Monday, April 7, 2008

From one of Kristy's favorite young women:

Kristy,
i miss u so much whenever i am temped to do something wrong, i think of you saying, "now would that be the wisest decision?" i know u would want the best for everyone and u have been a great example to everyone. i remember that one day you came to my house and was just coming to talk. you came over and helped me with my struggles and were very understanding. at times i thought you knew more about me than i did. you are my hero and always will be. i will always remember you and have you in my heart always!
i love you kristy!
love Me

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Some Memories

I became friends with Kristy when she and Dave lived in Country Woods, in Orem. This was before they had Brandon and Carter. In Relief Society one Sunday, Kristy stood up and announced that anyone who wanted to, meet at her town home later that week to go Christmas caroling around our neighborhood. This was the first time I had been in her home...it was immaculate, even the white carpet was spotless! As we were waiting for everyone to show up, I noticed a bunch of homemade candy she had made, sitting on her kitchen counters. I was amazed at how professional it looked, so I asked her about it. She told me she would come over to my home to teach me how to make it. She grabbed a paper and pencil and started writing down the ingredients we would be needing. She made sure I knew to buy "Ghirardelli" chocolate because it tasted the "best" and to get the "real" butter, no imitation brands would do! She showed up to my home early the morning we decided would work for both us, and we went to work making fudge, truffles, toffee, and caramels. She had so many good cooking tips on how to make it taste just right. "When you pour the fudge out of the pan, don't lift the spoon off the pan, that is what makes it taste grainy" and, "Keep stirring in a circle 8, don't stop!" Kristy was so patient and kind as she taught me her "tricks of the trade".

She was so easy and fun to talk to. We both opened up and talked as if we had known each other forever, yet this was the first time we had hung out just the two of us. She went home for lunch while the truffles chilled in the freezer, then came back and stayed till late that night to help me wrap the caramels. Kristy was a good talker and a good listener. She had a lot of good advice and insights on all the different things we talked about. The next day, I took her samples of all the candy we had made. She tasted it and gave me the nod and smile that yes, it had turned out just right! This may not have been a huge deal to her, but it meant the world to me that she would take the time to teach me this fun skill. I have been making this homemade candy ever since for family, friends, and neighbors. Not too long after, Kristy and Dave moved to Lehi. The next time I saw her she was working at the Provo Towne Mall at the Lancome counter, which carries my favorite perfume. When she found this out, she went back and poured me a sample of it in those little tubes that they give you as testers. I remember thinking how kind and thoughtful that was of her.

The last time I saw Kristy, was at the Deseret Book in the University Mall. She and Dave were on the waiting list at PF Changs and were walking around the mall due to the long wait....but what I remember most was how excited she was to tell me she was pregnant with a little boy! She was just beaming about her happy news. I didn't get to know Kristy as a mom, so it has been fun to read all of the posts on this blog that talk of her little boys. Kristy had a very unique personality that you just don't get to run into everyday, which is what makes her so special, memorable, and loved.

Take care, Heather Peck

To Ann.

Hi Ann. I've been thinking about you a lot lately. You've been in my dreams along with Kristy. At the moment, I can't recall what my dreams were about, but I have been feeling a lot of concern and love for you. I know that Kristy has moved on to bigger and bolder things, but she is also by your side. I've also been feeling a lot of admiration for your character, and appreciation that I know you and that I had a chance to know Kristy while she was on this earth. I want you to know we haven't forgotten about you. As I've thought back to years past, and the interactions you and I have had over the years, I thought that I should let you know that you have been an inspiration and strength to me my whole life. I've admired you for your deep spiritual insights and faith. You have been a rock and a beacon to myself and the rest of my family. I hope you know that you are in our prayers and thoughts continuously. We haven't forgotten you, nor can we, because we miss you and love you. God Bless You.

With Love,
Emily