I found this on Dr Kristen Nelsons blog today and thought it was so beautiful...

The following is a tribute to Dr. Cristy Iverson.

Yesterday I attended a beautiful celebration of her life at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.


Last summer, my husband heard a pathetic meow when he walked into a gas station. A feral kitten was trapped in the downspout. The employees poured water down the roof drain and washed him out (this is a bad idea by the way). The poor little tan kitten with chocolate brown swirls looked like a drowned rat. The next day, I brought him with me to Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital hoping someone would give this little guy a permanent home.

Dr. Iverson spotted the furball hiding behind a towel. The card on his cage read 'Michael' in honor of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and the kitten's close call with water. Even though Dr. Iverson knew it would take a lot of patience to tame this feral boy, she brought him home that evening. From that day forward, Dr. Iverson updated me on Michael's progress every time I worked with her. She showed me pictures of him on her cell phone and regaled me with funny stories as he grew into his big paws. Her face beamed when she talked about her animal kids.

At her desk in the clinic, Dr. Iverson displayed a picture of her human children. She taped a picture of Lindsey and Greg holding Cody and Trevor above her desk. When I asked her if the handsome family was hers, she stared at the picture for a minute and then nodded. A warm smile spread over her face. She glowed as she told me funny grandma stories. Cristy really loved her children and grandchildren! She could not wait to welcome her third grandchild into the family.

There are many ways to describe Cristy Iverson including talented bell ringer, the only science major in the ASU choir, gifted veterinarian and devoted mom. But the best description I heard came from a surgical technician named Rochelle. When I asked her to describe Dr. Iverson, she said, "I love Dr. Iverson. She's a teddy bear to work with." I could not agree more. I will always remember Cristy as a blonde teddy bear with gifted hands, a quick mind and a huge heart filled with love for the people and animals in her life.

Rest in peace Cristy. Your life made the world a better place. We will miss you!

I've been thinking about you a lot lately...I miss you dearly...I say goodnight to you every night; I hope you hear me....Sometimes I have dreams that we're together again and it's the best feeling ever.
I wish you could see the boys... they're changing and growing and learning everyday.  It's milestones like Cody starting kindergarten, Trevor getting ready to turn 3 and Justin getting ready to turn 1 that I wish you could be here for.
I miss the feeling of knowing that my mom will always be there for me...I miss the feeling of comfort and the feeling of home...It's just not the same without you...I love you

For those of you that don't know, I decided a couple of months ago to pursue a lawsuit against the care center that my mom saw just before she passed away. Yesterday I received some news from my lawyer that I've dreading this whole time. He said in most embolism cases, the patient is too far along to help or do anything for: Not in my moms case. If she would have been diagnosed properly and given the correct medication, there was more than a 90% chance that she would have been just fine. It just isn't fair. Knowing now for a fact that if I would have taken her to a real E.R and she would have been seen by a real Dr that she would more than likely still be here today...

From Chere and Larry Blake

Dear Lindsey,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a wonderful woman. I only knew her from Alta Vista Veterinary, where she took care of a pup that I rescued who had a broken leg. Christy was truly wonderful, you could tell she genuinely cared for each and every animal she came in touch with. It was my pleasure to know her for such a short time. I just found out today of her passing when I visited Alta Vista for a refill of heartworm medicine. I was devastated!
God bless you and care for you in your loss.
With much love,
Chere' Blake, mom of Gus a 13 pound Pomeranian who loved his Dr. Iverson, too.

Happy Birthday Mom...

Today is/should have been my moms 59th birthday...so young...

Today sucks...

I should be taking my mom out to lunch today then going to get our usual mani/pedi for her birthday...

I know I could look at this situation in a completely different light and say "well, she's in a better place" but I cant, I'm selfish, I want her here with me where she should be.

Sunday night I went to go get subway for dinner. As I was driving home I was thinking "oh it's Sunday, I wonder if my mom is done with bells so I can talk to her?" and then I just felt stupid, so stupid that I could forget she's gone and I'll never talk to her again. It's almost like finding out again for the first time that she's gone...

Yup, today sucks!

There is this song that Taylor Swift wrote called "The Best Day" She wrote it for her mom. It's a great song. It reminds me a lot of the relationship that my mom and I had. She knew how to be a friend when I needed a friend, she knew how to be my mom when I needed my mom. She was amazing...

From Jerry W Parker, DVM

Lindsey,

I am another of your Mom's classmates. Mike forwarded your email to him on to many of us. I looked and finally found a little about your Mom's passing a couple of days ago, but your letter gave me the info I was looking for. She seemed in such good health when I saw her a couple of years ago that I was shocked to hear of her death.

Cristy was one of the most popular people in our class because of her terrific sense of humor and her toughness in handling any situation she was confronted with. You truly had a great role model to emulate as you grew up. I know I don't have to tell you that, but I want you to know that I know it.

My sincere condolences for your (and our) loss.
Jerry W Parker, DVM

From John "J.C." Burkhartsmeyer

Your mom was one of my favorite classmates. I will treasure the visit we had at our reunion 3 years ago. The class of '76 will miss her a great deal. Thank you for sharing the details with us.


John "J.C." Burkhartsmeyer

From Michael Pedersen

Lindsey,

I'm a classmate of your mother from CSU class of '76. I first met your mother in the dorm our freshman year(1972). Cristy was a very nice person and I always enjoyed her. The last couple of years we got together at the Western Veterinary Conference and she was the same old bubbly person she was in school. I'm truly sorry for your loss. She will be missed by the Class of '76.

With deepest regrets,
Michael Pedersen
CSU Class of '76

From George W Dyck

Lindsey,

I am a classmate of you mother at CSU Class 1976. I was shocked to read about your Mom in the "JAVMA" last night. We were a fairly close class and I emailed as many of my classmates as I have addresses for and they were all shocked as well. I last saw your mother a few years ago in Las Vegas at a class get to gather. We had no indication of illness or accident. I will pass on anything you want the class to know. Please know we really feel badly about the loss of a dear classmate and friend.

George W Dyck, DVM

From Mindy Fontius

Dear Lindsey,

My name is Mindy Fontius and I worked with your mom for a little over a year at Alta Vista. I was shocked and saddened when I heard last night about what happened and a few of us who worked with her would like to make a donation in her name. I was hoping that you could let us know if there had been an account set up or if there is somewhere in particular that your mom would have wanted us to support.

I am so sorry for your loss, your mom was a wonderful person and someone that I will always remember.

Mindy

From Jennie Blomquist

I was going through my emails and realized I never added this one from Jennie.

Hi Greg and Lindsey

I just wanted you to know that tomorrow 25th is the 2009 state handbell festival. We will be dedicating the day to the memory of your wonderful mother. Lori and Rusty will be ringing the opening bell in the morning. The attached will be read in the morning and perhaps again at the concert at 4 p.m. It is hard to sum up all that your mom was in just a few paragraphs but hopefully I have captured a little of her essence in what I have written. It would be a bit different if it were my personal memories and I will write those up for you too. We also plan to repeat the handbell salute in her honor. The festival is at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale 82nd St. north of McDonald Drive and backs up to Hayden Rd. if you care to attend. The concert will be short.
Lindsey, I know you feel lost right now but you have to be strong for your boys and the new baby. You know the saying "what would Jesus do"? Well, I want you to think on this, What would Cristy do? I know that she would not want you to be pining away for her but sharing all the love she gave to you over the years with your boys and Greg. Share your memories with them so you keep them alive but let the grieving process work itself out. You are a very strong young woman and your mom would want you to be every bit of that for her and your young family. She loved you all so much, I know it would hurt her to see you so sad and despondent. Remember all the good times and be happy that she is with the Lord she loved, where there is no suffering and pain. She is still with you in spirit and always will be.
Time really will heal all. I lost my dad when I was 16 so I know what you are going through.

Blessings to you all,

Jennie Blomquist

Attached Reading:
Cristy Louise Iverson Newport

Cristy was born on November 10, 1950 and went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2009. She leaves behind her daughter Lindsey, son in law Greg, 2 grandsons, with another grandchild on the way. She was devoted to all of them.

Cristy was a very special lady and a friend to all who knew her. A lifelong member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Phoenix; she was active in many areas but particularly in the music department. She had a beautiful voice to go with her beautiful personality and she was the director of Jubilate handbell choir at SOV for many years.

Cristy was a long time member of AGEHR and active in state and area leadership over the years. She hosted many guild events at SOV, served as the AZ state chair for two years and served on the board of Area 11. If there was a job that needed doing and she wasn’t working in her veterinary practice she was there, doing whatever she could to help.

Cristy was also a charter member of Campanillas del Sol community handbell. She was a creative force in the group and always had good suggestions. With her strong musical background she was sensitive to the interpretation of the music and offered her valued opinions. Both Jubilate and Campanillas will remember her “Cristyisms”. A favorite was her term “laudioso” which meant very loud. Why use fortissimo when you can use laudioso!

Cristy, you will be well remembered for all your acts of kindness and your loving personality. We will miss you greatly but we know that you are up there ringing in that heavenly bell choir and watching over all of us.

We dedicate this Arizona 2009 Spring Festival to the memory of this wonderful woman, Cristy Iverson Newport.

June 15th

I just wanted to let everyone know that we placed my moms ashes in her niche at SOV yesterday. She has a great view of the morning sun, her favorite kind of a tree, a jacaranda, and maybe a bit of the golf coarse :) And of coarse, in the #10 spot. Greg, the boys and I gave her one last kiss and today the staff at SOV will be saying their goodbyes.

Mother's Day

I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mom. I'm going to go out on a limb and say they probably get the internet in Heaven, and if she can call my phone, she can probably read the blog :)
I LOVE YOU and miss you like crazy!!!!!

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