She Left Us Too Soon - Gay Nickle Lauritzen Appleberry

Though she is no longer with us, today we honor and celebrate the birthday of Kerry's sister, Gay.

Kerry and his sisters, Joy and Gay, were the "middle kids", and they always played together. He will often fondly recall something the three of them did as young children, and often with a tear in his eye.

She quickly made me feel at home as a new member of the family, taking me on wild rides through the Sanpete Valley of Utah in her green convertible. And, she made the best cinnamon rolls I've ever tasted in my life.

She was an artist extraodinairre, with two of the most gifted hands I've ever witnessed. She worked as a set director for several Hollywood movies, and for LDS films.

And, she also was diagnosed with ALS.

She passed away nearly 18 years ago, her body ravaged from the disease. It was so difficult for her large family to say their goodbyes...wanting her to be well, yet wanting her released from her misery.

Gay was one year younger than me. I didn't have her in my life long enough, but she was there long enough to make a difference.

Gay, your family misses you so much. We honor you today, and can't wait to see you again!

Christmas beauties of the day - The Magi

Christmas beauty of the day.

The Magi.

Kerry's sister Gay was a phenomenal artist and sculptor. Her talents as a set director were recognized from the video recording studios of the LDS Church to Hollywood.

One year at Christmas, a box arrived from her that contained these figures representing the wise men. They are among our treasured items, particularly so since her death 17 years ago from ALS.

We don't really know how many wise men brought gifts to the young child.

But, when I pass by the sculptures each Christmas, it reminds me to think of what I can offer him.

I hope kindness will be attached to my name.

Such beautiful artwork...

Mr. Kerry comes from a family of artists.  I envy their talent.  As a matter of fact, I am covetous.

First in my mind is his beautiful sister, Gay Nickle Lauritzen, who is deceased.  She was so talented with her hands.  We were so saddened when she lost the use of her hands, and everything else on her body through the ravenous ALS, otherwise known as  Lou Gehrig's Disease.

It is somewhat difficult for me to look at these photos without a lump in my throat.  I terribly miss this talented woman.

His sister Charm possesses a beautiful talent, as well.  I ran across two sketches she did of the grandparents of his mother, Shirley Elma Rhoades.

Francis Clement Nickle

Nellie Rhodes Nickle

See what I mean?  I couldn't even begin to draw a picture of someone and have it resemble that individual.  

Every one of Mr. Kerry's siblings possess some degree of this talent, which I believe came through his mother.  Many of the grandchildren are blessed with it, too.

I guess I was standing in the wrong line when that particular talent was being given out...