One Thing in Common

In the late 90's the term 'melting pot' was en vogue. In reference to diverse populations (whether small or large), the term was used optimistically. Highland High was often referred to as a melting pot in it's own right, unfortunately we did not exactly live up to the name. We struggled to find our safe haven in the social whirls and teenage turmoils of life. It was not often that we took the opportunity to 'melt together', in most occasions we did just the opposite. How in the world did we all survive? We had a single cohesive element holding us all together and her name was Chelsea Anne Hale.

We cling to the idea that Chelsea found the good in everyone but I must respectfully disagree; Chelsea didn't have to find anything, she had no criteria, she simply loved people for who they were and nothing else. It is that wisdom that allowed and motivated her to create a network for the rest of us to draw from. Chelsea is the common element in many (seemingly) unlikely bonds among us. This so-called network of friends enabled us to find the good in each other and strive to embrace fully. Countless relationships may not have existed without the influence of Chelsea Anne Hale.

Following is a list of my favorite memories and reminders of my friend,
Chelsea Anne Hale:

-The dangle fish earrings she was wearing the night I met her at Litzas, I think she may even be wearing them in our 8th grade yearbook picture.
-Shirly legs
-Her bike parked in the downstairs hallway at the DG house.
-Playing with my hair.
-Leaning on me. She was always leaning on me, to the point of awkward discomfort but somehow I loved that she was oblivious.
-One week she forgot to dress up for Formal Meeting at the DG. She asked for the key to my apartment so she could ride over and borrow some of my clothes. I remember thinking, "I'm flattered, but seriously?!, your entire body will fit in a single arm of my blouse." She came back with my 'skinny clothes' barely clinging to her bitsy frame. I still have that skirt hanging in my closet. (It's not out of style, it's vintage now...)
-The day she told me her Africa tan turned out to be a build up of dirt after she watched it spiral down the shower drain.
- "Uh Huh"
- "Right."
- "Really..." translation "Ya right! Don't believe you."
- Her infatuation with Dave Chisholm and Ben Metcalf.
- That one smile she did when she clenched her jaw and smiled at the same time. I called it the feisty smile.
- Her refusal to be offended by stupid things.
- Watching her try to act serious and appreciative as we went through the 'unique' Delta Gamma initiation ceremony.
- "Meet 'cha there!" (meaning- I am so not going to be there)
- I am 100% positive she never called me Whitney, not even the day we met, it was always Whit or Whit H. Everyone was her pal, formalities shmorm-alities.
-The night she slept over and talked my ear off as I dozed in and out of sleep. Around 3 am she informed me she was an insomniac.
- One day Chel tried to use her body as a barrier between Rex and me as we assaulted each other with a long list of profanities during a ridiculous fight about water balloons. Just one of many times she stepped in as Mother Hen.
- Her voice. Chelsea had a really soothing voice that I will never forget and always miss.
- Laying on the beach with her head bobbing up and down on my stomach as we laughed and laughed and laughed till it hurt.

"Love has no bounds"
I have only known one person who could utter these words without projecting the usual tone of cliche,
Chelsea Anne Hale.

XO, Love, and ITB
Whit H.

Chelsea's influence

I remember fondly the various ages and stages of Chelsea. She was always a presence, so full of life, enthusiasm, and heart. Her warm smile and genuine kindness, enhanced lives and welcomed all. She was a natural leader, everyone wanted to be in her company, she was a friend to all! She was a lovely friend to me, always making time and taking interest.
I have a favorite writing from a German writer, Goethe.
Chelsea's life exemplified the significance of this writing.

I have come to the frightening conclusion
That I am the decisive element.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or
An instrument of inspiration,
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides
Whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated,
And a person is humanized or de-humanized.
If we treat people as they are,
We make them worse.
If we treat people as they ought to be,
We help them become what they
Are capable of becoming.

Chelsea throughout her life blessed everyone with her influence. She held tremendous power to make life joyous. She is still an instrument of inspiration. She had the ability to help people become what they were capable of becoming. Her life continues to inspire and enlighten. I am continually grateful for her light and example.
Love Always,
Liz Gibbs

My Chelsea Memories

Every time I see an old movie or hear Moon River I think of Chelsea and watching Some Like It Hot or Breakfast at Tiffany's in her basement.

I loved the trips with her to Hires for experimental milkshakes and think of her every time I go.

When Chelsea first moved to the neighborhood we used to meet on the Country Club path that, conveniently for us, connected our houses. Often she was only wearing her swimsuit.

Our first week at the U of U Chelsea and I had several rush events together and at the end of a very long day she sat on my lap and played with my hair, then explained to our event host that we'd only met that day. It shortened our day and neither of us were invited back.

Favorite Chelsea quote (that I am embarrassed I still sometimes use) "Personal hygiene is overrated"

Chelsea, I miss you all the time and am so thankful for your influence in my life. You taught me how to be a best friend and how to love unconditionally. I loved laughing with you and your dedication to helping those around you. Thank you for being a true friend to me - I love you and miss you.

Love,
Sarah Farney Atzet

"Officer Hale"

Every year hundreds of students pass through my classroom. Some come and go, names unfortunately forgotten but others I remember forever, they make an impact. The student officers are always part of the latter. The year Chelsea served as a senior class officer was an interesting year. Part of that great group was the 2 Em's the 2 Whit's and Chels - they kind of came as a unit. It took a bit to get to know them as individuals but I'm glad I did!

Class that year was 1st period and held in the foods room. It didn't take long for some to figure it was a great opportunity to make breakfast! Chelsea was the one that prodded the others into cleaning up with a gentle word or a good natured tease. If it wasn't done to her standards she'd grab a cloth and wipe down the counters herself usually smiling and humming.

Being an officer is hard work. It requires huge amounts of time, physical labor, political correctness, psychology and patience. It is physically and emotionally draining and can put a strain on even the best of friendships. Chelsea's year was no different, in fact it's safe to say that year had more than it's fair share of internal drama on top of it all. When things were hard Chelsea was fun, when things seemed dark she was light, when things got dramatic she was the show tune! She always make the work feel like play. She also had the best giggle!

Thanks to the Hale's for sharing their amazing children with me and to Chelsea for teaching me some valuable life lessons.

Wendy Curtis

warm fuzzies...

oh how i only wish that i knew chelsea better. it is purely evident this the world is a better place because she was here. my exposure and experiences were brief and too few, but i remember never before having met someone so immediately friendly or so genuinely kind. my most vivid memory of chelsea was on a very cold winter's night on the university of utah campus. i was crazy enough to have subjected myself to asuu campaign fury and was just about ready to give up, go inside and forget the whole thing. just then, dear chelsea and cute angela arrived bearing hot chocolate to keep us warm and lift our energy. no one asked them to do this, it was just their way of helping out and taking care of the people around them. i can tell this was just chelsea's nature. she was there to help, there to serve. a truly remarkable woman and i feel very blessed to know her.

with love,

marcie bodell busath

Sister

Chelsea is my older sister, she spent many many days in my home and kitchen with my sister Emily Cook Bullen, as well as Emily Jardine Burdette. I loved hanging out with them and felt as though she really is a sister to me. Chelsea was also my Pioneer Trek sister and we had to push the handcarts through bad weather. Although if my memory serves me right, I did much less pushing than Chelsea. She had such drive she basically pushed the cart by herself with the help of Jessica Burbidge. I remember feeling outdone by her and how she basically took care of everyone in our trek family and made sure everyone was happy with one another. She is an amazing sister and a true friend. We love you Chelsea.

Dave Cook

Chelsea's Kindness

In high school, I dreaded stomps. Dancing was never my thing and I always felt silly sitting around. I have a distinct memory of sitting near the entrance of a stomp, hoping to look busy and feeling the usual sense of dread and awkwardness when I was saved by Chelsea. She came and sat next to me for the entire duration of the event talking about anything and everything.

On another occasion, Chelsea showed up at my door one weekend night, unannounced, and took me to her house to play a murder mystery board game with a group of friends that I had never interacted with before. In her amazing way, she made me feel far more popular and more accepted than I actually was and she did it simply out of kindness.

These are two of the many stories which demonstrate part of the reason that Chelsea was so special. Chelsea always made me (and others) feel comfortable, included, and loved. At a time in life when most people look out for themselves, Chelsea did a great job at looking out for others. I'm grateful for the times that I was the recipient of Chelsea's kindness and for the opportunities that I had to observe and to learn from her amazing example.

Greg Lowe

A Third Big Sister~
My name is Caroline Cook and I have three beautiful older sisters, Eliza Cook, Emily Cook Bullen, and Chelsea Anne Hale. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have known Chelsea what seems my entire life. She has always been there for me. Whether it is tucking me in, telling me (and Eliza) stories to get to sleep, making us mac and cheese with Emily J and Em Cook, or giving me the biggest sweetest hugs. Chelsea is my ultimate role model. I look up to her and think about her each day. I feel so lucky to have even just crossed paths with her and even more lucky to be able to say she truly was an older sister to me. I remember when she would help Emily babysit me. I remember when Chel, Emily and I would spend the week at the Schneider's home to babysit them while Kirk and Nata were gone. Carli and I would always brag to our friends that we got to have sleepovers and hang out with Emily and Chel. We thought we were so cool, and actually our bragging worked, our friends were jealous too.

Chelsea is such an amazing example to me of true beauty. To me she is the most beautiful girl in the world. Her smile literally made the entire room bright. Her laugh could silence any unhappiness. Her hugs could turn anybody's day around. She is the ultimate vision of inner and outer beauty. She has the best heart and is inclusive, happy, righteous, strong, determined, and not to mention hilarious. I could have watched her and Emily make up dances or songs all day. Chelsea and Emily's friendship was beautiful. It is something every girl wants. They literally are a part of one another. They made each other laugh, cry, and smile. When Emily was in need of something Chel came running. Whether it was boy problems, girl drama, or just in need of some Chelsea and Emily cuddle time (that we all know happened too too often) they have the perfect friendship. They could touch anybody just by seeing them interact. Lately Emily has been speaking some major "CHEM" and I keep picking up on it. "CHEM" would be the infamous language that Emily and Chelsea created. Some might call it an accent or a voice they both do, but they refer to it as "CHEM" and if you know either of them or Emily J and Ange you most likely know exactly what I am referring to. Some "CHEM" words you have most likely heard, "well i'm sorrrry" "pannnnts(prounounced Pyyyyannts)" According to Emily any word can be a "CHEM" word you just take the vowel and make it long. I feel so lucky to have known the beautiful perfect Chelsea who touched not only my life but so many others. Her gorgeous spirit lives on and I am so grateful for her Birthday parties where we all can be a part of touching peoples lives as she did and help her in doing so. Thank you Chel for being my sister. For taking care of me, making me smile, and teaching me life long lessons. Thank you for teaching me about friendship and what it means to truly be beautiful. Thank you for being a part of my life and my entire family's. You are probably the favorite child and always will be. I LOVE YOU
Caroline Elizabeth Cook (your baby sis)

Audrey as a Sister

Growing up at the Hale's House-- literally-- I came to know and understand Chelsea primarily through her sister, Ali. Ali and I shared many things: horrible embarrassing experiences, laughter, clothes, and on occasion the same crush. But we always had one thing in common. We both had wonderful sisters trail blaze through adolescence for us. They both showed us how to: get dates without trying, be elegant in anything, and be kind to everyone.

Chelsea was not just Ali's sister, she was mine. Since she carried the burden of driving Ali and I home from school almost everyday in high school, I got to see a rare glimpse of her. I got to see her get ready for dates, dress up for Pep Club, and rush for Delta Gamma. It wasn't through any one moment that I realized how amazing Chelsea was. It was how she treated people. Especially awkward 15 year old girls who were straddled to her by nature of her possessing a driver's license. It was how she intuitively knew who the shy person was in the room, how she would include people, and how she lived her life. I never remember hearing Chelsea ever say anything negative about anyone. She was truly accessible to all who knew her.

All I really knew about Chelsea was that she was beautiful without trying to be, she was dainty, yet courageous, and she was classic--even then. I am probably the only person who can say I had Audrey Hepburn for a sister. Chelsea's beauty was subtle, charismatic, and timeless. How can I thank you for showing me how to be a better human being?

Grayce McCullough Anderson

My Hero.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."

~Audrey Hepburn

Karen gave me this quote shortly after Chelsea's funeral. It hung on the mirror in her bedroom and now hangs on my mirror. Every time I read this I am reminded of Chelsea. Not only because it was something she read everyday but because it is everything that Chelsea was. She truly lived her life by this quote. Chelsea was always looking out for others and never thought of herself. It didn't matter to Chelsea how people looked on the outside, it was what was on the inside that mattered.

Chelsea was my family's babysitter when my parents went out of town. Although I was very young when she stayed at our house, I remember her perfectly. I remember her taking me to shop-n-go to get frozen yogurt. Irish mint and chocolate were her favorite. I remember her letting my sisters and I stay up late to hang out with her and all of her friends. I remember dancing around the kitchen while making brownies. My memories of her aren't very clear and I don't have too many but my memory of Chelsea and who she was is perfect. She had such an impact on my life even though I was only 6 or 7 year old at the time.

Chelsea had a light that was contagious. When you were around her you couldn't help but smile. I always felt like the most important person in the world when she talked to me. She had friends from all walks of life and was always expanding her social circle. Chelsea was who I strived to be like when I was younger, I wanted to grow up to be just like her. She was my greatest role model and still is. I have grown up with the influence of Chelsea in my life, I miss her all of the time. I hope that I have become and continue to be a person that Chelsea would be proud of.

Carli Schneider

Miss Congeniality

Graduating seniors (from left to right): Camille Nelson, April Bott, Kim Lambert, Sue Kincaid, Chelsea Hale, Sarah Farney, Rachel Barker, Anne Kimball

Chelsea Hale was one of a kind. To her, there were no “kinds,” only friends whom she individually recognized and loved despite their differences and shortcomings. At a young age, when teenagers typically worry about their looks, popularity, and own self-interests, Chelsea displayed wisdom beyond her years in perspective, maturity, and knowledge. She was the friend parents hope their children would befriend; she influenced many by her genuine friendship she offered to all.

I recall when Chelsea first moved to the neighborhood during elementary school. Her congeniality, sense of fun, and kindness made her a great friend to have around. I have many fond memories making funny little infomercials and videos (I wish I had them somewhere!) with Chelsea and another neighborhood friend, Kim Lambert. Chels brought creativity to any situation.

I remember Chelsea the most for remembering others. I will never forget when it was time for all of us graduating seniors to give a talk in church. Chelsea had a proclivity for speaking and writing in such a way that I still remember her words today. She addressed each leader and peer by name and expressed gratitude for what she had learned from them throughout the years. Chelsea taught me an important lesson that day. Life is about the relationships we instill and remember; there is something to be gleaned by each unique individual.

Thank you for your example and reminder of the finest things in life that indeed, last for an eternity.

Miss and love you Chelsea dear!

Camille Nelson

Kiss

I am not known for being emotionally open with very many people, so being friends with Chelsea was like therapy for me. Up until I became close friends with Chelsea I had never had a friend who was also a girl. I remember when we were just beginning to be very close, one night we ended up being alone on the tan couch in the Hales basement. I don’t remember what we were talking about, but it occurred to me that this was the first time that I had been in a situation like that in my life…where I was unsupervised with a young lady, whom I was not trying to make out with. I remember feeling totally comfortable in the moment, and then I remember out of nowhere Chelsea leaning over and kissing me on the mouth. The whole idea of having a girl as a friend could have been compromised at that moment, but it wasn’t. Chelsea’s kiss was immediately recognized for what it was, a sign of affection from a close friend. Everyone else that I knew had stopped the practice of kissing their pals at about age five, or six, but not Chelsea. I admire the courage she had to always do and say what she was feeling, and the love and friendship that she shared with me that night is what I miss about Chelsea the most.

Chelsea never bought into the adolescent idea that you have to try to grow up as fast as you can. She showed affection like a child. I loved running into her unexpectedly and seeing her face light up the way my son’s does (sometimes anyway) when I’ve been away. There was pure honesty in her eyes that made me feel so loved. Chelsea is remembered for being kind, smart, a free spirit, a wonderful friend and many more things. I admire all of those qualities as well, but what I remember most is how she made me feel whenever I was lucky enough to be near her. Chelsea Hale is one of my best friends and I absolutely love her, and I am so grateful for her smile and embrace that showed that she absolutely loved me too.

Jared Mann

A Great Pioneer

I shouldn't share my memory because it mostly entailed me falling madly in love with her on our stake pioneer trek when we were 15, 16 or so. She drove me absolutely crazy for the first half of the trip, and then crazy in love the second half. We danced, talked, laughed, and then she volunteered to cut the head off the chicken... creepy and super attractive. Prettiest smile ever. Anyway, that is how I met Chelsea and I have considered her a good friend ever since. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, they've brought back great memories of Chelsea (especially the picture from the pioneer trek!).
Jason Pratt

a sister of sorts.

Chelsea became my surrogate older sister the first time she babysat me and my sisters. I must have been 7 or 8 at the time, but I knew immediately that there was no one else like her and I was right. She was the greatest. Whenever my parents were leaving town it meant Chelsea was coming over and I couldn't wait. She would make every day fun. We would watch movies, make brownies, play games, have crepes for breakfast, have slumber parties with Hannah and Sam, and go on adventures around the city. I admired her in every way. I wanted to dress like her, act like her, smile like her, and do the things she did. I vowed that when I grew up I was going to be someone Chelsea would be proud of. She was perfect. She still is.

When Chelsea went to London that fall before she passed away my family missed her so much. I remember one day I was home alone and she called. We didn't talk for very long, but she wanted me to tell everyone hi, that she missed us, and loved us, and would see us soon. I was so amazed that she just went and lived in London that I decided that I would do that one day too. If Chelsea was doing it then it had to be a must.

Last fall I did just that. I went to London. I lived where she lived, walked the streets that she walked, and thought of her every day. I could feel her presence in 27 Palace Court, and realized that she was my Guardian Angel over there. When my parents came to visit we were sitting in the classroom and my mom and I just started to cry because we could feel her there. She was so close and as my mom hugged me I know Chels was hugging me too. London was such a special time for me because it was something I wanted to do ever since Chelsea did it. It was an experience I'll never forget and I have her to thank for that.

The week before Chelsea passed away she was babysitting my family and spent her 20th birthday at my house. I will always cherish that week. I remember her friends coming by all day, us making cupcakes, and even putting on a show for her with my friends to the Lion King soundtrack. I can still see her in sweats, a sweatshirt, two buns in her hair, barefoot, waking me up for school. I can see her vacuuming while singing "Twist and Shout". I can see her laughing and smiling and hugging everyone like they were the most important person to her in the world. I was only 11 at the time, but ten years later I am still trying every day to live up the person she was.

Chelsea still plays a part in my life in everything. I love the Hale family so much and consider them family too. Ali spent countless times babysitting us too and I look up to her so much. Hannah and Sam became some of my best friends in high school and still are to this day. Karen is someone I have learned so much from and I know if I ever need advice to talk to her. London was Chelsea and I'm so grateful for that. The year after she died my parents gave my sisters and me a framed picture of her. Each of us have it in our rooms and I know they, like me look at it every day and remember how incredible she was. We love her and consider ourselves so blessed to have been part of her life so closely for those few years.

Chels, I miss you every day and I love you. I can't wait to see you again!

xoxo

Love,

Kacey Schneider

Mafia

It is hard to choose a memory about the person that has affected my life more profoundly than any other human being. Up until sophmore year in Highschool Chelsea was the quiet girl that I would see over at Emily Cook's every once in a while but she was always a little shy. Then we had semenary together and I spent most of the class goofing off with her rather than listening to Brother Masters. I realized really fast that Chelsea was a lot of fun to play around with but I had no idea that I would be spending the majority of my time with her over the next 3 years. One random Sunday evening my Junior year in Highschool Scott, Jared and I decided to show up unannounced to the Hale home. Up until this point we were friends with Chelsea at school but had never really been over to her house. We went inside and met the family, it just so happened that they were right in the middle of an intense game of mafia. I had never played mafia before but they invited us to play with them. Jon was probably a little disturbed that we interrupted their family time but he would get used to it and the rest of the family welcomed us with open arms. I still remember Hannah yelling at me that she knew that I was the mafia and I remember thinking that I don't even know how to play this game. That night was the beginning of a friendship that I cherish very dearly. I love the Hale family.
Not a day has passed in the past ten years that I have not thought about Chelsea. She made me want to be a better person in everyway possible. I remember during our first year of college we had been going to the U for about a week, the campus seemed huge and I often times felt lost. Then one day I was walking to my class and I see in the distance this beautiful girl with a huge smile. It was the first time we had run in to each other on campus. We gave each other a big hug and laughed for a few moments. It was like we hadn't seen each other in years even though we were probably together the night before. I can still see Chelsea's face that day in my mind. Much like the reunion we had on campus that day I look forward to another reunion with Chelsea. I love her and I miss her.
Rex
p.s. I would post some pictures but this is my first time blogging and I don't really know what I am doing.

[Erika White, Alli Stewart, Sarah Farney, Emily Jardine, Emily Cook, Taryn Apgood, Jessica Reeder, Chantel Richards, Jessica Hadfield, Whitney Holbrook, Rachel Barker, Alli Hale, Jessica Marrow, Whitney Johnson, Chelsea, Angela Gottschall]

I was pretty unsure of myself in High school, I suppose this is not unique – but parts of high school were fairly painful due to this fact. As I watched Chelsea through this time I wished I could move through those times with as much grace and maturity as she. I would suspect that if we were to ask Chelsea how she felt she faired those 4 years she may not agree, but to the world around her she shown with a love that so many of us were not so confident to share.

I have struggled to think of any particularly poignant memories of Chelsea, I was not a close friend having many social interactions outside of school, but I did have seminary with Chels our senior year. We shared many conversations during that period and my admiration for this young woman grew. We talked about our busy lives keeping up with the exciting social obligations that came with being a senior, Chelsea as our class president. I remember so well her telling me about the exciting trip she would be taking to Africa to render service the upcoming summer – something of this nature had never crossed my mind! I recall thinking how absolutely awesome she was to do such a thing – and from there she set a standard for new goals and needed accomplishments for me.

I remember feeling so excited and flattered when invited to Chelsea’s house during the Christmas season our freshman year of college, to gather with some of our girl friends from high school. Chelsea and others had arranged an opportunity to render service. Again, at a time when life felt so overwhelming, figuring out how to be an adult, Chelsea was setting an example of what comes first, and again for me this became an example of something that should become a regular part of life.

When I saw Karen at Chelsea’s viewing, heart broken all I could say through my emotion was, “she was so nice to me”. Such a simple phrase and even adolescent, but something I cannot begin to express through limiting words what it meant to me. At a time where kindness and sincerity seemed a thing so impossible to receive from others at times, Chelsea was sure to show her kindness, acceptance, and love. She warmed my heart and made me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable time. It did not go unappreciated Chelsea.

Love,

Jessica Hadfield

PS - just had a thought of Chelsea in Pep-club, started to laugh. Chelsea you gave those marches the best you had and no one can say your heart wasn't in it. ;)

My name is Katie Clark Hydrick. I only knew Chelsea for about 5 months, but was lucky enough to be with her frequently for the last few months of her life. I first noticed Chelsea and Angela at the airport on our layover on our way to London. I knew immediately that we would be friends. We weren’t introduced until we got to the London Airport, but instantly I felt what a great person she was. Everyone always wanted to be around her. We got to be very close during our few months there. We would even cuddle on the floor of the bus together to keep warm. We would take late night walks to the drug stores to get Wine Gummies and Wispa Mints. She was so much fun and always seemed happy! I loved and admired a lot of things about Chelsea, but I think the thing that drew me to her and impressed me most about her, was the fact that she was constantly thinking of others! She was beautiful, smart and very talented- but she never made it about her. She was always thinking of how she could help someone else. She remembered everyone’s birthday and would stop and buy them a flower at the the little flower stand in the tube station. She was always listening to people’s troubles and worries. It didn’t matter where someone came from, what they wore, how they looked, or what kind of life they lived, Chelsea treated them with love and respect. This really tells a lot about how she was raised and what an amazing, loving family she came from. She really did have a way of making you feel special. I loved Chelsea and am amazed at how many people she touched in her short life. She definitely made me want to be a better person. I am so grateful for the short time that I got to spend with such an amazing girl. I love you Chelsea. I love you Hale Family.

Clothespin people!!

My earliest memory of Chelsea was the first day I met her at Hillside Jr. High. We had a journalism class together and we sat next to eachother. We had a slightly strange teacher that made us write poems everyday about these clothespin people she made. Chelsea and I never understood what this teacher wanted our poems to be like and she never liked our poems until Chelsea wrote one totally sarcastic and making fun of the little people the teacher always displayed. We laughed so hard about her poem and Chelsea was so scared she would get in trouble if she turned it in. Instead the teacher loved it and thought Chelsea was serious. We laughed so hard about that poem. The teacher compiled a book of her favorite poems from the year and sure enough that silly poem of Chelsea's made the cover! She was so easy to build a friendship with and we remained friends from that class on. We had lots of inside jokes about her parents going on my parents honeymoon with them. And it was easy to smile when she was around. The thing I find most amazing about Chelsea is I bet most people didn't even think Chelsea and I were very good friends but she had a special way to make everyone around her feel like her friend, not just her friend, but her close friend. She was always inclusive and sweet to me. She had more maturity at an early age than most people did. She was classy and fun and had something special about her that made her stand out. She was ALWAYS herself and never changed depending on the group of friends she was with. I have, and will always respect her. She taught me a lot about friendship early in life and has now taught me about the value of life. Two lessons I will always remember... I think about her often!!
Jessica Morrow Gardner

Always together, always smiling. Love: Alison Wadsworth

Our sweet Chel. She was one of the family to all who knew her. We visit her grave yearly and love the way you decorate it with beautiful roses. They remind me of her, beautiful without trying. Sending you our kisses and loves Alison Wadsworth

Memories of Chelsea

I still think of Chelsea almost everyday. I have many sweet memories of her. Many times when I call Emily's cell phone I get her answering machine. She still has the message Chelsea left for her before she left forLondon. I know Emily will always keep that message. Chelsea was like one of my own children.We loved having her in our home. She got along well with every one of us. She liked to ask me what I was reading. I remember driving the girls to Newport for their Senior Trip. Chelsea was worried I would fall asleep so she read to me the book I brought. The other girls were asleep but Chel was reading "Memiors of a Geisha" out loud.

I loved watching the girls swim over the years. We have a little Bronze in our living room to remind us of the Relay Team. I know the Hales and Jardines have one too. The girls would get in a circle before and after a race and get pumped for the race or comfort each other after a race.

I remember one time the day of a dance Emily decided she would get her hair done. She got back from the hairdresser and was sobbing because he hated her hair. The girls usually wanted a few pictures before the dance. We have pictures of Emily crying and Chelsea comforting her in their Prom dresses.

We love visiting Chelsea's grave. On Chelsea's birthday several years ago Emily and I drove to the grave. A foot of fresh snow covered all the markers. I got out and started to push the snow away with the heel of my boot. I was thinking...Chelsea, where is your marker? I looked up and a ray of shunshine came through the clouds and shone down on a spot of snow. I pushed the snow away where the sun shone and it was Chelsea's stone. She lives and shines on us from time to time.

Love you forever,

Liz Cook

best friends

Hello, my name is Eliza Jane Monson. Richards is my maiden name. When I was young my family moved next door to the Hale's family. I was young when Chelsea passed away. We had spent a lot of time with their family, being neighbors and in the same ward. My brothers were close to her age and carpooled to school together. I remember my brother and Chelsea went to a dance together, and she looked to pretty. Chelsea was always known for being so fun, energetic, down-to-earth and my brothers adored her! As everyone did. No one could ever say a bad thing about Chelsea, she was so kind. I always admired her. I remember when she had gone to Africa for a humanitarian trip and promised myself that I would do something like that. Her stories that she shared about her experiences with the kids there were something that I wanted to experience.

What I remember most about Chelsea is her friendship she had with Emily Cook Bullen. Emily's sister Eliza and I are best friends, and when my family moved next door, Eliza and I's first thought was how ironic that Emily and Chelsea are best friends and you and I are best friends and you live with Emily, and I live RIGHT next door to Chelsea.

Eliza and I always compared ourselves to Emily and Chelsea. They were such good friends and perfect examples of what best friends should be to Eliza and I. It was perfect, Eliza and Emily have blonde hair, and Chelsea and I had brown hair. Whenever Eliza and I went to Kmart and took those famous "kmart pictures" we always did poses that Eliza told me Emily and Chelsea did. We admired and mimicked their friendship.

When Chelsea died I saw how hard it was for the entire Cook family; especially Emily. And of course I naturally thought about what if Eliza died... When Eliza and I talked about it, it was hard for us to grasp everything, but we understood that Heavenly Father needed Chelsea.

As I grow older and my friendship with Eliza only grows too I feel so blessed to have her be apart of my life, and I cherish our relationship. We bacame friends in first grade and like anyone we had our hissy fights but we knew like Emily and Chelsea we would stay friends because they had too. Throughout the years I have gotten to know Chelsea's family as I swam with Hannah and Sam. And they are two of my most favorite people. Hannah and Sam only brought fun and happiness to swimming practices which I'm sure Chelsea did too! I always LOVED spending time with them. And when I was in young womens I had the opportunity of have Karen as a teacher when I was a mia-maid I think. I remember our lessons were so well thought out and put together and we always came home with the most darling trinkets! I am so grateful for the Hale family and for their good examples to me. Thanks for everything!