Our Hearts are Broken

 We recently lost our sister-in-law, Celia, in a tragic accident, we are heartbroken, but coping. 

She was one of the most capable women I've ever known. If you had something broken, give her gum, a paperclip, and a rubber band, she'd have it working again. She was a real current day McGyver. She helped build both of their homes, and when she picked up a power tool, it was as if she had been using it her whole life.

She became a licensed private pilot in 1985, and did her own work on her airplane, and would have completed it, except that FAA requires a licensed A&P to sign off. She frequently took her family for rides, and enjoyed the company of her husband, my brother David, on adventures.

She spoke Russian, she took lessons because of a sister city. 

Celia played the bassoon in the Community Band, played the flute and led the handbell choir, at her church.

They had a boat for a bit, Celia researched, and built the canvas cover. She also crocheted, and when times were quiet, it seemed like she always had a set of needles in her hands.

She was an accomplished motorcycle rider. She had traveled more than 100,000 miles on five different motorcycles, including trips across the country, while going to and from her hometown in Alaska. She did almost all of the maintenance on her bike also.

One of her greatest accomplishments, was raising three sons, attending their weddings, and seeing her family grow with grandchildren. They could always count on Grandma to be there, playing games, reading, teaching, and playing on the floor with them.

In 1999, I started work in the business office of the Geophysical Institute, UAF, Celia was the IT manager for the building. I barely knew anything about computers then, and had a steep on the job learning curve. Whenever I had a problem, or didn't know something, I just gave Cee a call. Everyone in the office wondered why I got such immediate, and consistent attention, I eventually had to divulge that she was my sister in law, and then I had to give up such preferential treatment. I didn't want to get either one of us in trouble. 

Later, when I changed jobs, and worked in the same building as my brother, Cee, and I got a good laugh. I was asked when David and I had gotten married, I replied that his wife would have something to say about that. We all shared the same last name, which led to the misunderstanding, and I again had to admit to family ties. 

When I was expecting the birth of my first child, I was on the "hospital tour" with my Lamaze class, we walked into a birthing room, and there was Cee in labor with her third child. I stayed just a moment to give her a hug, and then quickly departed. I was just weeks away from my delivery date, and wasn't ready to live it yet. Our sons ended up being 6 weeks apart in age, we still don't know which one of them is the major instigator. 😀

My brother had a bout with a serious cancer, after his treatment, Celia completely revamped their diet. They decided to try the vegan lifestyle, and she made sure that they both received the proper nutrition. She researched various recipes, and websites to come up with creative, and flavorful dishes, even sending out a once a month recipe for the rest of the family. 

She sent out a daily scripture to about 20 people in a group text. Somehow this text message continued for several days after her death. We felt like she was still speaking, and taking care of us. 

We'll always miss you.