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February 27, 2015

A Beautiful Spirit

77 Comments/ 12024/ 3

What do you do when you are upset?   When something unexplainable happens and your world is rocked to the very core?

I write.  I sit down and write it all out.

I write and revise.

I rewrite.

I let my words flow and I let the emotions out.

Tonight that is what I have to do.

If you follow me on Facebook you know that our little North Iowa Bloggers group lost one of our members on Wednesday morning in a car accident on a snowy and horrible driving day. Amy Hild from Modern Rural Living  had spent the morning with other social media enthusiasts at our monthly North Iowa Social Media Breakfast.  I was not in attendance since I am in Alabama but I had sent her a message early in the morning with something that I thought she needed to check out   I had liked her tweets.  I had liked her posts.  I had tweeted that I missed being there at the meeting and tagged her in the tweet.  I commented on her status that the roads were bad.

And then I got “the” call.  One of the other bloggers, Donna,  called me and I immediately knew that something was wrong. But I thought it was something with her husband who is a truck driver.  My mind just went there.  But no—the news was that our beloved Amy was killed in a horrific accident and then there was silence.  We both were in shock.  There were just no words.

The rest of the day was spent alternating between sitting like a zombie to crying .  Phone conversations were difficult.  Facebook posts and texts started flying back and forth as the news became public.  I realized that the picture that I had posted on my Facebook page of an accident in North Iowa was the accident that claimed the life of my friend.  I took it down.  I removed all my comments on Amy’s post about the bad weather.  I cried.  No, I wept.

Amy was probably one of the most creative people that I have had the occasion to know. As a graphic designer she had that eye.  She had mad skills and we all bowed to her expertise when it came to design and layout.  She did many logos for our blogging group and was a driving force behind our website  She was enthusiastic and energetic and lovable.  Not only was she beautiful outside she was even more beautiful inside. She had a beautiful spirit. She was genuine and real.  She was encouraging and supportive and always had a smile on her face.  She was brilliant at what she did and loved her Latham Hi-Tech Seed family.

She was getting married in May to the love of her life, Spenser.  They had just gotten a sweet puppy, Patches, and were planning for a lifetime of happiness.

And then in an instant it all changed and we are left with tears and sadness.

It is so difficult to wrap my mind around the thought that I will never sit at The Barrel and eat chicken and take selfies with her ridiculous selfie stick again.

I will never be able to go thrift store shopping with her.

I will not be shopping for that perfect wedding present for her.

She won’t be at our upcoming bloggers Pizza Taste Test party.

So what do I “do’?  I do what I need to do.  I spend time grieving in the way that I need to grieve.  I offer up whatever I can to the family and friends.  I support all those who loved Amy and I pray that we all can find some peace in the situation some day.

And I remember her beautiful smile and wonderful spirit and all that she embodied.  Those things will always be a part of me.  My world was richer because I was able to call this lovely woman friend.

Thank you to all who have reached out to me in various ways when you found out the news.  There will be a service to celebrate her life on Monday and my plan that day is to go quiet on my blog out of respect for her.  Please, if you can, keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers over the next months.   The Globe Gazette wrote a nice article and hopefully you can read that if you click here.  If you would like to give in a tangible way a Memorial Fund has been set up in Amy’s memory.  You can go directly to that site to donate online by clicking here.

Amy’s Obituary

Tribute Wall

Amy’s Blog:  Modern Rural Living

 

Amy Hild

To read other posts written in memory of Amy you can click on any of the links below:

 

 

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77 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Dianna
    February 27, 2015 at 06:06 am

    My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She was obviously an amazing person who touched many lives.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:20 am

      Thank you so much, Dianna. I truly appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
  2. Ann
    February 27, 2015 at 06:15 am

    What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. I am sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for her family and friends

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:20 am

      Thank you so much. It has been a tough week for so many people but the good thing is that everyone is supporting one another and al the beautiful things that Amy stood for are being highlighted. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs.

      Reply
  3. livinglifejoyfully
    February 27, 2015 at 06:22 am

    Beautiful…..well…i am without words again….and typing through tears…..

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:49 am

      Yes…it comes and goes, doesn’t it? I am so glad that we all have each other.

      Reply
  4. Darlene
    February 27, 2015 at 06:27 am

    This is so sad. I am so very sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you, her family, friends and especially her fiancé.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:49 am

      Thank you so much, Darlene. It is a tough week for a lot of people in North Iowa but we have some fabulous memories.

      Reply
  5. Rebecca Innerst
    February 27, 2015 at 06:39 am

    So sorry Beth. In our travels….and so much closer here in Panama City .. wish I could give you a big hug. You are loved. ……prayers for all.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:49 am

      Thank you so much, Rebecca. Our hearts are broken but we do know that she had a strong faith that she lived out and there is no doubt that the loving arms of our Lord are embracing her. Thank for your words.

      Reply
  6. georgettesullins
    February 27, 2015 at 06:53 am

    I am so sorry, Beth. This is devastating news for her fiance, family and friends. She and how she touched so many will be in my thoughts.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 06:55 am

      Thank you so much, Georgette. You don’t know how healing your words are for me and how much it means to have people who did not know our beautiful Amy to be lifting her family up. It is what is going to get everyone through this sadness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

      Reply
      1. georgettesullins
        February 27, 2015 at 07:03 am

        I suspected something was on your mind when you posted about grieving and wasn’t sure how to respond. There are no words. I am so sorry.

        Reply
        1. Beth Ann Chiles
          February 27, 2015 at 07:14 am

          Thanks . Your words are perfect.

          Reply
  7. dawnkinster
    February 27, 2015 at 07:07 am

    Hugs.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 07:14 am

      Thanks so much.

      Reply
  8. treadlemusic
    February 27, 2015 at 07:20 am

    No words……sending hugs and prayers……for all…………………………

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 07:22 am

      Thank you so much, Doreen. That means a great deal.

      Reply
      1. treadlemusic
        February 27, 2015 at 07:34 am

        😀

        Reply
  9. Sue Kaney
    February 27, 2015 at 07:28 am

    Oh Beth Ann…this is just so tragic. I am praying for her precious family and you. I am so very sorry for this loss of your young beautiful friend. Your tribute to her was so touching…she was an amazing person. There are just no words, are there? Thinking of you today my friend.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 07:44 am

      Thanks so much, Sue. You are right–there are no word and I am taking comfort in the fact that I can share a little bit of her wonderfulness this way. Thanks again.

      Reply
  10. Sonia Potts
    February 27, 2015 at 08:04 am

    Hugs

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 08:08 am

      Thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  11. All In An Iowa Mom's Day
    February 27, 2015 at 08:15 am

    Wonderful tribute to a wonderful friend.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 08:16 am

      As was your tribute, Sara. She will be so missed.

      Reply
  12. donnahup
    February 27, 2015 at 08:15 am

    This is beautiful. It’s still hard to grasp this is really happening. Love you! xo

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 08:17 am

      I agree, Donna. We are all dealing with it in our own way and it is going to take me a long time to come to terms with it . I am so glad we all have each other to lean on. Love you, too!

      Reply
  13. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    February 27, 2015 at 08:47 am

    Now I am crying again. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young woman whom you were blessed to call “friend.” At times like this, it is tough to understand, impossible to comprehend, unbelievably difficult to accept.

    May the peace of God sustain you in your grief. I am always here for you, my dear sweet Beth Ann.

    Prayers continue…

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 09:27 am

      Thank you, Audrey. We are finding more and more evidence as we sift through photos, etc. of her impact and her faith. She and Donna had just done a mixed media class a few weeks ago and Amy’s picture she made had the words “There is a time for everything” on her beautifully painted canvas. Yes, there is. And while we are all grieving here we have no doubt that she is in the arms of our Lord. Everyone has been so kind to reach out to the bloggers and I am so touched by the love we have been shown and are sharing with one another. This morning we were all messaging and I said that we are the best support group ever. Thanks for the prayers.

      Reply
      1. Minnesota Prairie Roots
        February 27, 2015 at 10:02 am

        That you can find solace and comfort in memories, in that message on Amy’s painted canvas, in each other, in God, are blessings beyond measure. It’s times like this, especially, when the depth of friendship and of faith prove invaluable.

        Reply
  14. Pix Under the Oaks
    February 27, 2015 at 09:42 am

    A beautiful post Beth Ann. I am without words. I didn’t know Amy but through your blog and the North Iowa Bloggers but I always saw her beautiful smile in all the pictures of your adventures. I am so sorry.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 09:49 am

      Thanks so much, Pix. We are all better because we had her in our lives and it is now that we share all that she meant to us in so many ways. Her reach even after her death is beyond words. Thanks so much.

      Reply
  15. billschickel
    February 27, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Please accept the sympathy and prayers of the entire KCMR Radio family. May she rest in peace.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 01:15 pm

      Thank you so much, Bill.

      Reply
  16. Rorybore
    February 27, 2015 at 11:27 am

    Oh Beth — I didn’t know the other day that this was the tragic circumstance you were dealing with. I am so so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will certainly be with her friend and families, and all those bloggers who were touched by her spirit. Peace be with all of you.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 01:15 pm

      Thank you so much. We are all supporting each other and that helps.

      Reply
  17. Virginia
    February 27, 2015 at 11:34 am

    A beautiful tribute to a beautiful young woman. You are right – there are no words. My love and prayers are with you and all who loved her.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 01:14 pm

      Thank you, friend. It means so much to know people are lifting her family up in prayer as well as her friends.

      Reply
  18. Katy Flint
    February 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Well, I thought I was ready to read this post…turns out I wasn’t. I just sat and stared at her picture for a minute and actually had the thought, “I’m going to message Amy and tell her what an awesome post Beth Ann just wrote about her”. Your words are fantastic, your heart is amazing and so is the pain inside! I have nothing more to say! I love you!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 01:13 pm

      Love you back, Katy. I know it just keeps going in waves for me and I have to back away from the social media for a bit to regroup. I am so glad we have our special group for support.

      Reply
  19. Debbie
    February 27, 2015 at 01:09 pm

    So very sorry to hear this, Beth Ann. My prayers go out for her family and friends. Stick together and grieve together and remember the good times. This is a lovely tribute — hard to realize life can change in the blink of an eye.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 27, 2015 at 01:13 pm

      Thank you, Debbie. The prayers are being felt.

      Reply
  20. Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes
    February 27, 2015 at 02:31 pm

    […] A Beautiful Spirit .. by Beth Ann at It’s Just Life .. here […]

    Reply
  21. The Girl Who Lived 80 Years In 27 | Jeni Eats
    February 27, 2015 at 05:29 pm

    […] Remember Amy: Alison Rost: Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes Beth Ann Chiles: A Beautiful Spirit Donna Hup: Comfort In Sorrow – Remembering Amy Hild Jennifer Schmitt: Amy’s Energy Katy […]

    Reply
  22. jenieats
    February 27, 2015 at 05:40 pm

    This is all so hard. Beautiful memories of Amy. Love you.

    Reply
  23. Marla aka Crazy Mom
    February 27, 2015 at 06:35 pm

    OH NO! I am so, so sorry. I will be praying for her family and friends – you, Beth Ann, and your blogging group. {Hugs}

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:28 am

      Thanks so much, Marla. The prayers are helping.

      Reply
  24. Running in Memory | Psuche Running
    February 27, 2015 at 08:21 pm

    […] you want to read more from her friends, read Donna Hup, It’s Just Life, All in an Iowa Mom’s Life, and the Globe Gazette report on […]

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  25. Lenore
    February 27, 2015 at 08:25 pm

    Wow, Beth Ann. This is beautiful. My heart aches for all of you. Death sucks . . . even more so when the life lost is so young and vibrant.
    May you find some comfort in the words and memories Amy left with you. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs.
    Lenore

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:28 am

      Thanks so much Lenore. You are right—death sucks and especially when someone so vital and young as Amy is the one who leaves so suddenly. We are all working through it but know that there are so many others who are feeling the same feelings. We are all supporting one another and feel the comfort of the prayers offered up for all. Thank you so much.

      Reply
  26. Dear Amy… | Learning As I Go
    February 27, 2015 at 08:40 pm

    […] Beth Ann of It’s Just Life: A Beautiful Spirit […]

    Reply
  27. My Odd Family
    February 27, 2015 at 08:41 pm

    ((( ♥ )))

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:25 am

      Thanks, Katybeth.

      Reply
  28. Suzy @ The Mediterranean Dish
    February 27, 2015 at 09:02 pm

    I will miss her so dearly. We never met in person, but I considered her a good friend. We connected often on social media. She was always kind and encouraging. How one instant can change so much!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:25 am

      Thanks so much Suzy. She was an incredibly supportive and encouraging friend and she will be so missed by so many. Thank you for your kind words and my thoughts and prayers are with you as well.

      Reply
  29. Roxann
    February 27, 2015 at 09:11 pm

    We all grieve so differently. How wonderful that writing is your outlet for all kinds of emotions including the painful, hurting to the core emotions. Your post is so touching – so very sorry for the loss of your dear sweet friend! Hugs to you Beth Ann.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:24 am

      Thank you so much, Roxann. You know about grief first hand and this has really hit you and Jeff hard I am sure with memories of your own grief coming to the surface again. I am so grateful that we have a faith and a God who offers us comfort and healing when we need it most. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

      Reply
  30. Gibber
    February 27, 2015 at 09:39 pm

    Oh my goodness I hadn’t heard and I’m so very sorry that you lost a treasured friend. I will be praying for all involved. Sending you a gentle hug.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:22 am

      Thanks so much, Gibber. That means a lot to me.

      Reply
  31. poemsandponderings
    February 27, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    Beth Ann, anything that I could possibly say, has already been so eloquently stated in the comments above, so I’ll will just extend to you, and Amy’s family or course, my sincerest condolences.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 07:22 am

      Thanks so much Jake. I appreciate your kind words and thoughts. It has been quite a week but we are all supporting each other and that helps.

      Reply
      1. poemsandponderings
        February 28, 2015 at 10:41 pm

        With all of the bad in this world, the goodness of the human spirit, still yet, can rise above it all.

        Reply
  32. I Can’t Say Good-bye | livinglifejoyfully
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    […] http://bachiles.wpengine.com/a-beautiful-spirit/ […]

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  33. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
    February 28, 2015 at 08:09 am

    I am so happy that we have each other during this time. And I think we should all get selfie sticks in memory of her 😉

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 08:14 am

      I was kind of thinking that exact same thing, Val! Every selfie stick would be a reminder of her! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Helen Brown
    February 28, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    I know how how hard it is when you louse a good friend. My prayers are for all of your blog friends and for her family and Spencer are in my prayers.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 28, 2015 at 05:17 pm

      Thanks so much! I really feel the prayers and I know that everyone else does as well.

      Reply
  35. bocafrau
    March 01, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Oh Beth Ann, I’m so so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine. Sending healing vibes and my sympathy to you and everyone who knew her! xoxo

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 02, 2015 at 02:56 pm

      Thank you so very much. Your words are very comforting to me and I know that you would have loved her had you met her in real life. She was in a word amazing.

      Reply
  36. Thread crazy
    March 01, 2015 at 08:52 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to such a sweet and talented person; my hearts breaks for your loss. I am praying asking God to bring comfort to you. Sending thoughts and hugs.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      March 02, 2015 at 02:51 pm

      Thanks so much, Gayle. We are working through it and her Celebration of Life was wonderful today –simply wonderful. I felt the prayers of many and I know that her family does as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

      Reply
  37. The Apple of My Eye on Teapot Tuesday - It's Just Life
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    […] was a bit bittersweet because just weeks before we had gone thrift store shopping with our friend, Amy, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident during a horrible winter snowstorm.  All of the North Iowa Bloggers continue to feel the loss and […]

    Reply
  38. benzeknees
    April 02, 2015 at 02:00 am

    I am so sorry you lost a good friend. She sounds like a lovely person. I’m glad you were able to share your wonderful memories of her with us.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      April 02, 2015 at 06:22 am

      Thanks so much! I have missed you! And now you are catching up. Thanks for stopping by!!!

      Reply
  39. What Will I Leave Behind? - It's Just Life
    July 16, 2015 at 06:02 am

    […] stopped at the cemetery last week so I could visit my sweet blogger friend Amy’s gravesite one more time before we moved.  As we stopped and walked around a bit Chris spied a huge […]

    Reply
  40. Donna Hup
    February 25, 2019 at 09:42 am

    I’ll never forget that day. I miss her so much. Love you, friend!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 26, 2019 at 07:06 am

      I will never forget your phone call out of the blue. I was standing in the living room of the “Love Nest” in Dothan and just was in shock. She is missed by so many. Love you, Donna!

      Reply

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