Showing posts with label Tributes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tributes. Show all posts
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Festival of Trees
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Journal entries from Lexye Lund Thiele
Wednesday, September 25th, 2002
"I cannot express exactly how I'm feeling, but that of great sorrow and yet, peace. Alice Ashton called tonight to tell me that Georgia Marriott, my best friend since we were about 5, passed away this evening. Dear, sweet, wonderful Georgia! Oh, how I love her! I love her with all my heart. She has truly been my role model every since I've known her. If someone has been capable of living a perfect life, she has. She absolutely loved life! Every minute of it! And she generously shared her joy with all around her. I think of the scripture Mosiah 18:9 - "...to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death....that ye may have eternal life." She will be so missed. I am comforted by the Spirit, and in knowing that I will see Georgia again! :) We'll play duets and eat gummy bears and sing songs in heaven. How I love that girl! She is truly a bosom friend. It is hard to imagine/think of life without Georgia. What a precious, pure, beautiful jewel she is! It makes me want to join her. :) She's probably already touching lives here and there, meeting people, and reuniting with old friends. I bet that her passing away will ultimately bring hundreds to the knowledge of the gospel. I was reading today in Alma chapter 24, and it says, "thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people." The righteous people were slain, and as a result, more than a thousand people were brought to the knowledge of the truth. Georgia is such an incredible missionary and always will be! I know she is even now serving and she's in good hands." :)
Thursday, September 26th, 2002
"The Lord is so quick to give comfort to His children. I can't comprehend the love He must have for all of us. I had a tender experience at the temple today. I did an endowment session for Mary Casselman, one of my ancestors. I looked at the card and saw that she was born on 12 November in Indiana. As you may know, Georgia's birthday is November 16th, and she passed away in Indiana. I liked to think of it as doing a session for her as well, :) since she has not yet been endowed [at least to my knowledge at the time - I apologize if I was wrong about that]. Who knows what sort of miraculous things she is doing right now?! :) What an angel she is! I felt very warm and extremely comforted and loved as I sat in the Celestial Room and sobbed. It was as if a soft blanket was wrapped around me. I can't imagine the joy Georgia must feel to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Yay! What a glorious thought!"
Monday, September 30th, 2002
"Today I have been filled with inspiration and peace and joy. Mom, Rosalie, Jeanette, and I attended the viewing and funeral for Georgia. Wow! It was so uplifting and powerful! The Spirit was overflowing. So was the stake center - so many people who love her dearly. :) I am amazed by the strength and faith of the entire Marriott family. They truly put their trust in the Lord and let Him take care of everything. They told me they trust the Lord's timetable, they know that Georgia is where she's supposed to be, and that she is very happy. :) Here they are comforting all of us. David said to me, "What are you crying for? Georgia would want us to be happy." Words cannot describe what incredible, faithful people they are. There was such a peaceful feeling in that room where Georgia lay. The tributes and talks were very powerful, beautiful, endearing, uplifting. The music was heavenly. I know Georgia was there, probably singing and playing with them. What a glorious, tremendous human being she is! They shared letters and journal entires of hers, including her testimony, which blew everyone away. She exemplifies one who lived a life dedicated to the Lord, in service, love, joy, and gladness. Georgia is a light to all who know her. She radiates with the spirit, giving off love and joy. They spoke of her spirituality, as well as her bright, fun, silly personality. :) What a joy she is! 'm sure she's very happy and serving faithfully with all of her might. It was a strengthening, testimony-building meeting. Wow! I love Georgia so much and look forward to seeing her again."
I love you, Georgia!!!
Lexye
"I cannot express exactly how I'm feeling, but that of great sorrow and yet, peace. Alice Ashton called tonight to tell me that Georgia Marriott, my best friend since we were about 5, passed away this evening. Dear, sweet, wonderful Georgia! Oh, how I love her! I love her with all my heart. She has truly been my role model every since I've known her. If someone has been capable of living a perfect life, she has. She absolutely loved life! Every minute of it! And she generously shared her joy with all around her. I think of the scripture Mosiah 18:9 - "...to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death....that ye may have eternal life." She will be so missed. I am comforted by the Spirit, and in knowing that I will see Georgia again! :) We'll play duets and eat gummy bears and sing songs in heaven. How I love that girl! She is truly a bosom friend. It is hard to imagine/think of life without Georgia. What a precious, pure, beautiful jewel she is! It makes me want to join her. :) She's probably already touching lives here and there, meeting people, and reuniting with old friends. I bet that her passing away will ultimately bring hundreds to the knowledge of the gospel. I was reading today in Alma chapter 24, and it says, "thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people." The righteous people were slain, and as a result, more than a thousand people were brought to the knowledge of the truth. Georgia is such an incredible missionary and always will be! I know she is even now serving and she's in good hands." :)
Thursday, September 26th, 2002
"The Lord is so quick to give comfort to His children. I can't comprehend the love He must have for all of us. I had a tender experience at the temple today. I did an endowment session for Mary Casselman, one of my ancestors. I looked at the card and saw that she was born on 12 November in Indiana. As you may know, Georgia's birthday is November 16th, and she passed away in Indiana. I liked to think of it as doing a session for her as well, :) since she has not yet been endowed [at least to my knowledge at the time - I apologize if I was wrong about that]. Who knows what sort of miraculous things she is doing right now?! :) What an angel she is! I felt very warm and extremely comforted and loved as I sat in the Celestial Room and sobbed. It was as if a soft blanket was wrapped around me. I can't imagine the joy Georgia must feel to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Yay! What a glorious thought!"
Monday, September 30th, 2002
"Today I have been filled with inspiration and peace and joy. Mom, Rosalie, Jeanette, and I attended the viewing and funeral for Georgia. Wow! It was so uplifting and powerful! The Spirit was overflowing. So was the stake center - so many people who love her dearly. :) I am amazed by the strength and faith of the entire Marriott family. They truly put their trust in the Lord and let Him take care of everything. They told me they trust the Lord's timetable, they know that Georgia is where she's supposed to be, and that she is very happy. :) Here they are comforting all of us. David said to me, "What are you crying for? Georgia would want us to be happy." Words cannot describe what incredible, faithful people they are. There was such a peaceful feeling in that room where Georgia lay. The tributes and talks were very powerful, beautiful, endearing, uplifting. The music was heavenly. I know Georgia was there, probably singing and playing with them. What a glorious, tremendous human being she is! They shared letters and journal entires of hers, including her testimony, which blew everyone away. She exemplifies one who lived a life dedicated to the Lord, in service, love, joy, and gladness. Georgia is a light to all who know her. She radiates with the spirit, giving off love and joy. They spoke of her spirituality, as well as her bright, fun, silly personality. :) What a joy she is! 'm sure she's very happy and serving faithfully with all of her might. It was a strengthening, testimony-building meeting. Wow! I love Georgia so much and look forward to seeing her again."
I love you, Georgia!!!
Lexye
Tribute from Lexye
Dearest Georgia! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I just recently discovered this glorious blog, and have since devoured every last entry! What a spiritual feast! My soul is bursting with all kinds of emotions - you see, I have had very little contact with your family these past 8 years, unfortunately, so I've never been able to share all the wonderful thoughts and memories of you with them. After I got home from my mission, I got married and soon after moved to Texas, and we've been here ever since. I can't even tell you how refreshing it has been to read about you this past while - from those who love and cherish you as I do! I don't even know where to start, but I'd like to share a few of my journal entries with you. First I'll give a little background....
When I received word you had passed away, I sobbed until my body couldn't produce any more tears. I pleaded with the Lord for comfort. Then I opened up the scriptures and read Mosiah 16:8 - "But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." I was so struck by these words. I already had a testimony of the Resurrection, and I knew I'd see you again. But it never had occurred to me that the pain, or the "sting" of your death, could be "swallowed up" through the Atonement as well. At that moment I could relate to Alma when he said, "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!....there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again....on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."
At the time, I was completely immersed in the missionary discussions, getting ready to enter the MTC. As I look back, I know that the timing of my mission was a tender mercy from the Lord. I thought it strange when I received my call that I still had to wait almost 4 1/2 months before I would enter the MTC. Maybe that's common to have that long of a gap, I don't know. Either way, I am so grateful I was able to see you one last time - my mission farewell was the day before your funeral. I have always viewed it as a "double farewell" - I was off to NYC to preach to the people in Manhattan, and you were whisked away to Heaven, to preach to the spirits there. Remember how we would talk about being missionary companions? Well, perhaps we had our wish - building the Kingdom together, on both sides of the veil. :) I was privileged to take my violin with me, which I had named after you. :) Every time I played, I thought of you, and there were times I felt that you were so near. Those moments are very sacred to me and I will continue to treasure them. Like I said, my soul is overflowing with memories, but I guess I'll just start here, with the journal entries....
I just recently discovered this glorious blog, and have since devoured every last entry! What a spiritual feast! My soul is bursting with all kinds of emotions - you see, I have had very little contact with your family these past 8 years, unfortunately, so I've never been able to share all the wonderful thoughts and memories of you with them. After I got home from my mission, I got married and soon after moved to Texas, and we've been here ever since. I can't even tell you how refreshing it has been to read about you this past while - from those who love and cherish you as I do! I don't even know where to start, but I'd like to share a few of my journal entries with you. First I'll give a little background....
When I received word you had passed away, I sobbed until my body couldn't produce any more tears. I pleaded with the Lord for comfort. Then I opened up the scriptures and read Mosiah 16:8 - "But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." I was so struck by these words. I already had a testimony of the Resurrection, and I knew I'd see you again. But it never had occurred to me that the pain, or the "sting" of your death, could be "swallowed up" through the Atonement as well. At that moment I could relate to Alma when he said, "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!....there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again....on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."
At the time, I was completely immersed in the missionary discussions, getting ready to enter the MTC. As I look back, I know that the timing of my mission was a tender mercy from the Lord. I thought it strange when I received my call that I still had to wait almost 4 1/2 months before I would enter the MTC. Maybe that's common to have that long of a gap, I don't know. Either way, I am so grateful I was able to see you one last time - my mission farewell was the day before your funeral. I have always viewed it as a "double farewell" - I was off to NYC to preach to the people in Manhattan, and you were whisked away to Heaven, to preach to the spirits there. Remember how we would talk about being missionary companions? Well, perhaps we had our wish - building the Kingdom together, on both sides of the veil. :) I was privileged to take my violin with me, which I had named after you. :) Every time I played, I thought of you, and there were times I felt that you were so near. Those moments are very sacred to me and I will continue to treasure them. Like I said, my soul is overflowing with memories, but I guess I'll just start here, with the journal entries....
From Georgia's Journal on her Birthday
Happy Birthday, Georgia! Today you would be 30 earth years old. I looked back ten years ago in your journals and I thought your brothers and sisters would like to hear some of the things you wrote when you were a 20 year old at IU….
November 12, 2000
Sundays are wonderful. Especially ever since I made the goal to take Sunday off completely and give it to the Lord. I am able to rest and patch up the wounds or rough spots on my soul from the week. Tonight we had a special fireside given by President Hinckley to the youth of the church – what a wonderful man! After firesides I usually get all sad because it’s like I have to change my focus from the spiritual things I had just heard to things more of the world. But this time, I went away invigorated, ready to face my monstrous week and the world, comfortable in the sureness of this church.
November 18, 2000
My birthday was wonderful. Kate went all out with it. She had people come over in the morning and surprise me. It wasn’t the most pleasant surprise because I had just gotten out of the shower….it was quite humorous. Anyway, I got to school and there were fliers all over the music school with random pictures of me all over them, saying ‘Happy Birthday Georgia!” Wow, I was surprised. There were also baby pictures all over the place! I warmed up to the idea as the day went on and it gave me a chuckle every once in a while, esp. when people I had never met told me happy birthday. ..anyway the day was great and low-key – just how I like it.
Kate made it special and gave me various presents throughout the day. In master class the studio sang to me and after, Kate, Christian and William honored me by giving presents and watching “Singing in the Rain.” Still love that movie. The best gift, though was a little book of note paper shaped as a boot. Inside, Kate had asked all of my good friends at IU to sign it, writing what they loved about me. It meant so much to me. I think every person should have a day like that, when they feel loved and needed. It was a great birthday.
March 3, 2001
There is something so pure and healing in the morning sun, coming through the windows, spilling out on me. The view ahead of me is simply lovely flowers that I picked out for Kate for her senior recital last night. And next to me…sacred music is filling the apartment. I want only to be close to love and truth and joy. All of those things are found within my family. What I feel there is inexpressible, quite honestly. I know that is eternal and real and true—it will never leave me, and why? Because it is founded on this church –Christ’s church.
March 17 President Hinckley will be at Kate and Christian's wedding dinner tomorrow because he is related to Christian. So exciting—I can’t wait to see him!
March 18, 2001
The wedding was beautiful! Kate looked gorgeous and was beaming despite the load of snow that was dumped on the day. It was a long day but worth seeing the way Kate and Christian looked at each other and the spirit of love surrounding them. My (patriarchal) blessing said that my husband is preparing and will be waiting for me. Anyway, I was Kate’s maid of honor and I just love her. My dress was a little too tight and by the end of the long night of dancing at the reception (so fun with my whole family) I had a hole in my armpit. So it didn’t really matter when I jumped up in the air and caught the bouquet of flowers while ripping basically the whole armpit (of the dress). Life is so rich in blessings.
Today was Adam’s farewell and it was so special….my little brothers got up and each recited a scripture and why they love it. My brothers are noble, wonderful people! Then Caroline, Paige and I struggled through a trio – ‘Here Am I’- neat song, hard harmony. Paige swayed back and forth between alto and soprano and caused me a few chuckles…the older boys sang “In This Very Room” beautifully - and then Adam. He is powerful! He is a true servant and son of God. …I know he will be a marvelous missionary. His talk was strong and sure…I love him and know he will be blessed in Korea. For the closing hymn my family all sang “Go Ye Now in Peace.” It was so awesome to be with all of them. (minus Kate) My testimony of family cannot and will not ever be shaken. It is my greatest blessing and joy in this world. I know it is divine and without it I would not be happy. I am so grateful for righteous parents who put the Lord first and taught me in his ways. What light has poured into my mind this week as I sought God and found him.
The dinner with the Mitchells and the Prophet was good. I talked to President Hinckley’s wife a little and she is beautiful and so meek. I could feel a genuine interest and love for me emitting from her. She said, “Thank you for talking to me.” Later Cannon and I sang “Pie Jesu” and it was so special, the spirit was there. She reached up to grab my hand to thank me as I walked back to my seat.
April 1, 2001
How can I discern evil from good?....Only by trusting Christ and the Father, only by following the spirit. Only by truly being humble, sincere, and honest with myself, God and others. Only by denying myself of ungodliness –by doing that I lose nothing of worth. (L. Aldin Porter said that, I love that!) Only by faith, hope, and charity. Only by holding fast to God’s word. I’m certain these are right. I hope to do them all -- I pray I can come closer and be saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love, Georgia
And so, there is a little glimpse into your sister’s heart on her birthday, isn’t she funny? And deep? And earnest? And deeply spiritual…. Happy Birthday dear daughter.
Love, Mom
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Happy 30th
I had a rough night last night, as all moms do at times, and I woke up dreading the day until I remembered it was Georgia's birthday. It's changed my thoughts and in turn, my actions, and that is what is so special about Georgia's legacy. The good way she lived her life is something she can take with her to heaven, but ironically, it's also something she was able to leave behind. I love her. Happy Birthday!
Friday, September 25, 2009
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
Monday, September 21, 2009
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, July 24, 2009
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
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
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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
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!"
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!"
Friday, April 24, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas, Georgia
This morning, my daughter, Megan (7 yrs.) said to me:
"Dad, last night I asked Heavenly Father to wish Georgia a Merry Christmas for me."
Merry Christmas, Georgia. We love you.
Cannon
"Dad, last night I asked Heavenly Father to wish Georgia a Merry Christmas for me."
Merry Christmas, Georgia. We love you.
Cannon
Friday, November 21, 2008
With Love from Brittany
Sometimes I find myself wondering how it could possibly be that Georgia considered me a friend; I mean, she meant so much to so many people. It always seemed like I was running into people who not only knew her, but had some kind of special connection or relationship with her. I remember that before I even met her, I knew so much about this friendly, bubbly, sparkly girl that it made me want so badly to somehow be included in her circle. Boy was I lucky when she decided to join our string quartet The Quarter Notes--I will forever be indebted to Cami and Haleigh for bringing this lovely person into my life.
And even now, six years after her passing, I find myself second guessing myself. Did Georgia really think of me as a friend? I mean, how could there possibly be room for me in her large circle of extraordinary people she called friends!
I've found, though, that when I begin questioning myself, she sends little reminders to me to reassure me that I am her friend and that our friendship is as special to her as it is to me.
One reminder came the week she passed away. I flew home to Salt Lake for her funeral, and was able to hold a newborn niece for the first time. As I held that little bundle, so recently sent from the place Georgia now was, I felt Georgia's love. I came to realize that life is made of meetings and partings, and it's up to us what we do with them. Do we wallow in grief when someone parts from us, or do we rejoice in the time they were allowed to touch our lives?
Another reminder came from Georgia two months after her passing. A new guy appeared in my singles' branch in Cleveland and I heard from a friend of mine he had served with Georgia in Nauvoo. I went up to him after sacrament meeting, stuck out my hand, and blurted out, "you knew Georgia???" before I even introduced myself, taking him quite off guard. We hit it off immediately, because we started our conversation with reminiscences of our dear friend. And five years of marriage and two children later, I call this guy my husband. We are so grateful for the tiny way in which Georgia brought us together. We've often imagined her smiling down on that first meeting of ours, laughing at the whole impossibility of it.
This summer I held auditions for some chamber groups I coach and, as I was preparing to teach these young students, I was filled with wonderful memories of my time making music together with Georgia and our other friends. As I began again to doubt that I really could have been special to Georgia, who should walk in but her sister Paige with her daughter. We looked at each other with complete shock--and then complete joy. As my life was again reconnected to Georgia and her family, here was another reminder that my friendship with her was as true as I had remembered.
And last but not least is the reminder that came this Fall: I gave birth to my second daughter about five days after the anniversary of Georgia's passing. Matt and I decided to give her the middle name of Georgia not only to honor our friend, but to give our daughter the namesake of someone so lovely, and pure, and noble so that she can have that example to look to as she grows. And I find that every time I hold my new baby and think of her full name, I feel Georgia smiling on us both.
One of the great lessons I learned from Georgia's passing is that grief is a natural byproduct of love. My grief at her passing was so great because my love for her is so great. And I'm ok with the fact that sometimes I miss her so much it hurts, because it has expanded my capacity to love in a way nothing else could.
Ah, Chacha, I'm so grateful to have been counted among your many friends. I look forward to sharing stories and memories of you with my girls as they grow, so that they can be inspired and bettered by your life even as I have been.
Happy Birthday, friend.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"Georgia On My Mind"
In October of this year, I sat down to write a short entry about Georgia on my family's blog, and ended up writing this instead. I had an overwhelming response to it. Perfect strangers were moved to tears at her story. Thanks for letting me post this.
Each year as summer draws to a close and the weather turns cool, I start to reminisce a little about my life: back to school, birthdays, and holiday traditions all come to mind quite often. But nearly every September with the changing season, my mind turns to my dear friend, Georgia Marriott.
Sweet, spiritual, talented, wonderful Georgia! The first time I met this sparkly, bubbly spirit was in a 9th grade community orchestra in Salt Lake City. She was going on about why she needed braces (to close the gap between her front teeth, naturally), and how it would only be a few more months until they were off. Then she gave me this radiating smile and I thought – her smile is just perfect the way it is!
Happy, friendly Georgia! There were no groups or “cliques” with Georgia. Everyone was always invited, included, and loved. We naturally became fast friends. She joined the string quartet I played in, and we made many wonderful memories playing music together all over the Salt Lake valley. But more importantly, we loved playing the hymns out of the church hymnbook together. Georgia’s sweet testimony always shined as she played her violin. I remember looking up often at the violin section during orchestra to see Georgia’s enormous grin: so happy to be there making music with her friends.
The time came to decide where to go to college. I had narrowed down my choices, and one of them was the same as Georgia’s – and it was also halfway across the country. We vowed not to speak to each other about college until we had both decided where we were going, so as not to sway the other. And we both decided on that same school – Indiana University.
We were elated! After being officially accepted there, we made arrangements to be roommates in the freshman dorms. We were just excited to be roommates. We didn’t realize then how important the common ground of the gospel would be. So much of what I learned from her that year has shaped who I am today. With eleven children in her family, all with shining testimonies of the gospel, I often wondered how her parents raised all of them to be so strong in the church. When I think of them, I think of the scripture in Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” Georgia was not ashamed of the Gospel, and seemed to carry that power with her wherever she went.
As much as she loved playing her violin, I think she loved to sing just as much. She literally had the voice of an angel, and I have never heard anything like it before or since. She’d sing everywhere, too: doing her homework, blow-drying her hair, walking to class…
She also seemed to always be balancing something on her head. Mostly it was her water bottle, but occasionally I’d notice she was balancing a book, or something edible, like an apple. It was always the oddest thing to see her walking toward me at the music school balancing something – anything – on her head. But somehow, it just seemed so natural I didn’t even need to ask her why she did it. It was just – Georgia.
We slept in bunk beds. I slept on the bottom, and some nights I’d fall asleep to crinkling paper. In the morning I’d wake up to notes with varying messages, mostly: “GOOD MORNING HAY! HOPE YOU SLEPT WELL!”
One day she said to me, “I have a goal. I am going to bear my testimony to someone I don’t know every single day!” I found myself mutter “good luck” under my breath, thinking how that would look around the music school. But Georgia not only had courage, she was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. She knew how to handle people, how to talk to them, how to get into their hearts and souls and genuinely love them. She made so many friends doing this, and some even took the missionary discussions because of it. I found myself reaching for that same courage and trying to follow her example.
It was like rooming with a sister you hardly ever fought with. I think the only time we had any kind of frustration was when a pile of her clothes had begun to stack up in the center of the room for a couple of weeks. One evening I was sitting on my bed and I said to her, “Um, Georgia?” Brief pause. Then her classic response: “Yeah, I know I know! I’ll clean it up tomorrow!”
She was a little bit of a mess. She’d fall asleep doing her music theory homework and wake up the next morning to realize she hadn’t finished those chord progressions from the night before. She’d panic for a moment, then finish them in record time, proceed to run to the music school, splashing through the rain in her flip flops and pajamas to hand in the assignment before the lecture began!
I’d walk into our room some days to hear Georgia playing my favorite CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She would often sing along. She also kept three different journals: a gratitude journal, a scripture journal, and a journal where she recorded her daily activities. Our room was at the end of the hall and often we had to walk through a hallway of foul language and degrading music to open our door and be filled with the Holy Ghost. The habits we kept together – attending church and Institute every week, daily scripture reading, and daily prayers – kept us both close to the Lord during our time together in such worldly conditions.
We had a wonderful year. I was all set to return to school the following fall, but I found myself so very fortunate to be getting married instead – to a wonderful man I got to know through Georgia and her family while at college. And who took two days off of school to fly out to Utah for our wedding? None other than Georgia. She even sang and played her violin and my reception, reuniting our string quartet once again.
A couple of years went by, and my husband and I moved to the east coast. Georgia and I stayed in touch with emails and letters. But I know we both felt that we had unintentionally grown apart a little, so we played phone tag for a couple of months. Then she left for Vienna, Austria, for a summer abroad. It was one Sunday evening in late September, after her summer in Europe, that my husband had an idea on a whim to call Georgia again. She was never at home, but it was worth a try.
The phone rang a few times, and then her roommate Shanna, also a dear friend, picked up. She wasn’t sure where Georgia was or when she’d be back, but we had a very nice conversation with her. Then – click – we heard Georgia pick up on the other end. It was so wonderful to talk to her, finally, after so many months. We had an amazing conversation. She seemed closer to the Lord than ever before. My husband and I commented afterwards how remarkable she sounded. It was like the Holy Ghost was on the phone with her. It was truly an incredible conversation.
Two days later I got a call from that same roommate. It was a much different call than the last one. Georgia – hit by a dump truck while riding her bike on campus – in the hospital – fractured skull – might be okay after a few weeks. The tears came. They didn’t stop all day. I found out her siblings were all on planes, flying to her side as we spoke. Her wonderful parents were mission presidents in Brazil at that time. Her mom was on a plane right then, too. My husband started pacing – worried about our friend, worried about the grief stricken mother on the plane, both of us worried, worried, worried…
Another phone call. Everything should be fine. The doctors think she’ll be out of there in a few days if she can gain consciousness.
Yet another phone call from Shanna. “Haleigh, are you alone?”
“No, my mother-in-law is here.”
“You need to sit down.”
I sat, bracing myself. “Okay.”
“Georgia passed away. Just a little while ago. There was a blood clot in her brain. It just…stopped everything.”
Silence.
“Are you okay?”
“When is the funeral?” I asked, between sobs.
“There will be two – one in Indiana, and one in Salt Lake.”
She gave me the dates. We cried for a while together on the phone. And then I stayed up all night searching for and booking a ticket to her funeral in Utah.
Her parents received permission from the First Presidency to come home and bury their child. At the funeral in Indiana, her siblings put 300 Books of Mormon together with Georgia’s testimony in it, and gave out all 300 with people asking for more. I later learned that several of our “anti-Mormon” friends attended that funeral, and ended up taking the discussions because of Georgia’s death. They had over 900 people attend the funeral.
The family learned I was flying out. I was also 8 months pregnant, and bringing our 12-month-old son with me. They asked me to arrange prelude string quartet music and play in it. I was so honored.
I attended her viewing the night before the funeral. I got there early, but still ended up standing in a two hour line. Georgia was everywhere in that church: slideshows, pictures – so many of us together too. We got “camera happy” that year as roommates. It was so silly at the time, but now – I was so thankful for that.
I later learned that President Gordon B. Hinckley attended the viewing. The following day over one thousand people came to her funeral in Salt Lake City. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President Thomas S. Monson both spoke. Her family all sang and played instruments, and nearly all of them spoke too. The spirit was so strong there.
Her family lived the gospel to its fullest during this difficult time. They showed love and comfort to not only Georgia’s friends and professors, but to the devastated truck driver who had hit her. Many people said that they tried to comfort her family, only to find the family comforting them. They realized that this family had something very special if they could be so strong in such a time.
I had found myself so devastated about her death. And even though I still miss her deeply to this day, I found myself healing as I sat in that chapel and felt the Holy Ghost wash over me and put the pieces of my broken heart back together. I began to see the big picture, with Georgia in it. I saw how the Lord, in his infinite wisdom, had placed Georgia on earth at this time to touch the souls of people that no one else could. She came as a missionary, bearing her shining testimony to the world through her music and with her spoken word. And she left this earth an even greater missionary, causing many souls to wonder about life and death, only to find it in her testimony: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” How blessed I was to have her in my life! I have thanked the Lord many times for my association with her.
So when the leaves start to turn and I smell “back to school” in the air, I’ll turn to my roommate days with Georgia. I laugh to myself about how much fun we had together, and occasionally I’ll cry a little when I think of her death, but mostly when I feel the crisp, cool, autumn air, I have “Georgia on my mind.”
Each year as summer draws to a close and the weather turns cool, I start to reminisce a little about my life: back to school, birthdays, and holiday traditions all come to mind quite often. But nearly every September with the changing season, my mind turns to my dear friend, Georgia Marriott.
Sweet, spiritual, talented, wonderful Georgia! The first time I met this sparkly, bubbly spirit was in a 9th grade community orchestra in Salt Lake City. She was going on about why she needed braces (to close the gap between her front teeth, naturally), and how it would only be a few more months until they were off. Then she gave me this radiating smile and I thought – her smile is just perfect the way it is!
Happy, friendly Georgia! There were no groups or “cliques” with Georgia. Everyone was always invited, included, and loved. We naturally became fast friends. She joined the string quartet I played in, and we made many wonderful memories playing music together all over the Salt Lake valley. But more importantly, we loved playing the hymns out of the church hymnbook together. Georgia’s sweet testimony always shined as she played her violin. I remember looking up often at the violin section during orchestra to see Georgia’s enormous grin: so happy to be there making music with her friends.
The time came to decide where to go to college. I had narrowed down my choices, and one of them was the same as Georgia’s – and it was also halfway across the country. We vowed not to speak to each other about college until we had both decided where we were going, so as not to sway the other. And we both decided on that same school – Indiana University.
We were elated! After being officially accepted there, we made arrangements to be roommates in the freshman dorms. We were just excited to be roommates. We didn’t realize then how important the common ground of the gospel would be. So much of what I learned from her that year has shaped who I am today. With eleven children in her family, all with shining testimonies of the gospel, I often wondered how her parents raised all of them to be so strong in the church. When I think of them, I think of the scripture in Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” Georgia was not ashamed of the Gospel, and seemed to carry that power with her wherever she went.
As much as she loved playing her violin, I think she loved to sing just as much. She literally had the voice of an angel, and I have never heard anything like it before or since. She’d sing everywhere, too: doing her homework, blow-drying her hair, walking to class…
She also seemed to always be balancing something on her head. Mostly it was her water bottle, but occasionally I’d notice she was balancing a book, or something edible, like an apple. It was always the oddest thing to see her walking toward me at the music school balancing something – anything – on her head. But somehow, it just seemed so natural I didn’t even need to ask her why she did it. It was just – Georgia.
We slept in bunk beds. I slept on the bottom, and some nights I’d fall asleep to crinkling paper. In the morning I’d wake up to notes with varying messages, mostly: “GOOD MORNING HAY! HOPE YOU SLEPT WELL!”
One day she said to me, “I have a goal. I am going to bear my testimony to someone I don’t know every single day!” I found myself mutter “good luck” under my breath, thinking how that would look around the music school. But Georgia not only had courage, she was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. She knew how to handle people, how to talk to them, how to get into their hearts and souls and genuinely love them. She made so many friends doing this, and some even took the missionary discussions because of it. I found myself reaching for that same courage and trying to follow her example.
It was like rooming with a sister you hardly ever fought with. I think the only time we had any kind of frustration was when a pile of her clothes had begun to stack up in the center of the room for a couple of weeks. One evening I was sitting on my bed and I said to her, “Um, Georgia?” Brief pause. Then her classic response: “Yeah, I know I know! I’ll clean it up tomorrow!”
She was a little bit of a mess. She’d fall asleep doing her music theory homework and wake up the next morning to realize she hadn’t finished those chord progressions from the night before. She’d panic for a moment, then finish them in record time, proceed to run to the music school, splashing through the rain in her flip flops and pajamas to hand in the assignment before the lecture began!
I’d walk into our room some days to hear Georgia playing my favorite CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She would often sing along. She also kept three different journals: a gratitude journal, a scripture journal, and a journal where she recorded her daily activities. Our room was at the end of the hall and often we had to walk through a hallway of foul language and degrading music to open our door and be filled with the Holy Ghost. The habits we kept together – attending church and Institute every week, daily scripture reading, and daily prayers – kept us both close to the Lord during our time together in such worldly conditions.
We had a wonderful year. I was all set to return to school the following fall, but I found myself so very fortunate to be getting married instead – to a wonderful man I got to know through Georgia and her family while at college. And who took two days off of school to fly out to Utah for our wedding? None other than Georgia. She even sang and played her violin and my reception, reuniting our string quartet once again.
A couple of years went by, and my husband and I moved to the east coast. Georgia and I stayed in touch with emails and letters. But I know we both felt that we had unintentionally grown apart a little, so we played phone tag for a couple of months. Then she left for Vienna, Austria, for a summer abroad. It was one Sunday evening in late September, after her summer in Europe, that my husband had an idea on a whim to call Georgia again. She was never at home, but it was worth a try.
The phone rang a few times, and then her roommate Shanna, also a dear friend, picked up. She wasn’t sure where Georgia was or when she’d be back, but we had a very nice conversation with her. Then – click – we heard Georgia pick up on the other end. It was so wonderful to talk to her, finally, after so many months. We had an amazing conversation. She seemed closer to the Lord than ever before. My husband and I commented afterwards how remarkable she sounded. It was like the Holy Ghost was on the phone with her. It was truly an incredible conversation.
Two days later I got a call from that same roommate. It was a much different call than the last one. Georgia – hit by a dump truck while riding her bike on campus – in the hospital – fractured skull – might be okay after a few weeks. The tears came. They didn’t stop all day. I found out her siblings were all on planes, flying to her side as we spoke. Her wonderful parents were mission presidents in Brazil at that time. Her mom was on a plane right then, too. My husband started pacing – worried about our friend, worried about the grief stricken mother on the plane, both of us worried, worried, worried…
Another phone call. Everything should be fine. The doctors think she’ll be out of there in a few days if she can gain consciousness.
Yet another phone call from Shanna. “Haleigh, are you alone?”
“No, my mother-in-law is here.”
“You need to sit down.”
I sat, bracing myself. “Okay.”
“Georgia passed away. Just a little while ago. There was a blood clot in her brain. It just…stopped everything.”
Silence.
“Are you okay?”
“When is the funeral?” I asked, between sobs.
“There will be two – one in Indiana, and one in Salt Lake.”
She gave me the dates. We cried for a while together on the phone. And then I stayed up all night searching for and booking a ticket to her funeral in Utah.
Her parents received permission from the First Presidency to come home and bury their child. At the funeral in Indiana, her siblings put 300 Books of Mormon together with Georgia’s testimony in it, and gave out all 300 with people asking for more. I later learned that several of our “anti-Mormon” friends attended that funeral, and ended up taking the discussions because of Georgia’s death. They had over 900 people attend the funeral.
The family learned I was flying out. I was also 8 months pregnant, and bringing our 12-month-old son with me. They asked me to arrange prelude string quartet music and play in it. I was so honored.
I attended her viewing the night before the funeral. I got there early, but still ended up standing in a two hour line. Georgia was everywhere in that church: slideshows, pictures – so many of us together too. We got “camera happy” that year as roommates. It was so silly at the time, but now – I was so thankful for that.
I later learned that President Gordon B. Hinckley attended the viewing. The following day over one thousand people came to her funeral in Salt Lake City. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President Thomas S. Monson both spoke. Her family all sang and played instruments, and nearly all of them spoke too. The spirit was so strong there.
Her family lived the gospel to its fullest during this difficult time. They showed love and comfort to not only Georgia’s friends and professors, but to the devastated truck driver who had hit her. Many people said that they tried to comfort her family, only to find the family comforting them. They realized that this family had something very special if they could be so strong in such a time.
I had found myself so devastated about her death. And even though I still miss her deeply to this day, I found myself healing as I sat in that chapel and felt the Holy Ghost wash over me and put the pieces of my broken heart back together. I began to see the big picture, with Georgia in it. I saw how the Lord, in his infinite wisdom, had placed Georgia on earth at this time to touch the souls of people that no one else could. She came as a missionary, bearing her shining testimony to the world through her music and with her spoken word. And she left this earth an even greater missionary, causing many souls to wonder about life and death, only to find it in her testimony: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” How blessed I was to have her in my life! I have thanked the Lord many times for my association with her.
So when the leaves start to turn and I smell “back to school” in the air, I’ll turn to my roommate days with Georgia. I laugh to myself about how much fun we had together, and occasionally I’ll cry a little when I think of her death, but mostly when I feel the crisp, cool, autumn air, I have “Georgia on my mind.”
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Filled with light
Georgia's birth brought light to the world. She continued to nurture that light during her life and left the world brighter.
Thank you, Georgia, for sharing that light with me. Thank you for bringing me closer to God, for helping me feel deeply the miracle of Christ's sacrifice and triumph over death. Thank you for so living that we can believe in life after death.
All of this light and this hope comes from Jesus Christ and our Eternal Father in Heaven. She came with their light and she continued in that light. May we all do the same.
Why do I feel connected to the world beyond death? My dear Georgia lives there. She lives on!
A part of me has gone there. This part of me rekindles the whole with peace, hope, and joy in the everlasting Gospel of the Lamb.
I love you, Georgia
your eternal brother through Christ,
Cannon
Thank you, Georgia, for sharing that light with me. Thank you for bringing me closer to God, for helping me feel deeply the miracle of Christ's sacrifice and triumph over death. Thank you for so living that we can believe in life after death.
All of this light and this hope comes from Jesus Christ and our Eternal Father in Heaven. She came with their light and she continued in that light. May we all do the same.
Why do I feel connected to the world beyond death? My dear Georgia lives there. She lives on!
A part of me has gone there. This part of me rekindles the whole with peace, hope, and joy in the everlasting Gospel of the Lamb.
I love you, Georgia
your eternal brother through Christ,
Cannon
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