Wendy Robinson
Helen was drawn into my life ten years ago when Florida Division of Blind Services asked me to give
Helen some special assistance. She was going to have to give up driving, needed help reading her mail,
writing letters, and checks. We quickly adopted each other as family.
Helen loved to go on outings: to restaurants, department stores, do errands, or just to take a drive. She
especially liked her ice cream down Micanopy way. Needing to walk we would go to Kohl’s where it
was cool without the sun and she could explore all the wares, touching the pretty blouses and scarves.
Helen enjoyed singing and I’d play some of her favorites and mine on her organ . She loved the 23 rd
Psalm and often asked to say it together. I taught her to sing it which really pleased Helen. She also liked
to sing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Helen enjoyed the fact that my Grams had taught me to
sing this verse and then I taught Helen. Helen loved learning new facts, songs, ideas, or anything that
expanded her horizons.
Helen was delighted to attend worship with me at University Evangelical Lutheran Church, but since she
could not see nor hear well she didn’t go as often as she would have otherwise. She enjoyed meeting new
friends there at the Ladies’ Luncheon and The BEE and the LIFT gatherings. There at UELC she met a
number of folks who joined me in spending time with Helen, giving her rides, and doing some house
cleaning. We all became family!
At times Helen could be harsh with unkind words when situations did not go the way she expected, often
as a result of misunderstandings rising out of her hearing or vision difficulties. Those times were when we
could see her fierce independence and her marine training surface. But really she was sweet. Helen loved
hugs and kisses. She never let me leave without a long hug and sweet busses on the lips, reminding me to
“Count your blessings!” Every letter I wrote for Helen ended with the X and O’s that sent hugs and
kisses along to the recipients.
Helen was a one of a kind person in every way and a faithful friend! She will be deeply missed!
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” We pray that all those mourning
Helen be comforted as only the Lord can give peace. Rejoicing this day that Helen is safely home with
her Lord and free of earth’s suffering and binding weaknesses.
Sharon O'Brien
