Holly Rudd Anderson 01-27-52 ~ 02-17-04

Dear family and friends,

It has been six years--coming up to the day that my brothers, sister and I lost our mom. We have been strong. We accept that she has moved on to more important things and are happy for her. At times we miss her of course and prefer not to dwell on things of the past but find it healthy to take a moment every now and again to reflect on the happy memories we have been afforded. This leads me to the point for which I am writing you this note. Because life is moving forward and memories begin to distance themselves, it becomes hard to remember the unique attributes and characteristics that makes someone so special. Of the few times over the past six years that I have been able to spend with grandpa and grandma, my favorite question has been to ask, “Can you please tell me a story about my mom?” I loved to see their faces light up and an ensuing funny, exciting, mischievous story that so described my mom. For a moment I feel like I remember something that I had forgotten. When tragedy happens, to move on you try to forget the hopelessly despairing recollections and with that seems to drift some of the priceless memories that allow someone to live on.
More for my siblings but also for myself, I wanted to ask you to take a moment of your time and write down a memory about my mom. I know people ask this and sometimes you might say to yourself, “Give it a rest” or “that’s so cliche’” to be doing this but it would mean so much to me and I know my siblings that I couldn’t help but ask.
Aunt, sister, cousin, friend, whatever she was to you connects you with us. And with the way our lives continue to forge their way into the future, leaving behind the past, I am afraid that now is no better time to ask this favor of you. On February 17, 2010 I am going to have put together a blogspot with entries from family and friends with pictures, music--including songs that Kevan, Kris, and I have written, poems, etc. as a place where my siblings and I can go when those moments come where we feel like we want to be closer. She left a little early. I have a lot of moments where I want her to be there to congratulate me for achievements I have made or something to laugh at that I know she would understand. She was one of the closest people I have had in my life and one that I wouldn’t have to say anything and she’d understand. A mom is an important person you’d hope would never leave and would be there forever. And she is. I am happy she is where she is.
So, if you would please do me a favor and write just something--it can be anything, you would help me to give something irreplaceable to my family and I know they would appreciate it more than you would know. If you have any pictures that you could download, we always love to see those.
We (the Anderson’s) have been blessed with so many good family members and have more than we could possibly have asked for. I would like to thank you beforehand for your time. I really hope that you and your family are doing well. I am proud to be a Rudd--we are blessed to have had Sam and Marge in our lives and such a great link to keep us together. I’ll miss our reunions but remember the good times.


May this site be dedicated to the memory of a loved one who brought happiness into the lives of those around her. Holly Rudd Anderson came into this world January 27, 1952 to Sam and Marge Rudd. The sister of four, mother of six, aunt, and friend to many more, Holly became known a breath of fresh air. One who understood the needs of others and was always willing to be a listening ear. She always loved a good mischievous endeavor--anything to get a rise out of someone. She loved cars, clothes and loved being the center of attention. Her relationship with her sisters was inspiring and an example to anyone who observed. Many trips, lunches, and days out strengthened their bond and is something that will be missed by all. For the visitors of this site: if you have anything that you would like to express--memories, pictures, thoughts to the children, sisters, or those who loved Holly, or anything else--please send them to tanderson@hspest.com.

From: Jeremy Anderson

Dear Mom,


Six years ago today you left on a journey that you won’t be returning from, and not a day has not gone by that I haven’t thought of you in some way or another. I sure miss you. I really, really need You a lot of the time... For advice, or to talk about just nothing... the way that we used to. The others do too. I try to keep in touch with all of them as much as I can... I try to call each of them at least once a week or more... They need someone to fill your shoes... I can’t replace you... But I try to keep all of us close together like you did.


Trace and the kids miss you too... I think that is one of the things that saddens me most often is that my kids don’t know You the way I knew Gramps and Grandma. I know how much fun they would be having with you. You would be such a great Grandma... You were to Bree and Hailee. I will never forget the last times they shared with you in your life. We had a great time going the Peter Pan movie with you and having you over on Christmas morning in the Townhouse. Every time I hear the Build a Bear’s songs when the kids push their bear’s tummies, or the Beauty and the Beast toy plays its tune... I miss you, and remember those specific days. I cherish my last times with you more than you know, and I wish with all my heart I could have one last hug or to be able to look into your beautiful eyes and tell you “I love you Mom”. I just didn’t expect that you were going anywhere... any time soon.


I’ve wanted to thank you for all that you taught me in my life. I had a wonderful 30 years with you. I’m thankful for my youth and for the early years especially. I can remember The Village; at the U of U. I really do remember bits and pieces of those days. I can remember riding down the hills on my big wheel, and Dad doing homework. I remember my preschool. I’m thankful for those special early years. You were such a great mother... always patient, kind, and caring. I was a tough child, and somewhat clumsy... always breaking a bone or breaking something around the house, but you were always understanding and forgiving. I’m grateful for that. As a parent now I understand how tough it can be, and I’m more thankful now... than I was then.


I’m also grateful for all of the wonderful years we had after settling in the Murray house. I had great friends, and even though I felt like I struggled to fit in at school. I was always grateful for your loving guidance and advice... I’m not sure how much you knew that I really needed it. It was a struggle to be the oldest child... I didn’t really know who to follow, or who to be like. I wanted to be cool and fit in, but I didn’t know how. I just had a hard time being confident in whom I was sometimes, and I’m thankful for the ability you had to “push me out of my shell”.


Thank you also, SO MUCH, for bringing me up in the Gospel. My life has been so wonderful and so blessed. I haven’t always chosen the right paths in life, as we all do sometimes, but I know where I’m going, and I’m so thankful for the choices you made in your life to do that. I have such a strong testimony of the truth of the Church and it has made all the difference in my life... I’m so grateful to you for teaching me those principles.


As I reflect on the last sixteen years of my life, I am so grateful for the role you played in my dating years, and ultimately the courting and marriage of my beloved Sweetheart. I know how much Trace loved you, and how much she appreciated your kindness and making her feel welcome into our family. We both miss you more than ever as we raise our children. As we visit your gravestone, she often shares her memories of the special times we had with you, and I know she misses you and loves you as much as I do. Your absence is felt by her just as much as it is by me. We truly miss your Sunday dinners and sitting on the deck afterward talking and laughing with you. I sure miss your laugh... that is probably what I miss the most about not having you here with us... You would light up the room just by laughing because you were so much fun to be around.


Sometimes I have dreams of you, and I’m glad that I do, because they feel so real. I feel a little guilty when it happens because it’s almost like I get to spend time with you again. Other times it feels like your presence is often near me at home, and I kinda hope it’s you watching over us... I believe in that sort of stuff. I hope you know how much we all love you, and I hope you are in a good place now... I’m happy and content with life as of now... having a great time with Trace raising these 5 wonderful girls. We miss you, but for now we will press on, looking forward to the day when we will meet again...



With much love, your son

Jer

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