we did this one dance where we Polka danced around the stage in a circle with all the other missonaries, and ended up in the finishing pose where I was kneeling on the ground in front of her on one knee, holding one hand, her other hand raised high in the air, and her face smiling to the audience with that Huge true simle just beaming. It was almost so cheesy it made me laugh every time. After the 18th million time doing the show, as so it felt, one day as we made that final pose for that scene, I squeezed her hand 3 times subtly so no one could see. She immediatley got the "what are you doing?, while smiling, waiting for the audience to stop clapping...face!" So...after she saw my smirk as we changed scenes, she looked back at me and I could tell that it was "Game ON!" Then a couple scenes later I finished a scene with the Elders and the Sisters were looking up at us, pretty much the exact opposite situation, I looked down at the Sisters "while still in charater" and there was Georgia....crossed eyed...! I just folded. Couldn't even stay in character!
We continued those types of exchanges through out rest of the summer shows.

Georgia. Thank you sweetie for all the FUN and pure joy that you brought into my life. I know that you continue to elevate our expectations to help us see through the vail of what we think life is, and assist us in seeing life for its true eternity, as we were created. That is one of your gifts. I love you and Praise our Father for creating you and having you in my life.

Your Friend for-E-ver!
Brad

aka. Elder Glauser

I just got done listening to that song of Georgia singing and cried alot! Thank you so much for posting that:) I havent heard her voice in 7 years and it was so angelic!! What an amazing person she is! I took flowers to her grave on Saturday and thought how weird it still is to see the head stone. She amazes me, the more stories I hear about her, the more I am marveled by her! My hope is that someday I can touch even a fraction as many people as dear sweet Georgia has! Her testimony keeps me going and inspires me all the time! Oh how I love her and cant wait to see her again! Love you Georgia Bean

Seven years

So much has happened, so much time has passed.

And yet, every time September 25 rolls around I can't help but feel the same ache I felt seven years ago, like I'd been punched so hard the wind was knocked out of me and I couldn't breathe. I know she wouldn't want me to be sad, but sometimes I can't help it. I just miss her, and I miss her in my life. I started crying over my french fries at lunch today; and then laughed at the idiocy of it.

I brought her more sunflowers tonight, a gift from Cami, Haleigh and myself. Tears streamed down my face as I drove past the other graves to an all-too-familiar spot, and I was afraid to get out the car, sure I would lose my composure. But I took a deep breath and reminded myself that it was a privilege to pay homage to her memory in this way; not everyone who loves her lives close enough to have this privilege. So, for Cami and Haleigh, I got out of the car.

And something happened as I opened my car door. I was filled with peace; love and understanding and patience and courage and long-suffering poured over my soul and took the pain away. The sadness wasn't gone, but the sharp pain was. My life will go on, her life will go on. Some day we'll be reunited., of that there is no doubt in my mind. But until then, I will visit every Fall, with sunflowers in hand. I will grow old and gray and wrinkly. But I'll still come. If only to feel again that beautiful peace I felt this evening.

Still 21

The years have passed quickly since Georgia went back to Heavenly Father. Sally is married with 3 babies. I've lived in multiple countries and worked for large and small corporations. But Georgia stays 21, invigorated, full of bright testimony, bravely taking on the world.
I feel a little clumsy in my writing, which is why I've not posted anything before, but out of love for Georgia's family and her memory, I though it worth an attempt to write a couple thoughts.
I remember Georgia wrapping her blanket around her shoulders and feigning dismay as she chanted, "sackcloth and ashes," when faced with an exam or other nuisance.
I remember stepping outside the apartment door with a new boyfriend, hoping for a first kiss. Something in Georgia's eyes spoke mischief as I was leaving, and when I covered the peephole with my thumb, Georgia squealed from inside the door, caught in her spying.
So many memories, small and great. She left at 21, but she lives on in those of us who were permanently affected by her friendship and affection.

On September 25, 2009

Thoughts go to Georgia today and really for me all week. I laughed as I remember her coming for Thanksgiving in Arizona one year and we tried to make mashed potatoes and kept agreeing that we needed to keep beating the potatoes - then at the feast, gagging at the grossness of them. We had a good laugh. I remember her in joy for all things even the hard things, she kept her head high and just roll up her sleeves, hair in ponies, and getting to it. Whatever she touched she spread her light, it was if it just followed her around. Love you Georgia, Paige

Georgia and Bach G Minor

I just listened to Georgia's Bach G Minor--thanks for putting that up, Kate. What a unique experience to hear that piece, just as I heard it in Recital Hall years ago. I think I was experiencing it both past and present at the same time somehow, and it made me think of how music transcends time, from Bach, to Georgia, to me then, to me now. I was impressed by Georgia's talent when I heard it the first time, but even more by the hidden depth of her artistry and personality. There's something transcendent about her performance of the work, music that goes beyond the bounds of her physical maturity. There was a greatness to her soul that I hadn't discovered until I heard her play this. I bet she and Bach are good friends by now.

Journal Entry Four

May 24, 2002

"I dare say, each day is just plain better with the preface of scripture study. In fact, that is necessary for my soul. It needs peace and help constantly. In Alma 37:34, Alma speaks to his son, Helaman that good works, meekness, lowliness of heart will yield rest to his soul. Isn't that interesting? In the very acts that come difficultly to us are the ones that will give us rest. I can attest to that! Yeah, hiking, dating, blah, blah, blah is exciting and fun, but it never yields the peace of soul that true service of humility does. As I read, my soul was slowly saturated in strength."

New Music Player

As the week of September 25 arrives, I decided it was high time I get the music posted. I apologize for the delay in this. It took some work to get it up, but that is not a great excuse. So, if you scroll down a little you'll find a music player where you can listen to the memorial concert at IU that was put on by Georgia's friends. You'll also hear her playing Bach in her junior recital, Alan de Veritch (my viola professor at IU) and me playing a Handel duet at the Indiana funeral (the duet Georgia and I used to play all the time), and last, but not least, Georgia singing Pie Jesu with her missionary companion in Nauvoo. The recording is very poor because it was done on a tiny hand-held recorder, but I get teary every time I listen to her voice.

Music was and I believe is still a part of Georgia's life, so I am thrilled to add this to the blog. I hope you enjoy the recordings and that it will bring back some good memories as it did for me.

Here's to your beautiful music, Georgia.

Thinking of you today and remembering your love.
-Sally

Nauvoo

Hey there, friend. I spent some time in your old stomping grounds a few weeks ago. That's right, Matt and I made the drive to Nauvoo with our two tiny babies in tow. Ok, they're not tiny, but together their ages barely add up to 3..

Just thought you might like to know it's still beautiful and green and full of fireflies and music and life. The show at the visitor's center has changed, but while I watched it I could still see you in my mind's eye, dancing around and, well, let's be honest, hamming it up. (remember when you winked at me from on stage?)

Didn't make it to Sunset on the Mississippi; had to put the girls down to bed. (vacations are a little different now) But I still remember dancing the Viriginia Reel with you (was it really 9 years ago?) and getting muddy and messy and sticky from all the humidity; and laughing like crazy.

My favorite moment was a late night stroll with Matt through the silent, sleeping streets. The air was cool, but thick with the summer humidity. The stars were out in full force, and the fireflies were going crazy! Every now and then we locked gazes with those piercing green eyes, belonging to the racoons rummaging through the garbage. Did they bother you?

Nauvoo is a special place for our little family. Matt and I both have ancestors who lived in the Beautiful City when it was so new. While we were there, we could feel their love and joy. And I could just imagine how the city streets must have bustled with activity; kids going every which way, women chatting away as they shopped, men working, horses and carriages whizzing past each other. Did you look at it that way? It's special to us too because you were there. I could just imagine how you danced around those streets, singing, sharing the gospel, and brightening up the whole place with your smile.

My daughters' middle names originate from Nauvoo; my 2-yr-old has Lucinda, after a great-grandmother, and my baby has Georgia, after you.

Yes Nauvoo is certainly still beautiful, and green, and lovely, and full of the spirit of those who once walked its beautiful streets; and that includes you, my friend.

An Email From Heaven

I was going through an old (OLD) inbox tonight and found an email that was sent to me from Georgia June 19, 2002. I posted it below. I don't think she'd mind me sharing it with everyone, for it truly shows her love, happiness, and perspective. Favorite sentences - "What is 3 years to eternity?" (She certainly had that right!) and her famous - EEK! (She also asks about my tummy - I was pregnant, FYI!)

I wish I could email you back right now Georgia. I would tell you how much I love you, respect you, miss you, and - you know the rest. I guess this will suffice. Know that I think about you all the time and miss you just as much.

The email:

Hay!
How is everything?! We definitely need to talk about stuff. I understand
about the last time...I was really busy too. Man, my little Brother,
David just went into the MTC and it's so exciting. He's going to
Portugal. We'll have so many family members out and about on missions
soon. Our parents leave for a mission president seminar on Sunday and
then come home for a night and are off to Brazil on Friday! EEk! I'm so
happy for them, though, and couldn't possibly be upset about it because,
what is 3 years to eternity? Anyway, I leave for Austria on July 5th. I
still have a recording for you, and I think I have your address still, so
I'll send it. I'm sorry I haven't yet.
So, how is your tummy? I hope well. I love you so much, and I consider
you just a beautiful person in my life!
Hope we can talk soon!
love
Georg

missing you (joyfully)

George-wanta come flop on our shoulders? We miss you.
Love,
Cannon and Emily

Sunflowers

We brought you sunflowers tonight, Georgia. Cleaned off the grass from the headstone, hugged each other, laughed and cried at our memories. Marvelled at how much time has passed and yet how close you sometimes still seem to be.

Cami said how fitting it was that we brought sunflowers who always, and all together, face the sun. Just like you, you know. Always facing the Son. And what was so marvelous about you is that you brought others with you, and still do. Because of who you are and the life you lived, you have gently encouraged hundreds of others to face the Son.

Love you forever, friend.

Cami and Brittany

Remembering Georgia

This was written by Josh Woodford who is a friend of mine and was a senior at Olympus High School when Georgia was a sophomore. He agreed to let me post this great tribute.

I often think about Georgia and the events surrounding her funeral. It had a significant impact on my life and testimony, more than practically any other event with the exception of some personal and family events. I have often wished I could have a recording of what was said at her funeral, to remember the way I felt at that moment and share it with my family. When I remember Georgia, or read the words of her testimony, I feel differently about the gospel. It is as though the gospel comes alive inside me and I feel an uncontrollable urge to share it with others. Thanks for making her words available. Today I am remembering Georgia and feeling ‘alive’ again.
Josh Woodford

Daniel's article in the LDS Church News

This was published Nov. 9, 2002 - about a month after Georgia passed away - and I was reminded (thank you, Parker!) how special the IU funeral was. Daniel, this was a great way to tell people about her and how cool that the Church published it in the news. Reading it again impressed me how in tune you were during such an emotional time. I admit I was a little nervous how some of my college friends would feel about us handing out Books of Mormon, but it was the right thing to do and it was what Georgia wanted, I'm sure of it. Thanks, Daniel.

On Sept. 15, 2002, my little sister, Georgia Marriott, a senior in violin performance at Indiana University, wrote a resounding testimony of the gospel in her journal, beginning with the words, "It's true, it's true, and no one can tell me otherwise because I feel the truth inside of me growing and defying any doubts. . . . Life holds no chains for me because I am liberated by that inherent Light given to me before the world."

In a tragic accident, 21-year-old Georgia Marriott died Sept. 25. Copies of the Book of Mormon were distributed during her memorial service.
Ten days later she was hit by a truck while riding her bike near the university campus. She passed away 30 hours after the accident. Shortly before her passing I sat in the hospital waiting room pondering what Georgia would have me do. She shared the gospel with all she knew in her cheery way, served a four-month performing mission in Nauvoo, and often gave away copies of the Book of Mormon to those around her.
Thoughts began to flow into my mind and I quickly pulled out a piece of paper to write the impressions. She would want the gospel shared at a memorial service in Indiana. She would want friends and family to bear testimony and she would want copies of the Book of Mormon with inserts of her testimony given out at the service.
After her passing, our family and Georgia's roommates set to work, preparing a service that we felt was "what Georgia wanted." We opened her college journals and the light of the gospel poured out. In this treasure trove of journals rested Georgia's personal witness of Christ.
Earlier this year she wrote:
"How to share a testimony every day effectively:"
Love those you speak to . . . that is where the Spirit steps in and touches the person's heart.
Offer a gem to someone with humility, yet confidence in the truth.
Seize the moment; take it with courage.
Speak as the Spirit directs.
Show others you recognize the beauty in them.
Important in missionary work is recognizing the Light in others.

When I walked into the chapel with my family, I blinked in wonder at the completely full stake center. More than 700 people, most of varying faiths, sat waiting for the service to begin. As the last speaker, I offered them all a copy of the Book of Mormon with Georgia's recent journal entry of her testimony pasted inside the cover of the book. I promised, "If she were here, she would offer you one." As the people came to the viewing afterward, they picked up a Book of Mormon from a table. I saw some pausing in the foyer, intently reading her testimony inside the book. By the end of the evening, all 250 copies of the Book of Mormon had been taken!
I came away from her memorial service inspired to be a better person, to share the gospel more, and, in her words, to "hold triumphantly the torch of Christ!"

Temple

I often think of Georgia when I consider the eternal relationships we make in families. In the temple of God, we make covenants to serve God and to serve him and our fellow man, to consecrate ourselves and to sacrifice, be obedient, and to live chaste. As we live up to these covenants, we are blessed with the spirit of God. In addition, Christ lifts us up to him, in exaltation. Families are SEALED together. Thus, Georgia will be ours and we will be hers forever.
This is a comforting doctrine for family members.
For everyone, direct family or not, just the truth of life after death is alone a miracle. It is followed by resurrection, where our spirit gains the mortal body again, but the body is purified and made eternal, never to die again. How wonderful this gift is!
Heaven: Georgia is there. She has passed her mortal test. It is great to know that she has gone ahead and that she is seeking to live and serve God. This I know because the same spirit we had in this life will continue in the next; Georgia died in the service of God. She continues in his service now.
We love you, Georgia. Do you remember how tough this life is? It's not so bad when we think about eternity, with our course set. We know where we're going. Endurance is all we need. One of the Apostles recently taught, in speaking of loved ones who had died, "I did not ask, 'why did this happen?' Rather, I asked 'what should I learn from this?'" Mom recently sent an email with the thought that an eternal perspective helps us handle the difficulties of life. The apostles teach us that life is to be happy, not always gloomy. We are to have sunlight amidst the clouds. So, we need to be positive and happy, grateful and humble in difficult times. God will bless us with love and assurance.
I'm sure that you understand and have much empathy for our challenges. Now, you see with greater eyes and deeper understanding. We long for that understanding. That's why we keep listening to the Holy Prophets and reading the Holy Scriptures. May God bless you, Georgia! May his kingdom be established on earth as it is in Heaven, where you are!

A Treasure Trove

Last night I came across some wonderful pictures of Georgia. I wanted to share them with you.

Love to all!

Haleigh


Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner, Melissa Rowe


Georgia, Haleigh Vance, Mike Vance, Howard, Jonny Sweeny, Michelle Sweeny


Holly Gustaveson, Haleigh Vance, Georgia


Top Row: Zac Crawford, Jonny Sweeny, Mike Vance
Bottom Row: Brittany Gardner, Shannon Oar (sorry I don't remember her married name!), Georgia, Haleigh Vance


Sally Baird, Georgia


Cami Austin, Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance


Brittany Gardner on top, Georgia and Haleigh Vance on bottom!


Brittany Gardner, Georgia, Haleigh Vance


Georgia, Cami Austin, Haleigh Vance, Brittany Gardner

Journal Entry Three

I was asked to give a talk in church and it so happened that I was asked to speak on November 16th. I was nervous that I would be a little too emotional, but I decided to include one bit of her journal in my talk because of the day and because it went along so nicely with the topic. Here is a snippet from her journal. If we could only be this way all the time!

"It’s a good feeling to use what the Lord has given me to help others because that’s one main reason for it. I feel that this is training for other things in life – how to love and want to give and to let into my life those that I don’t really mesh with or enjoy at first. And see, it’s a blessing to even be able to serve because it makes me feel good. I want to have charity and meekness and light and make myself an instrument to the Lord. That’s a good thought – I could do that the rest of my life if I had enough faith. It sounds worthy of life – a good purpose."

A Tribute From Preston Parker

Preston left this as a comment, but I wanted to post it because it's so nice.

These pictures of Georgia in Bloomington, Indiana, bring back so many emotions and memories. Serving on the Institute of Religion student council with her was so meaningful. We'd gather together for meetings at 7 a.m. (I still can't figure out why) and I remember thinking, "How can she be so chipper at these meetings? What is driving her?" She always brightened a room when she came in. It was like you could feel it. I remember the week of her passing so vividly, even today. Specific things, that you wouldn't think would be so ingrained in memories. When we heard the news of her accident, we went to the hospital as soon as we could. JaNiel and I were allowed in to see her and the nurse told us she was in an induced coma and would recover over time, but that she could hear us if we talked with her. We did...we told her how special she was and how we missed her playing "Orange Blossom Special." We left to the waiting area to join Sally and Shanna and a few other friends, where we all were somber and optimistic. The phone call the next day was shocking. She was gone..."but how can she be gone?...we were just with her...they said she'd be fine." The memorial service in the new meetinghouse was so special, so memorable. Though I didn't know the Marriott family, except for Kate, I grew to know them in the few short hours we spent together. I still vividly remember words, thoughts, and feelings from that service...who sat where, the songs, and of course a father's "We'll miss you Georgia girl." Almost every time I go to put my helmet on when I ride my bike, I think of Georgia. And now, when my children ask why we wear helmets, I simply say something like "Because I lost a dear friend who was riding her bike...and I don't want to lose another one." Fortunately, we all know the loss is a temporary one. We will meet again. Thanks Georgia.
February 12, 2009 10:29 PM