Where There's a Will, There's a Way

The title of this post is a play on words, but it can mean many things. Lots of people in my close circle have lost loved ones—some expected, some not so. It’s difficult and my heart goes out to them.

The loss of my dear friend, Geoffrey still lingers as I prepare his memorial service. With all these deaths—or translations into a new life (them leaving this physical plane of existence) the details of what continues here falls on loved ones, which is why it’s important to express your wishes before you go. Sure, no one knows when that will be, and it’s not something we all like to think about. But I have, and I’m working on getting that in order. You may think, ‘oh, I’ll be dead, so who cares?’ A lot of people care, and laws and such don’t make matters as easy as you think.

Fitting that yesterday I decided to finally post. It’s been a while. Last night, after midnight, my husband said, “Love you the mostest.” A game we play.

I asked, “What day is it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Is it March 12^th?” (even though technically it was March 13^th)

“Yes, why?”

“Just realized tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of my momma.”

“Oh. How long?”

“44 years.”

“Wow”

Yeah, that’s what I thought. Even though my mom’s death was 44 years ago, I can picture it like yesterday.

Today’s the fourth year that I began this blog because of her. A reason to blog… I started the posts, “Dear Mom,” as I felt it was easier to write to someone rather than randomly writing.

It’s been a crazy month, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. If I turn it over to Spirit, the outcome is a better way.

Memorial Service

Dr. Geoffrey Hilton

Saturday, March 22, 2014

1:00 p.m.

The Joplin Association for the Blind

311 S. Schifferdecker Ave.

Joplin, MO  64801

Happy Journey, Geoffrey

Dear Friends & Family,

 

This was taken at the book launch in Joplin

Some of you may know Geoffrey, my dear friend. I wrote about his harrowing experience during the Joplin tornado, how worried I was in finding Geoff.

Yesterday, February 8, 2014, Geoffrey died due to complications from an auto accident.

The night before, I received dreams that didn’t straight out tell me this, but looking at them now, I see Spirit was giving me a warning to soften the blow.

I’ve never had a good friend move on to their next journey—leaving this physical life. It hurts. A lot. When I received the news, I took it well, until I ended the call. Then the tears flowed and continued off and on all day long.

Saturday evening, I had a Soul Art workshop to attend. My daughter, Jessica said, “Mom, we don’t have to go.” I told her, “Geoff would want me to go.” He’d want me to keep on keeping on. As that’s exactly how Geoffrey was—nothing stopped that man. He was still healing patients with his magical touch as a chiropractor. He attended classes and workshops to learn more about his profession as a healer and in his personal life, to better himself. All of this as he was approaching 90 years old. If I have half his energy at that age, I’ll feel blessed.

Not only did Geoff live life to the fullest, he gave love to everyone he met whether they knew it or not. He was always willing and able to help in anyway at any time.

I’m going to miss his New Zealand accent that filled me with words of wisdom, his hearty laugh that made me smile regardless of my mood, his sparkly eyes that lit up especially when he was up to something mischievous (my dad’s eyes sparkled the same way). I’ll miss his bear hugs that warmed my heart.

I’m so blessed to be Geoff’s friend, to have had him in my life. My heart aches missing him.

I have no doubt Geoff will be busier than ever on the next leg of his journey, spilling love wherever he goes. 

Happy Journey, Geoffrey! I love you.

Tragedy and Triumph

Dear Mom,

Last week, it was the one year anniversary of Joplin’s devastating disaster when an EF5 tornado wiped away a good portion of the town, killing over 150 people and destroying businesses and homes. One home demolished was my friend's, Geoffrey.

The anniversary slipped by since I was all excited about Rita’s movie, "Maison Des Rêveurs" being shown on the Video Wall in CityGarden, which by the way… just in my humble opinion, she should’ve placed 2nd or 3rd. You can see it on Rita's blog now.

But what do I know about film? I didn’t get the 2nd place film, which would’ve bumped 3rd up to 2nd, putting Rita’s film at the very least to 3rd. But then, I am her mother. I can guarantee you this—Rita’s film had a ton more work in her film than the 2nd place film. However, Rita triumphed in the fact she received honorable mention, showed up for the event and dressed up to boot—her outfit coordinated with the main character in her film.

Rita, family and friends were the only ones there when it started. Another couple came a little later that I assumed made one of the films. I found it odd that no one else was there. Maybe they’ve done this so many times, it wasn’t a big deal? Or maybe a disaster struck in their own personal lives—who am I to judge?

Back to Joplin’s tragedy…Claudia Mundell came up with the idea to create an anthology. Deb Marshall, then president of Missouri Writers' Guild got the ball rolling. Now published by Mozark Press is Storm Country. All proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Joplin School District libraries. Even though Joplin is rebuilding, more help is always needed.

Behind Storm Country is a huge supportive group of people who rally together whether picking up the pieces and putting things back together again or applauding for the success of those around them and for that, I say thank you.

***

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Storm Country: The Anthology

Dear Mom,

I leave tomorrow for Joplin for another launch party, reading and signing of the book, Storm Country: The Anthology which has a story of mine in it about Geoffrey. I'm so excited because I will get to see Geoffrey too!

The details? Oh, well, it's Sunday, December 4 from 1-4 pm. It's at the Spiva Center for the Arts located at 222 West 3rd Street in Joplin of course! The books sell for $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin school libraries. There are more details too.

I'm truly honored to be a part of this anthology and am so grateful for all the people involved that made it happen; starting with the idea to the actual (beautiful) book.

When it was announced that you could pre-order books, I ordered 50 and am happy to say that I've sold all 50 of them. I'm grateful too for all those who have shown their support to me as a writer and to Joplin--where the real support is needed.

I have some other good news too but I'll have to save that for later. Watch over me, as I'll surely need it.

Storm Country: The Anthology

A Launch Party in Joplin!
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 1-4 p.m.
For more details check out the Storm Country blogsite.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a book and unable to head to Joplin, please let me know as I will be happy to get one when I go! They're $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries!

Writing News

Dear Mom,

For some reason, I wouldn’t allow myself to jump up and down when I received the news. Perhaps I was in shock—that and the fact I have a bum foot right now. No worries though, when the reality of it sets in, I’m sure you’ll hear me shouting all the way to heaven.

My story “Geoffrey” was accepted for publication in the Storm Country Anthology. You probably remember my worry over Geoffrey when that massive tornado hit Joplin.

I'm extremely grateful and honored to have my story included in this worthy cause (all proceeds from the anthology go toward buying books for the Joplin School District libraries to replace books lost by the tornado) and to be among top notch writers; friends and those I know of—Donna being one. You can check Donna’s blog that gives more details about this project and the other writers.

Just like Donna stated: special thanks to everyone involved in this awesome project!

More on Geoffrey!

Read my previous post on Geoffrey!

A friend of Geoff's, Gwen has set up a relief fund for Geoff where she works. Here's what she wrote:

You can send funds to: Community National Bank & Trust, P O Box 479, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Make checks out to Geoffrey Hilton Relief Fund. Put Attn: Gwen on outside of envelope. Thanks so much everybody. Some kind soul donated a cell phone for him.


THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Geoffrey!

Hi Everyone,

As you know my friend Geoffrey had been missing for several days after the tornado hit and destroyed his home and business. But he made it! YAY for Geoff. I know Geoff is going to have story after story of miracles that occurred.

Some of you know Geoff and he's a sweetheart and well I could go on and on and gush about him because I love him so much.

Another friend of his - the one who actually saw him and told us all he was alive is going to be setting up an account in Geoff's behalf. I know these are hard economic times, but if you have even a dollar to spare, it would be so appreciated. I don't have any info yet, but those who know me can send it to me and I'll make sure it gets there.

If I know Geoff like I feel like I do, I know that he will feel awkward knowing people are giving him money. But I also know Geoff would be the first person to give and would give the last dime he had. And I also know that Geoff will be the most grateful of all.

Geoffrey - sending my love.

Thank you everyone!
xxo

My friend Geoffrey

Dear Mom,

I'm so relieved, my friend Geoffrey is alive and well. Turns out that he climbed into his bathtub during the tornado. I hope I have all these facts straight. A 2x4 apparently fell over on him, then the wall--but that protected him from debris. When it was over, he pushed the wood aside and he got out of the tub. He then sat on the curb of the street when a lady drove by and asked if he wanted to come with her... and so he did. That'd be like Geoffrey, just going with anyone. Everyone loves Geoff. Complete strangers. He stayed with her in another area, which is why no one could locate him.

Miracles.

Just wanted you to know. And I'm sending Geoff love. Anyone who'd like to donate funds to my friend who lost everything--home and business as he worked out of his home--there will be a fund set up for donations. When I get that information, I'll let you know.

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts and love.

Pulled In, Pulled Out, Pulling Out

Dear Mom, (Family and Friends),

My pity party has been quite the bash. Hanging on by my fingernails not to be pulled into the pit of darkness, I begged. Afraid to let go that I’d be pulled down, I finally reached up and was pulled out by the hand of Light.

Those entities of darkness are waiting anxiously for my return, but I don’t want to go. I am choosing not to go.

One of the things I’ve decided to do is put my focus on something positive—working on all four of my books. I plan to follow Mary Carroll Moore’s new writing book, Your Book Starts Here.

I’m starting there. One page at a time. One day at a time. One book at a time.

That means pulling out of cyberspace for a while. I have some posts already scheduled and after that, we’ll just see what happens. It’s going to take a huge amount of discipline and I hope I don’t disappoint myself.

Although I love people and want to stay connected, I’m never going to accomplish my goal unless I take the initiative and do it. I’ve been reading other bloggers who seem to be faced with the same dilemma, so I’m hoping you’ll understand. For my own sanity right now, I have to do this.

Love you all. If you want to get a hold of me, you know where to find me.

PS I wrote this blog before the tornado touched down in Joplin. My dear friend, Geoffrey Hilton lives in Joplin and I found out from one of his patients (as he's a chiropractor) that his house is no longer standing. I can only hope that he is still out there among those in Joplin helping everyone as it'd be like him to serve. And so I said I was going to stay off cyberspace, but cyberspace has been a God-send in finding out information about Geoff. I still want to follow my plan as above, but I am going to be doing what I can to find Geoff. If anyone hears anything, please let me know. Bless you and love to all in Joplin.