Stories From My Dad

So many people have shared such wonderful stories about my mom, and now I am so excited to share with you stories from my Dad. It is a little long, but I hope everyone gets a chance to read this post!

I first met Cristy in our freshman year at U of A about 1968-69. She was in my German class. The first thing that I noticed about her was this full head of beautiful long hair. She would tell you that she was a blond, but being a blond myself I always said it was auburn. A little red, a little blonde, with a splash of chestnut color. The second thing was that she was much better at German than I was. I found out later that her being good at all subjects was just a way of life. She made the Dean's list for all four years of College. I think that meant that she maintained a near perfect grade average. I was so far from that, I didn't even know what it meant.
I could tell that she was not a Girlie Girl. My height at 5'10" and probably weighed more than I did (I was a light weight in those days), but it was all in very good places. Broad shoulders, big hips, and a full chest from her Scandinavian heritage. We were both involved with other people for most of the first year. Late in the year however, I found myself free and thought I would take a chance. I went to her dorm one night and asked to see her. She came down the stairs dressed in a full length black gown and wanted to know what I wanted. She was just on her way out to sing in a concert at the auditorium. I said," how about if I go to the concert and then we grab a bite to eat afterwards?" I loved listening to her sing. I was hooked. We went to Bob's Big Boy afterwards and she got her favorite food, a big hamburger. It would always be her favorite meal.
We went back to campus and walked for a long time just talking. It turns out she grew up only 5 miles from me and went to Washington High. I had gone to Glendale. Did I kiss her good night? NO. The two year relationship that I had just ended was all physical with no mental or friendship. I didn't want to do that again. Later she would recall that she thought that there might be something wrong with me because it wasn't until the fifth date that I actually made my move. This was unheard of in the era of FREE LOVE.

We saw each other almost every night after that. We talked and walked and eat hamburgers. The next weekend we both went home to the Glendale area. Our first official date was to go se Romeo and Juliet at the Cina Capri. It was the fancy movie theater of our time. Wide screen, plush seats, and a huge red velvet curtain. What better way to set up a first kiss than to watch Romeo and Juliet. My dad had let me use his new Cadillac Convertible and we went in style. We drove up Lincoln Drive and parked above the city lights. I have to mention at this point that Cristy was wearing the old style of glasses that were pointed at the end. My first attempt to kiss her ended with me getting poked in the eye. Smooooooth! She kindly removed the glasses and all further attempts were successful.
Back at school we finished up our freshman year and headed home for the summer. I worked days and Cristy went to summer school. We saw each other every night during the week and every day on the weekend. I spent more time with her family that I did my own. I got to know her mom Jean and her dad George. Jean was an ex school teacher who felt that life had past her by and she could have done so much more. She was happy and sad at the same time. George was a Chemist who worked for a brewery. He was very easy going and liked to work with his hands. He used to build beautiful rifles from scratch. Cristy got her love of making and building things from her father. He was the most patient man I had ever met and she got that from him as well. George took each day as it came and seamed very happy with his life. They were both very active in their church as was Cristy from a very early age. The Iverson’s had settled in Phoenix right after the war and Cristy was one of the few natives I ever met. She was born down on McDowell in 1950. They later moved to the Central Corridor area. Sunday was always an active Church day at the Iverson house. Cristy and Jean would sing in all the services and George would record the music for the church which was then sent out to the housebound people of their congregation. This was all new to me since I grew up in a household with no real religious affiliations.
The other thing that was big on Sundays was eating! After church they would all pitch in and start making all kinds of things. They fried Zucchini and cooked what else, hamburgers.
Cristy had a younger brother, Kent. Big, good looking kid just a year or so younger. He was a real honest to goodness outdoorsman. He didn't go in for all the church stuff and usually was off hunting somewhere. He was easy going like his dad. You could not help but like Kent. We use to do a lot of outdoor things with him.

That first summer was spent going to the lake and the mountains. Often Kent and their cousin Steve would go with us. Steve died a few years later in a tragic plane crash on a training mission with the Air Force. They took me to Greer for the first time. Cristy’s favorite place. She loved the pine trees, the lakes and the afternoon monsoon rain storms. We would fish, take long walks and spend the evening by the fire or starring up at the stars. She was the all time nature Girl. She loved to just sit and listen to the forest for hours. I of coarse was like a little Jack Russell Terrier, I had to be moving at all times. Sitting still for more than five minutes was unheard of for me. She always wore cut off jeans and a to-shirt in the summer, full jeans and a sweatshirt or flannel shirt in the winter. She was so unassuming. Cloths and things of this world never meant a lot to her. Later on after we were married I would go to the store and bring home three or four outfits for her to try on because she hated shopping so much. In our many talks she would tell me that in her life that she planned out, the order of importance would always be her church, her work and her family… in that order. I heard her but it really didn't sink in until later in life when it would cause a great deal of friction for us. She never wavered from those ideas. So many of us, me included, adjust our beliefs to fit our life styles or what is convenient. I do not resent it to this day. She was honest with me as she was with anyone who she ever came in contact with.
Summer ended and we headed back to the U. I rented a house with some other guys only 2 blocks from school. Cristy stayed in the dorm. We had a few weeks to kill before school started and we spent a lot of time at my house. Getting her back to the dorm before they locked the doors was always a problem. We would open up the windows and doors during the monsoon rains and sit playing chess, listening to The Associations. I can shut my eyes to this day and hear the rain and the music. She was a good chess player but I was very competitive and won most of the games… I think! She might tell a different story. And I would believe her if I was you.

Our sophomore year started and we spent our free time playing tennis, intramural volleyball and hanging out at my house. I was working part time selling shoes at the local JCPenny’s but we still found time to see a lot of each other. We both had a fool school work load. I would get her back to the dorm before it closed and she would skim through the next days material and ace it of coarse. That photographic memory of hers was the envy of everyone. Especially me! I would study until the wee hours and get up early the next day just to receive a B. Cristy had a system though. She would wash her hair, put it up in curlers and put on the old plastic hooded hair dryer. She would study and sleep with that thing humming away drowning out all the usual dorm noises. It became such a habit that even after we were married she would do it very often. Guys, imagine strolling into the bedroom at night thinking about a romantic interlude and finding your wife with a white Zulu face mask on from Avon and this flowered hair dryer pumped up to the size of a beach ball humming away while she was sleeping or reading a book. I loved the long hair and was sad when she cut it short, but never did miss the hair dryer.
We went to a few dances but neither of us were party people. After we were married years later we did get involved in square dancing at SOV and enjoyed it very much.
Later that year we ran into problems. She thought that I was a hopeless romantic (which was and is still true) and she was the practical one. I had watched way too many Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best and My Three Son episodes. Life will be beautiful and always work out well in the last five minutes of the episode. Mom and Dads never fight. I started talking about marriage and kids. She said "hold on there cowboy! I have big plans for myself and will not let anything get in the way at this early stage." We decided to go our separate ways, me pouting and her determined to accomplish her goals.

So we went our separate ways. Cristy was accepted to Medical School and Vet School and chose to go to Fort Collins, Colorado to vet school. I don't know much about those years accept what she told me. She was a floor Supervisor in a coed dorm. Many times a drunk Cowboy would try to make trouble on her floor with some of the girls and she would through them down the stairs and tell them to go sober up. And they learned veryl quick not to mess with her. You have heard about the time the bull she was watching decided to take her on a tour of the town. The funniest story she ever told me went like this:
A little old lady brought her pet Parakeet into the school clinic (people from the town could get their animals looked at by a student for a low rate). It had a growth on its beak and she wanted it removed. The student on clinic duty wasn't sure how to go about it. They took the bird in the back, put a cotton ball soaked in ether up to its nose to put it to sleep. The student (not Cristy she said), then took the electrical cauterizing gun and tried to burn off the growth. The ether ignited and before anyone new it, they had a dead cooked Parakeet on their hands. They went to the bird cage where they kept Parakeets for practice and picked out one that looked as much like the other as they could. They then took the new bird out to the lady and told her that because the bird had been put under to remove the growth that it may act a little funny for quite a while. In fact some birds are never the same so don't be surprised if he acts different. The lady went off happy with her bird and the students learned a valuable lesson about ether!
The hardest thing that she had to do was learning to set broken bones. You see, they had to break the bones before they could set them. Yes, they would put the poor dog’s leg in a vice and break it. Then practice setting the broken leg. She said she would always have one of the boys who enjoyed that sort of thing do the breaking and she would do the setting. She could not bring herself to break a healthy leg. She use to keep pet rats in college in her dorm room. If one got sick she would ask me to put the poor thing out of its misery. She couldn't bring herself to kill anything. That’s why we always ended up with a house full of cats, dogs and assorted critters.

Now we fast forward about 5 years. After Vet school Cristy came back to Glendale and her first job was at the Human Society. I was living in Durango, Colorado and was home for a weekend to visit Jen. I happened to be driving down Northern one day and thought I would stop in and visit George and Jean for a second since they were just around the corner. George answered the door and said "Come on in here, there is someone you need to see." When I walked in Cristy was standing there. I said "What are you doing here?!" which is what she said to me so many years ago at the dorm. She said "I'm waiting for you." What a classic line. After that we wrote a few letters back and forth. I would write and then wait, and wait, and wait for a reply. About the time I figured she wasn't interested a letter would show up. As usual she said she was busy with church and work and just didn't get around to writing. About 6 to 8 months later I decided to pull up roots and move back to Glendale. I missed my daughter and wanted to explore a relationship with Cristy once again. About a year later we decided we wanted to get married. Cristy's mom thought it was a big mistake. She new us both very well and could see all kinds of pit falls. In this case mother knew best, but we did not listen and the rest is history.
The best thing we ever did was decide to have a baby. Lindsey was the prettiest baby I have ever seen. She had our sense of fun and was so easy going just like her mom. I worked nights so I could be with her during the day and Cristy would lug her to church at night while the choir sang on. I would put her in one of those wined up swings and talk to her while I lifted weights in the spare room. We would swim in the pool and I would take her for long walks while riding in my back pack. I would even take her with me while I played racquet ball. Sometimes I would hold her in my left arm while I played ball right handed. It sounds dangerous but I was always careful and she thought it was great fun.

Great memories.
Rod Newport

It's Official: I'm Crazy!!!

Obviously I have been having a really hard time this past month, without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. But now it's official: I'm absolutely 100% crazy! I talk to my mom everyday and she is starting to answer me. Not in the way that most people would think though. When I went to say good-bye to Mom at the mortuary, she had this very different, very distinct smell to her. Something I have never smelled in my life. So far, I have smelled that same smell on her 3 times now. Twice in my own home, and one time at her house, but it's very brief. Just enough to let me know she is still here, which I appreciate very much. That's just one thing.

Another thing: I have the hardest time sleeping now. I can lay there forever and not fall a sleep, I wake up in the middle of the night all the time. But as long as I talk to my mom before I go to bed, I sleep like I'm under some sort of spell. She helps me sleep all through the night.

And now, the major thing.

This morning I get a call. I was still in bed, so I didn't get up to answer it. When I finally checked my phone, all it said was 10...It said no name and cell phone with the number 10!!!! No message. I tried calling it back, and it said 'the number you are trying to call cannot be reached, please hang up and try again'. Ok, the thing is, is that my mom's birthday was/is November 10. Cody's bday is May 10. Mine and Greg's anniversary is August 10. My sister in laws birthday ( who my mom loved by the way) is February 10. My mom always said that 10 was a great number for our family. Seriously, any number in the world could have been on my caller ID this morning, but it was 10! I tried calling the phone company and they can't trace it because they don't have any record of it even coming in. Crazy right!!!

Let's just say I know exactly why she did this.

I don't know how clear this picture is, but I think it's pretty cool.
(You can click on the picture to enlarge)

Time Heals All Right?

You know, I thought as time went on that I would get stronger and life would be easier. But for some reason I feel like I'm getting weaker and weaker without her. I miss her so much, it literally hurts. I miss talking to her, I miss hearing her voice, I miss her calling me Baby. I thought I was a strong person, but I cry at least once a day for her, and I'm positive my kids think I'm crazy talking to someone who never answers me. I literally have to exhaust myself during the day so I can fall asleep at night.

I just want my mom back....She's all I see when I close my eyes.

From The Grissoms'

Dearest Lindsey,

The Bible says to “Love thy neighbor”, we can honestly say it was very easy to love your mom. From the day we moved in across the street 13 years ago, she was a true neighbor and friend.

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the movie Anne of Green Gables but there is a scene where she talks about her window friend. Anne had a pretend friend, it was the reflection of herself in the window she called her window friend. Well, in a way, you and your mom are our “window friends”. From our kitchen window, we have watched you two grow through the years. We watched you go through middle school to high school to getting married. We have watched you grow into a fine young lady. I know you’re mom was very proud of you. We’ve watched you and your mom smile and laugh together through the years all from our kitchen window. I remember the time when I was washing dishes and your mom was watching Cody. He was just learning how to sit up and she had him on a blanket in the shade while she was working in the flower bed out front. She talked to him and we’d hear him squeal with laughter. Then when he learned to walk, we’d watch her chase after Cody. He kept her on her toes! J

At Christmas time, we’d share our Christmas goodies with each other. Hers were fancy, ours were fattening but the love and the thought in which they were made, made them even more special.

There are times when neighbors need each other. Like vacations, we’d let each other know so the houses and pets could be looked after and mail picked up. Or the time she needed freezer space so she wouldn’t lose frozen food when her electricity was out for a few days. We did things for each other that neighbors do for one another. I remember the time DJ busted his chin open, blood was everywhere, and I was panicking, well it was more like freaking out. It was my first experience as a mom with an accident with that much blood. I looked out the kitchen window and saw your mom was home and immediately called her. She came right over, she was so cool, calm, and collected. After looking at DJ’s chin she said, “No big deal, couple of butterfly strips and he’ll be good as new!” She stayed with the other kids while I took DJ to get stitched up. Later, I realized she was right. It was no big deal! So the next time DJ busted his chin open, guess what I said to him? “No big deal, a couple of butterfly strips and you’ll be good as new!” J

And of course there were times when she came over to help with our pets. I remember the time she came over and told us she would be gone for the weekend because she was going to Yuma to see you. She wanted to know when “Allie” was due to have her puppies. (A couple of weeks earlier I had told her “Allie” was pregnant.) When she found out it was that weekend, she was disappointed she wouldn’t be home in case we needed her. When she got home she wanted to know how “Allie” was and if she had her puppies. I told her yes and all went well. She was happy to hear it.

As neighbors do, we’d catch up on each others lives while standing in our front yards. With both of our lives so busy, we didn’t get to catch up often but when we did we’d stand there for an hour or two just talking.

Our kids loved your mom and will miss her deeply. Any time they would see her outside they would yell across the street, “Hi! Dr. Cristy!” She’d always reply with a Hi and a smile. Last summer when she came home from her trip to Europe, the kids saw her getting out of a car and came in yelling, “Dr. Cristy is home! Dr. Cristy is home!” They loved her very much. They loved it when she would let them go over and play with Butch and Chloe. Although Chloe didn’t play fetch right. Every time Hannah would throw the ball or Frisbee, Chloe would run straight for your mom with it. Hannah would get frustrated and your mom would just laugh. J One time Josh and Hannah wanted to earn some money so they asked her if there was a job they could do for her. She found them a job. They were so excited. She could have told them no and sent them home but she didn’t. She didn’t want to discourage their ambition to work so she found them a job. That’s the kind of heart your mom had.

I can’t look out our kitchen window now without thinking that she can’t really be gone. I miss watching her go off to work, church, or her working in the yard. Your mom will always be one of our most cherished and dearest neighbors. She is greatly missed.

Love From Your Neighbors and Friends,
Daniel, Lori, Breann, DJ, Joshua and Hannah Grissom

From Heather Ballard

Dear Lindsey,
This is so hard to write! When I think of your mom not being here with us the tears start to flow. I worked with her at Alta Vista a couple of years ago; I just wanted to say that your mother was such a special person! I have never met such a kind, easygoing, always pleasant, helpful, warm, person! She was such an inspiration! She spoke about you and your son all of the time, you could see the love pouring out of her! What a great woman, veterinarian, and mother. I am so sorry that she is gone. Your post about lying on the trampoline with your son was sweet and absolutely true. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that she will always be with you and your family! Warmest regards,
Heather Ballard

From Leslie Cabrera

Hello,
I just saw on the Alta Vista website that Dr. Iverson has passed away, and I just wanted say a little something about her. I didn't know her very well, or for very long-- only for three months as a volunteer technician assistant at Alta Vista, but I will tell you that she often came to mind when I thought about my veterinary school aspirations. Going into Alta Vista for experience, I knew I had always wanted to be a veterinarian, but I hadn't had many personal interactions with veterinarians in the work environment. Dr. Iverson showed me the greatest kindness, was patient with all my million and one questions, and taking notice in my enthusiasm, always made a point to find me and tell me what new procedure she was doing so I could go and watch her. She was amazing to watch--and I remember specifically thanking her after a procedure because I had just been so inspired. I have to say, she was one of the sweetest ladies, and is a model for the type of veterinarian I would like to be. Her friendly face still comes first in mind when I think of my many positive experiences at Alta Vista.

With kind regards,
Leslie Cabrera

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Thank you to everyone that attended my moms beautiful service yesterday, and thank you to those that were with us in spirit as well. Thank you to everyone that rang bells, and the choir for such beautiful music. Beautiful Savior is a traditional song for our family to have at a service like my moms. And my mom sang the Lords Prayer at mine and Gregory's wedding. I could still hear her singing along. Eagles Wings is one of my favorite songs, and I loved the Ringers Salute. I don't know if I have ever heard that before, but it was such a fitting tribute. I'm sure my mom loved the service as much as I did, considering what we were all there for.
When I was sitting there staring at her picture, and her smiling back at me, the only thing I could think was, "This can't be real! I can't be sitting here for the reason that my mom is no longer here. There is NO way she can really be gone!" I don't know if this will ever sink in?


I don't know if this rude of me to ask, but honestly I don't know what else to do about it....Does anyone know if my mom had a will? I know she told me she made one before she went to Austrailia a couple years ago, but did she tell me where it was? no. I don't know what to do...

Thoughts From Lori Jamison

Today was the memorial service for Cristy. I have to tell you that it felt so strange to be up in the balcany with bells in hand and not have her be there. Honestly, my heart broke all over again. How do you continue on knowing that things will never be the same again? I suppose that is the question we all have when we loose someone that we love.
Personally, I will miss meeting her on Sunday afternoons at her house so that we could ride to rehearsal together. I will miss talking and sharing with her as we drove to and from rehearsal. When we had had a difficult rehearsal and we were both exhausted, it was comforting to be with her.
We could talk about the music and the aches that sometimes come when rehearsals were longer than normal. Her new truck had a feature (one that I would have gladly paid for myself had she not had it) that would warm up your back and seat. I used that every single time we rode together, even in the heat, but especially coming home from a night at Desert Botanical Gardens. It got to be a little joke between us about having the "hot seats" to look forward to.It seems silly, me talking about car seats on this... I wish that she could be with us again.
It would be nice to drive up to her house and to see her walk out getting ready to drive us to rehearsal like nothing had ever happened as tragic and as sad as her untimely death.Maybe that is something I need to do anyway to honor our time together and to help me to heal. Cristy, you will be dearly missed. I love you. Thanks for all the beautiful music you brought into my life and for the compaionionship we shared.
Lori Jamison

From Linda Trimble

To Lindsey & Family -
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom.
I enjoyed reading the blogs and seeing the pictures of your Mom. I'm especially glad that you included the one from April 1987, as that was the time period that I knew your Mom. I worked with her at Cortez Animal Hospital. I clearly remember you, as in that picture, when your Mom would bring you into work at times. Looking at that picture makes it seem like just yesterday.
She truly loved you and I know you both had a special relationship, especially since it was just the two of you.
Your Mother was a special person. She was always happy with a smile on her face. She was a kind hearted person with a beautiful soul.
I was very touched when I read what you told Cody and I know that it is certainly true. Your Mom will always be around you and him. So don't think yourself crazy for "feeling" her. I am sure that on every special occasion and anytime you are feeling low - she will be there with you in spirit.
I'm so sorry that I won't be able to attend her "Celebration of Life" service. I know it will be a beautiful service and a wonderful tribute to her. You did a wonderful job on this blog site for her, I really enjoyed looking thru it. Heaven received a very "special" angel the day your Mom arrived. May God be with you and give you strength.
Linda Trimble

From Tom & Gail

Lindsey,
Your Mom and yourself were our neighbors when Tom and I first became a couple. In 1988 we moved in across the street. Your Mom came over and welcomed us graciously. You came over often dancing and twirling smiling all the way. You were so cute. Now, you have become such a beautiful women. She was very proud of you and your wonderful family. After a year Tom and I decided on getting a dog. We bought a SharPei puppy, named Yogi that gave us quite a scare one time. We had been outside working on the lawn when another dog came along and bit Yogi. We were so scared. I ran him over to Cristy and she took all the worry away. She treated him and kept an eye on him all the way through his healing. She loved animals. At church we had the privilege of working with Cristy on different things. She always was patient, calm, and interjecting a laugh whenever she could. What a sweet lady. I also got the opportunity to hear all about your grandmother, her mom. I did a lot of the history for the 50th Celebration. She told me about the Preschool beginnings and what she had experienced throughout her lifetime. She gave me so much information. She loved SOV. Lindsey, we am sorry for your loss. A mother is a precious gift to lose. We too, will miss her greatly.
If there is anything that we can do to help, please let us know.
God Bless.
Tom, Gail, Taylor, Laura, Connor, Houser, Lilly and Dusty . YEP!( 3 children, 3 dogs.)

From Nancy Wirtanen

Your mother was a great lady. She was an inspiration to everyone. She will be greatly missed by the Festival choir as well as the bells. I was always able to go to her for advise on any of our dogs. Your mom had a beautiful voice. My thoughts and prayers are with both you and your family during this difficult time.
Nancy Wirtanen

From Teresa Cleland

Lindsey,
We had handbell practice last night at SOV just like we do every Monday evening, except this Monday evening was so very different. While rehearsing the songs that we will play for Cristy on Saturday I heard them like I had never heard them before. I could hear her "singing" our count to us, I could see her with her blue garden gloves on (for whatever reason, she decided she like those for her handbell gloves). The songs that we were playing are her favorites...they've taken on a new meaning for all of us now.
We missed her so much last night.
Teresa Cleland

Quick Update

I just want to say Thank You to everyone for all of your kind words and wonderful stories of my mom. It is because of your stories and memories that my mom will still be a huge inspiration to her grand kids years from now. Keep them comin'!

I found some great pictures of my mom while I was going through some of her things today. I will be scanning pictures like crazy the next couple of days to get the slide show up and running on here.

I also know that I have a lot of people concerned with how I am doing. Honestly and surprisingly enough, I can tell you I'm doing ok. I do have 2 theories about why this is though.
Theory 1: I saw and talked to my mom on Saturday. Even though I was saying good bye, I was really comforted by her. Do I understand that was the last time I will ever see her? Yes. Has it truly sunk in yet? Definitely not! Will it ever? Who knows.
Theory 2: Call me crazy, but I know she is here with me. Some things just can't be explained.

Now that I read those theories back to myself, both sound a little on the crazy side. HHMMM...

From Kathie Nunn

Lindsey,
I realize you don't know me but I felt a need to write to you and tell you my memories of your mom. She was an amazing women who always had a smile on her face. I always enjoyed seeing her around the church. Your mom tired to save the life of my Golden Retriever, Maggie, almost 2 years ago. She died about a month after your mom did the surgery. I saw your mom at church a few days after we had to put Maggie to sleep and your mom came over and gave me a big hug, it meant so much to me. About a year ago our two puppies were admitted to Alta Vista with Parvo. Our German Shepherd was hospitalized first, followed by our Bernese Mountain dog a few days later. Your mom saw me at church after the second puppy was admitted and came right over to me to let me know she knew they were there and gave me an update on how they were doing that day. Her love and compassion of her furry 4 legged patients truly showed. Anyone who knew her will deeply miss her! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I know you are just as proud of her, as she was of you. She was taken from you and your family way too soon! Peace to her memory!
Kathie Nunn

From Susan Stumfoll

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about your mom. I worked with Dr. Iverson at Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital. She was a wonderful person to be around. She would always make us laugh when she referred to some of her patients as "critters". Not a day passed without her mentioning you or her grandchildren. Her face would light up when she spoke of you or had to tell us something funny that one of the kids did or said. She lived for her family! She had a way of touching the lives of anyone and everyone she met in some way. She will be truly missed. My prayers are with you and your children.
Susan Stumfoll

From Amy Appleton

Lindsey, I was so sad to hear about your mother's passing! Your mom was an amazing woman! I don't think I even have a memory of my childhood at SOV that didn't include you or your mom! I LOVED hearing her sing! She had the most beautiful voice! I remember when we were doing the Sound of Music and when she would sing... I would secretly wish I had even an ounce of the voice and talent she had! I actually even joined her bell choir for all of a month or so and she was sooo patient with me even when I was messing around or just had no clue as to what I was doing...She took the best care of all of our beloved pets...she is to this day the only vet that my little Talula didnt growl at or try to bite! She had this peace about her. She was so gentle and loving and just one of the nicest people I have ever had the honor of knowing! She will be so missed! Lindsey, you and your family have so many people who loved your mom so much..... and I know that they will be there to surround you with so much love, support and precious memories to help you through this time! If you need anything please let me know!
With much love- Amy Rudel Appleton

From Diane Salus

Dearest Lindsey . . . after reading your wonderful blog for your mom and after having a good cry I wanted to tell you how very sorry I am and that I pray for God’s blessings on you and your family. Your mom’s passing is a tremendous loss to us all and SOV will never be the same without her. While singing in our choir I decided that we had too many Altos and asked if I could join the 2nd Sopranos. This probably didn’t do too much for the choir, but did something wonderful for me—I got to sit by and become acquainted with your mom. Her beautiful voice guided mine through those difficult 2nd parts every practice and Sunday morning. I so admired all that she could do with the choir and the bells and I could just feel through her calm wisdom and gentle way that she was a very special person, close to our Lord and blessed with His gifts. She became our dog’s vet and when we had to put him down she held both Stan and me in her loving arms as we cried. She was such a comfort and we both trusted her so much. How lucky I was to know her and how blessed you are that she was your mother.

Take care dear Lindsey and know that you will always be guided by her love

From Lois & Mark Francis

Lindsey,You are in my thoughts often these days. I am so saddened by your mom's too early death. We have so many memories of you and her together for musicals and all the fun times when you all were teen agers! I will miss her smile, her laugh, her talents and her easy way. She was a great woman and a great veterinarian for our dog for many years. God Bless her memory and you and your family as you grieve. God will give you strength to live with memories.

From Chalma Frost

Dear Lindsey Jo:
I am just devastated by your mom's death!! Can't even believe it's true. I have great memories of your mom dating back to 1964 when I first came to SOV. She was in high school and was singing in the Sr.choir, sitting beside your grandmother. She also sang in the high school choir and of course at the high school too. What a bright lady, and what a good sense of humor she had. I love the photo on the left.....it looks JUST like her.She sang in the women's ensemble and she and I were the "lead" 2nd sopranos. If the anthem did not require organ accompaniment I stood by her and we belted out the 2nd soprano part. She was so talented, yet so humble.
Of course she took care of our critters--first the mini dachshunds, then later the terri-poos. She was as kind to our pets as she was with people. I never worried about what she proposed as treatment--I trusted her judgement,that she knew exactly what to do.
We loved to find music that was written for bells and organ. What a thrill to play that music. We both loved it as of course did the congregation. It was such a delight and privilege to have worked with her and enjoy her for so many years.
Any emails that she sent me were filled with Christian hope. Read the one called THIS IS AWESOME. I received it on Mar. 28. I will save it and re-read it often........it really conveys her belief in God and her love of God. At my retirement luncheon (after 40 years at SOV) she spoke of me and said that I had been her mentor.......I now see it the other way.......that she had been my mentor. She never said an unkind word about anyone......she was a true Christian and model for us.
She will be truly missed---I considered her a dear friend.Peace and love to you and all the family.........Chalma

Saying Good-Bye

I went to say good-bye to my mom today. She looked absolutely beautiful, even better than I could have expected! But because I am some what of a chicken, I asked my mother in law, Keri, to see her first. She came back with a smile on her face and said she was so beautiful. My Mom had her hair parted to the side with some berry color lipstick on her lips, complete with a little smile. The mortuary had placed a beautiful quilt to cover her. She looked so peaceful laying there. I am so happy I did this and I know I will NEVER regret seeing her. For the first time since her death, I was comforted just by the sight of her. I kissed her forehead, played with her hair, gave her lots of hugs, and held her hand for as long as I could. I didn't want to let go. I never wanted to leave her.

I know that right now I have all the love, support, and prayers in the world, but at the same time I've never felt so alone without my mom. For the longest time it was just my mom and me. We relied on each other for everything. As I got older I saw her once a week, and talked to her almost every-other day. I loved talking to my mom. The knowledge she had stored in that brain of hers absolutely amazed me. I was always so comforted by her, even if she didn't say anything, just being in her presence was enough for me. There will always be a big part of me missing.

Cody too said good bye to his beloved Mimi and told her he loved her. He cried for her again when we got home so I took him outside, laid on the trampoline and we stared up at the sky together. I told him anytime he wanted to talk to Mimi to look to the Heavens because Mimi will always be there and will always be listening and watching over him. He asked me if Mimi was an Angel now that she's in Heaven, and I told him "Yes, Mimi will always be your angel and she loves you very much"

I found this picture of my mom and me that was taken in April of 1987. I feel like I can actually see how much she loved me just by the expression on her face...I love this picture.

From Mary Hindal

Dear L. J. Like you and so many of us we are still in shock over your Mom's passing...She was a lovely lady and what a great Role Model she was for you and for many of us..I was blessed to have sung in the SOV choir with her for years..In fact I started during the Norman Summer era before you were born! I remember your 1st choir rehearsal at only 1 week old! One of my favorite SOV memories is your 1st Christmas Eve..Your Mom stashed you in your carrier under the harpsichord!!!!!! You slept thru the 9pm service without a peep or a sitr!!!!!!! When it came time to sing Silent Night there wasn't a dry eye in the choir loft..Even Norman Summer shed a few tears at the beautiful baby asleep under the harpsichord!!!! Your Mom cried when you grew out of that carrier you were so portable in that thing!!!! When we did the 2nd Sound of Music, I remember your Mom's flawless performance of Climb Every Mountain at our last dress rehearsal...We were all choked up & Dr. Francis lept up on stage to give your Mom a hug & and a kiss on the cheek!!!
Mary Hindal

Pastor Gayle Bintliff

Lindsey, I just want to let you know how very sorry I am to learn about your mom's death. Of course I enjoyed her easy sense of humor, her great musical talents, and her quiet ways. I am just saddened at the thought of her untimely death, but I also share with you our sure and certain hope of the resurrection, and I know that she has died with Christ and will be raised with Christ--and that is finally what matters most. I know how proud she always was of you as her daughter. One of the fun times I recall is when the bell choir was performing at a Nativity evening, some of us deicded to play a little joke on Christy--when she stood up to direct, there I was, holding a bell--and believe me, I had no business whatsoever anywhere near the bell choir!!!! She cracked up and we all had a good laugh. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your comfort and strength. This is a difficult loss of you and the people of Shepherd of the Valley, and there have been too many of those lately.

In peace,
Pastor Gayle Bintliff

From Lori Jamison

My name is Lori Jamison.
There are so many things about Cristy that I will miss. One of those things was her sense of humor. I could never really quite figure out when she would be teasing me because she did it with such a straight face!
Once Cristy and I were coming home from Campanilla's bell rehersal and she wanted to know my opinion about the music she had picked out to play for the SOV choir that she directed and I played in. After I gave her my thoughts (which were pretty positive ones) she said smiling that she never actually listens to me because she could always tell by my face what I really thought! Silly me. Why even bother, huh. It was then that I truly realized how close Cristy and I had become.
I could talk to her about anything and about nothing with ease. We connected through music, like I am sure many others have connected with her. She was the first person I had ever met that shared my passion for ringing handbells. We were both so excited to find ways to challenge ourselves and to have fun playing handbells.
I will miss her watching her ring and direct bells at the same time!! It always amazed me that she could do that and do it with grace. And count out loud and mouth the measures with reckless abandon! There will never be another friend so dear to me as Cristy was. -Lori Jamison

PS: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I think that I am still in shock about her passing. I keep expecting to see her or hear from her about rehearsal stuff, etc. Were you able to see your Mom? I understand why you wanted to see her. If she was my Mother I would need to do the same. Please take care of yourself right now. I know that may be a difficult thing to do. Your mom talked so much about you and you being "preggers" again. She was so excited for you. She loved those boys (including Greg) of yours with all of her heart. She told me that her and Greg were a lot alike and could talk for hours as well as understand each other. Tell him how much she loved and cared for him too.
Again, My Sympathies to You

From Rusty & Teresa Cleland

Lindsey,I don't know you but I've seen you at church several times. Your mom was the director of the bell choir and my husband and I both enjoyed her very much. She was a gifted individual. Not only with her musical abilites, but the gift of patience. She herself was such a wonderful bell ringer, yet she had the patience of Job with us! My, how we would try that patience!
Many times she would tell stories about Cody. She loved being his Mimi.
I, myself have lost a parent and just recently my father-in-law. Both went quite differently. My father lingered with cancer and my father-in-law was taken quite suddenly. Too suddenly. My observation was this: When our loved one suffers, we get our opportunity to say our goodbyes and put things into perspective. But at what cost? Their suffering. When they get taken from us suddenly we are the ones that suffer. At some point, not today, you will look back and be so thankful that your mom did not have to suffer. Wait for that day...it will come.When my father passed away, there was a period of 5 days before his service. I spent many hours every day sitting with him and holding his hand and talking to him. I knew that those 5 days were my last opportunity to see him on this side of Heaven.
Be with your mom if that's what helps you. You'll never be sorry that you did. May God comfort you during this time. You are doing a wonderful job honoring your mother and we are watching saying "Cristy would be so proud!" God bless you during this time, Lindsey.
Rusty & Teresa Cleland

From Dr Sean Penn

Your mother was a great woman and a great veterinarian. Recently, my best friend lost his wife and I was there for him through his first week alone. I made a slide show for my friend's wife entitled "Celebration of Life", interestingly the same title your mom's memorial will be, because that is what it should be! I spoke to your mother a good bit about my friend's loss and she was, as always, very kind and supportive. She said to me, isnt it great how angels work, they are right there helping Sean make his friend feel better. I miss your mother harmonizing along through the treatment area and I miss asking her for opinion on cases.

Statement From Alta Vista

In Memory of Cristy Iverson
We are sad to announce the recent sudden unexpected passing of Dr. Cristy Iverson. She was a dedicated veterinarian and a vital part of the Alta Vista family. A compassionate caretaker of animals, she was also a loving mother, grandmother and dear friend to us all. She was a highly skilled surgeon who was always positive and always strived for the best care of our four legged friends. Her care for both animals and people was always evident with her gentle nature. She was not only a great veterinarian; she was also a great person who made a difference in the lives of so many people and animals. Dr. Iverson will be greatly missed.

www.altavistavet.com

Service Info

My Moms Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday April 11, 2009 at 3:00. It will be held at Shepherd of the Valley in the Sanctuary.

Greg, my Uncle Kent, and I met with Pastor Greg this afternoon and planned what will hopefully be a beautiful tribute to her life.

Afterwards, Greg and I met with the Mortuary. She was brought in while we were there (not the room we were in obviously, she was just brought to the building) I will go see her tomorrow. People keep telling me it's not the best idea, but I have to give her a kiss and hold her hand one last time. I need to say good bye to mom.

Stories From Linda Pavalich

Hello – my name is Linda Peters Pavlich, and I knew your mom in high school. She was, in fact, one of my three best friends – she was a bridesmaid at my wedding, and I was a bridesmaid at her wedding! I will find those pics and scan them and send them to you later this week. We went on vacations with each other’s family. She came with me and my mom to San Diego one summer, and we body-surfed and ate lots of hamburgers at the Jack-in-the-box on Mission Beach. At that time, hamburgers were her favorite food! We were in choir together in high school – Mr. Shaw’s acapella choir – both altos, and I always liked to stand near Cristy, because she was such an awesome sight reader! She got in All-State choir the year we both tried out! I did not, but I think I was her accompanist. (I was the accompanist for the choir that year, and played for most of my friends.)
One of my favorite Cristy stories – it actually comes up a lot in our family, because we used to hike a lot when the kids were little : I went on a vacation with her family to Greer in the White Mountains one summer. Your mom and I were walking in some tall grass, talking and walking in the beautiful meadows up there, and we hopped over a log, and your mom said, in this totally calm and conversational voice, “Well, you’ve heard of the proverbial snake in the grass?” I screeched, of course, and hopped back up on the log, while Cristy bent down to examine the snake, then chuckled at my over-reaction, and just walked on.
A few years later, she and I were visiting at my mom’s house. My dog was there, and my mom’s dog was there, and Cristy and I were just sitting on the back porch yakking. The dogs (two females) started fighting! I freaked, did my usual squealing thing, and went to get the hose. Don’t exactly know what I was planning to do with it, but I vaguely had some idea of squirting the dogs into submission - ? Anyway, your mom, always calm, walked over to the two snarling and biting dogs, grabbed each one by the scruff of the neck, and held them up and apart – one in each hand. It was awesome ! I can still picture that!
Last famous Cristy story – which I actually just recently told to a vet friend of mine here in Virginia. When Cristy was in Vet school, we got together for some holiday. I asked her about her semester studying cows. She told me this story of running through Colorado, holding on to a rope attached to some guy’s prize bull which had decided to leave the holding pen – she couldn’t make it stop, but she wasn’t about to lose it either, so she went on a tour of the town, running along beside the bull. I laughed really hard, and then asked her if she saw large animals in her future. And this is the famous Cristy line that is so oft quoted in our family (along with the snake-in-the-grass comment.) She looked at me, and said, dry as sand, “Linda, you haven’t lived until you’ve had your whole arm inside of a cow.”
I only met you once – when you were a little little girl, and the last time I met Cristy, we went to lunch, and she talked about you – such a proud mom. I was so shocked when I opened your email this morning. I cried a bit, and called some old old mutual friends – but I haven’t lived in AZ for a long time – I am so sorry for your terrible loss, and for the loss of my old friend. We just did everything together in high school. I’m glad, if she had to go, it was quick. She didn’t have to live in fear and pain for a long time, as happens with cancer. I know she was religious, so I won’t say all the usual things, but I have to say, for those of us left behind, the world is a little lonelier. God bless you in this time of loss - and in the months ahead when you will miss her in so many ways. Your mom is the person that loves you the most – in the whole world – unselfishly and unflinchingly. I’m so glad sweet Cristy was your mom. She was the best - Linda Pavlich
Lorton, Virginia--
John & Linda Pavlich Lorton, VA

Greer, AZ- Summer of 1968

Cody cried for the first time today. He just kept saying over and over that he wanted his Mimi back.

Cause of Death:

We found out today from the medical examiner that my mom died from a Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism. In English, for most of us means she had a blood clot and is considered a natural death. They said it was very quick, and she never felt any pain. However! I feel so strongly that this could have been prevented if the Dr at the Urgent Care would have paid more attention to her symptoms. It took me 5 minutes of research on the internet entering her symptoms: shortness of breath, discoloration of the lips and fingers for me to figure out what happened. With it being so obvious, why didn't they do anything for her????!!!!
I'm so mad at myself! I told her in Urgent Care, "Mom, what if you have a blood clot?" She of coarse said no. I should have insisted on taking her to the E.R so real Dr's could look at her and actually run some tests.

She should have been transferred to the mortuary late this after noon, if not, then tomorrow. I know she wanted to be cremated and I would like to start planning a service for hopefully next Saturday, the 11th. The church will be all decorated for Easter and I know my mom would love that. Please keep in mind, that I am not calling this her funeral. It will be called a Celebration of Her Life, and it will be filled with love and lots of music, just as she would have liked.

April 1, 2009

This was the post that I put yesterday on my blog:

For those of you that don't know yet, my Mom passed away sometime yesterday....And NO, this is not a sick April fools joke, although I wish more than anything in the world that it was. I still don't know the cause of death, but I do know she wasn't feeling well. She stayed home from work last Friday and called me Monday and asked if could take her to Urgent Care because she couldn't breathe. When I got to her house, her lips were blue and the tips of her fingers where blue and numb, but she still wanted to go to Urgent Care rather that the E.R. They told her she was hyper-ventilating and gave her two breathing treatments and released her. I'm no Dr, but seriously?! I should have just taken her to the E.R... I called her yesterday morning around 9 to check on her and she said she was doing better and then I tried calling her last night around 8 about 6 times and she never answered. I was hoping that maybe she was just sleeping, but then I called this morning and still no answer, so I called Gregory to leave school early to check on her. I guess I must have known...when I got out of the shower this morning, I just started crying for no reason. I just can't believe this is happening. I'm only 26...I still need my mom! And I called her for everything!!! I still feel like I have so much that I needed to learn from her. This wasn't like cancer where some Dr tells you , you have this long to live. At least you can somewhat prepare for that, but this...this was completely out of the blue. I'm pretty sure someone ripped my heart out of my chest, b/c I cant feel anything.
I loved my mom very much. She was the best mom ever. I cant remember being in a single fight with my mom. She never grounded me, she never judged me for anything, and she was always there for me, always. She loved her grand kids, she loved animals, she loved music, she loved her church, she loved God, and I know she loved me too. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!