An old friend

Chelsea was always such a fun and happy person to be around. She made everyone around her laugh. I will always remember all the fun times hanging out with her, Emily, Steve and Rex.

Thanks for always being such a sweet and genuine friend.

Brian Barton

Full of Life

Chelsea and I became fast friends on our trip to Africa. I remember being excited when I learned she would be coming on the trip and looking forward to getting to know her. She had an inviting energy about her. An uplifting and adventurous energy. She was so fun and easy to be around. We would all talk for hours and hours as we hiked each day on our way to the top of Kilimanjaro. I remember looking for opportunities to spend more time with Chelsea and taking the opportunity when I could. I remember one specific evening by the campfire when we talked for hours. I loved hearing her stories and seeing what a deeply genuine person she is.

I remember so vividly sitting on my bed in the mission field in Chile when I read the news, and it broke my heart. This dear friend who had so much LIFE about her nature and was so gifted in her abilities to uplift and enjoy life was taken so quickly. I remember just feeling stunned and crying throughout the day but deep inside feeling a sense of peace all the while. I thought of all the good work I knew she was doing on the other side of the veil. I felt inspired and connected to her as I knew that we were engaged in the same work. To this day, I know that Chelsea continues on with her gifts and passions on the other side of the veil. And it is exhilarating to remember that her lovely, fiery, passionate, kind, fun personality continues to serve and uplift.

I was also particularly impressed with Chelsea's family by the way she would talk about them and then by meeting them after we got back from Africa. I am inspired by their strength and perspective. And thank you Hale family for raising such an upright and wonderful woman.

We love you Chelsea and continue to be inspired by you.

Love, Noah Eyre

Thanks for the memories!

I was lucky enough to grow up across the street from Chelsea. I remember the day I first met her: It was the summer before 5th grade and Emily Yeates and I were playing in my front yard trying to pretend that we weren’t spying on the family moving into the house across the street. We had heard rumors that there was a girl our age in the family. We were trying to figure out who she might be when Chelsea ran across the street and asked “Are you Kim?” I remember how impressed (and a little jealous) I was of her bravery.

I have so many great memories of Chelsea. Here are some of my favorites:

- Rollerskating in my driveway.

- Playing the track game on the Nintendo running pad in the Hale’s basement. We strategized for hours on how to cheat our way into winning.

- Summer nights when we’d get together with all the other kids in the neighborhood and play sardines.

- Singing Unforgettable with Harry Connick Jr in the Hale’s kitchen.

- RESPECT – lip sync with Chelsea and Whitney J. First place winners!

- Spying on each other when we had dates. She once asked if she could “borrow” the streetlamp in front of my house because it was the perfect place to kiss someone in the snow.

- Sneaking out of sunday school to drive over to Catie Hinckley's house.

- When she brought over a pint of Haagen Dazs and a card that read “Boys suck!” after I broke up with a boyfriend.

- Long talks sitting on my front porch at night.

The last time I saw Chelsea was when I was home visiting during a college break. She got out of her car and ran across the street with the biggest smile on her face and gave me a huge hug. She really did make you feel like you were the most important person in the world.

I’ll love you forever Chelsea!

Kim Lambert

A perfect example.

Our family loved Chelsea like she was our own.
We miss her and think of her every day.
Kirk and I are so grateful our girls had someone so wonderful to look up to.
We could say so much, but we'll just put it simply...

C-Cheerful, Contagious, Caring
H-Hopeful, happy, hilarious
E-Energetic, Everything to Everyone
L-Love, Laughter Light
S-Service, Spiritual, Service, Sister
E-Effortless, Easy to be around
A-Adorable, Adventurous

We love our Chelsea and can't wait to see her again and receive one of her perfect hugs.

Love,
Kirk, Nata, and Allie Schneider

My First Love

The moment Chelsea came to pick me up on our first blind date to take me to “DG’s in the Hood,” we had an instant connection. We spent the entire night talking to each other and didn’t care about anyone around us. It was like we were long lost friends catching up as opposed being on a first date. We never had any of those awkward first date moments where it gets silent and you consciously have to think about things to talk about. I think Chelsea had this effect on everyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. I’m sure anyone who ever met her would tell you that she was such an easy person to talk to, but we had something special. We wandered around the Galavan Center talking, laughing and flirting the night away and couldn’t seem to get enough of each other. I remember calling Emily Cook the next day to tell her everything about our date and how wonderful it was and asking for advice about how long I should wait to call her. Little did I know that half of the conversation I had with Emily that day was actually with Chelsea. I’m still not sure if it was Emily or Chelsea who told me to call her that same day. I’m sure that was the first of many times that the two of them fooled me over the phone.

I have so many wonderful memories of Chelsea that I will cherish forever. I am especially grateful for the little memories I have of her. Like the way she would look at me sometimes with those puppy dog eyes of hers and not have to say a thing, or the way she’d simply smile and it would brighten up my day. I will never understand why Chelsea was taken from us that night and why I was not. Every day I feel like I’m living on borrowed time and that Chelsea gave that to me. I am forever a changed man after having met Chelsea and I know it is for the better. You are gone from us now, but you will never be forgotten.

Love always,
Chase Chandler

Long Runs

I met Chelsea during London Study Abroad and knew right away we were going to be friends. We both figured out from the first day we met that we loved to run and having a huge park right across from where we lived was the perfect way to start the day for the both of us. A lot can be said when you spend every morning putting in as many miles as you can without being too late to class! Many conversations on our run I can remember centered around how much she loved her family. I think by the end of the semester I had heard so much about her mom that I felt like I knew her and wanted to be just like her!

I loved the fact that I could always count on Chelsea to go on a run with me no matter what time or where we were at. I remember staying in a hostel in Scotland and we had to leave pretty early in the morning. She was the only one that would go running with me that morning and we had the best time exploring the city just as the sun was rising.

One thing I loved hearing about from Chelsea was her experience serving in Africa. It really made me look at my life and try to set goals on serving others. I contribute a large part of why I served a mission to Chelsea. I still want to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro because of all the great stories she told me about that day.

The most memorable experience I had of Chelsea was the one week when they fanned all of us kids out to different family's houses all around the country. The only person that went to the same area with me was Chelsea. Oh how I wish we had gone to the same family!! My experience was awful and one afternoon I somehow was able to slip out of the house for a few hours. I remember just wandering the city miserable and wanting to go home when who appears out of no where but Chelsea. She took one look at me and gave me a huge hug. We spent the rest of the afternoon together and she totally helped me get through the week by setting up times to meet up together and just make me laugh about my whole experience.

I am so grateful for the short time I was able to know Chelsea. I wish it was longer but am so glad I will see her and hear her infectious laugh again. Miss you Chelsea!!!

Kim (Edwards) Rodela

A light in Darkness

The way that I would describe my relationship with Chelsea is that she was a light in a dark time for me. Like a lot of youth, I had a tendency to make things a lot more difficult on myself and by so doing I would go to a darker place.

Then there was Chelsea. She did things so different to any understanding of what I had. I remember at school there was a fire alarm or something that everyone was leaving the school at the same time. A girl was talking to her friend and didn't see a garbage can left in the middle of the hall and she tripped and fell right on her face.

A large group of people stood there and pointed and laughed. Chelsea came running in between the girl and the group. She fought with the laughers calling them losers and she helped the girl up. I was amazed that someone had the courage to go out of their way to stand up for someone that she was not even close to all because she believed it was right.

Another thing that I always think of is that she expected peoples best. No matter what the situation was you had to give good insight or do something great. You couldn't just be there. I didn't have a real high self esteem and this really took me out of my comfort zone.

We talked about the most random things and I can't remember them all but one that I do remember was we discussed our favorite Christmas movies. She wouldn't let me give an easy answer. When I did there had to be substance with it. Nothing was simple. When it was simple I would get a "Duh Kurt. That's dumb." That sentence was uttered often but I soon learned and I came out my shell a bit.

I have since heard someone say that in order to change the world you just need to change your attitude. Chelsea did that for me. She is still a light and inspiration to me. I now see the world so differently than I once did and that light will go on forever. I am happier today than I have ever been because I continue to build on that light.


-Kurt Anderson

Thanks for inspiring us

Rarely do you find someone who not only has the ability to make friends as Chelsea did, but also to inspire people like she did. She was a friend in the truest meaning of the word.

Even though I had spent a lot of time “hanging out” with Chelsea with our group of friends in junior high and high school, I got to know her on a whole new level while we were class officers together our senior year. The announcement that we would be officers came as we stood with our heads sticking out the 2^nd story windows over a school stomp in the courtyard at Highland High. I quickly learned that night that Chelsea hated being in the center of attention.

She didn’t get used to it either. That year as an officer, she dreaded going on the school’s morning news, HTVS, to make announcements and it became a game for us to try to get her on camera doing the announcements alone. She hated to be in the spotlight, yet sought to spotlight everyone else.

While working with her on different projects, I was amazed at what she could accomplish . In anticipation of our class gift at the end of the year, as probably every class at Highland has done, we dreamed of trying to acquire the land where the “H” rock sits. We were just a little naive :). But then one day Chelsea told us that she had arranged a meeting with Salt Lake City Mayor, Deedee Corradini. We had the meeting, the land wasn’t acquired (surprise, surprise), but it was one example of the determination Chelsea had to get things done.

Chelsea demanded everyone around her to be their best by treating them as if they were the best. A few months before Chelsea’s passing I had one of those “talks you’ll never forget” late one night with a friend. The conversation was centered on the impact Chelsea had had on our lives. This memory wasn’t with Chelsea but is one of my greatest “Chelsea memories” because it represents what she has done for all of us.

I love you Chels, you continue to inspire us,

Peter Theurer

Let's hold hands

I am grateful to call myself a friend of Chelsea Hale’s. I will always cherish the memories I have of Chelsea. For me it all began back in 8th grade when Chelsea became the first girl I ever held hands with during a movie. I couldn’t tell you what the movie was because I could think of nothing other than how great it was to be able to show my affection to Chelsea by holding her hand. I’m sure, at the time, she thought I had some sort of problem because my hands were so sweaty from the nervousness. To my surprise, there were several other “hand-holding” episodes to follow. I, distinctly, remember wanting Chelsea to be my first kiss following our 8th grade school year but I was much too shy to attempt such a feat. She also seemed much too pure for such a thing. Unfortunately, for me, that would never be added to my book of remembrances. :-)

Chelsea and I maintained a wonderful friendship through high school. I always felt that Chelsea and I had a special bond, though, looking back on it, I think she had that with everyone. She could be a friend to anyone in any place at anytime. This was one of her choicest blessings. She was also blessed with a smile that could heal the sick, a desire to make all feel needed and included, natural beauty, an infectious laugh, wisdom beyond her years, and a heart full of love.

The last time I spent any significant amount of time with Chelsea was on our Senior Trip. She and I had a couple of good, long talks during that trip about our dreams and aspirations. I knew that she would go on to accomplish great things, which she did in such a short time.

I was saddened when I heard of Chelsea’s passing, as anyone that knew her was. However, I have a strong belief that she is continuing to do great things. I am hopeful that we will all be able to embrace her once again in the hereafter.

Love and miss you Chelsea!

Ryan Bruschke

When I think back to high school a lot of my memories center around Chelsea. Some of the best times I had were the simple ones. I bet that 80% of my high school life was spent at Emily Cooks house with Chelsea. There was always microwave popcorn, the two of them, and some story or drama. I can still picture Chelsea on Emily's bed putting out Emily's fires always being the voice of reason. Other days were spent at Chelsea's house in the kitchen because she would always make us food. I remember joking with her that she was our mom. She was always looking out for everyone and putting everyone's needs ahead of hers.
Anyone that met Chelsea knew immediately that she was special. This is because she went out of her way to make you feel special. Chelsea knew everyone because she genuinely cared about all of us. I can never remember a time when Chelsea was angry or mad. Never a time when she judged anyone or treated them unfairly. In my mind she was perfect. This is why so many guys had a crush on Chelsea. We were all drawn to her for the same reasons.
As I think back to the time that I was blessed to have with Chelsea I will never forget her smile. Full of love and always happy. That is how I will remember Chelsea Hale.

Love always,
Adam Mulcock

Each One

There is not a day that passes by that I do not think about Chelsea. I have so many happy memories with her. The older I get the more I realize how far beyond her years she was. Chelsea had it figured out and her example has reached far beyond her lifetime. I am a better person because she was my friend. She brought out the best in me, and everyone she was around. She lifted everyone up and certainly knew how to make you feel special inside.

She taught me this lesson when we were Senior Class officers together at Highland High School. In preparation for Senior Week, Chelsea, Peter Theurer and I wanted to create a video to show at the assembly highlighting the great senior class of 1999. As we were trying to figure out what skit or funny dialogue to include in our video that we thought would bring laughs and entertainment to the student body, Chelsea was adamant about including a slide show with a picture of every person in our senior class. She did not want the show to be about us, she wanted each individual to have a moment to shine, she wanted each person to be included. So that is what we did. We searched through all the pictures we had, pulled some from the yearbook, even took some ourselves of those friends we were missing, until every single individual in our senior class was included and accounted for.

Once our video was complete and we sat back and watched the final product at the assembly, I realized the meaning behind Chelsea’s vision. She wanted to create a moment for each individual to feel like they were the most important person, like they mattered and they were special in front of the whole school. And she did. I remember watching the faces of my fellow classmates when a picture of them was flashed on the big screen. They laughed and they smiled. The feeling I felt inside was so much better than any video we could have made starring the three of us, and only the three of us as class officers. Chelsea wanted to recognize each of them, and let them know that whoever they were, they had value and they were important.

This is the way Chelsea lived her life, every day. And every day I miss her and feel grateful for the time that I had to spend with her. She was the kind of person I want to be.

I love you Chels.

Whitney Johnson Kirkham

Wake from your sleep,
the drying of your tears,
Today we escape, we escape.
…
And now we are one
in everlasting peace,

Radiohead

In the summer of 1999, Chelsea and I had the unique pleasure of jaunting off to Africa for a humanitarian expedition to see the fruits of a Highland High fundraiser put to use. She and I shared several unique experiences during that trip that have left lasting impressions upon my mind. Most notably, I remember one morning about 2,000 feet shy of the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

We arrived at the last camp at about 7:00 p.m. after 10 hours of hiking and three previous days of the same. Passing through jungle to tundra to glacier, the ascent was truly spectacular. I remember the reflection of the sunset off the glacier that night. It was freezing. It was the first time either Chel or I had been at 17,000 feet. We were tired but mostly we were cold. So I remember we drank down some warm Milo tried to eat something despite any real desire to eat and quickly tucked away in our tents since we were to rise at 12:30 a.m. to begin our ascent to the summit and what would be a 20 hour day of hiking.

I’m not sure either of us slept much that night. The combination of going to bed so early, knowing we were to be up in only a few hours, and the effect of the altitude made for a sleepless cocktail. When it was time to rise, I was packing up when Chelsea entered my tent. She looked at me and said “I am not going to the top with you…I’m sick and will be here when you get back.”

I was all at once devastated. Immediately I choked up with tears. How was I to continue on in this short journey without her, to leave her behind after we had spent the last four days of arduous hiking working towards reaching the top of Africa. I pleaded with her to let Jess Dalton and I carry her to the top. Surely we could figure a way to get her there in no less comfort than she was then enjoying from what I believed was altitude sickness. My mind raced to figure something out. Jess even proposed, “If you throw up on the trail, it will immediately freeze.” This made a lot of sense at the time, and upon later reflection brought countless laughs among us.

Once it was clear that I was truly affected by her statement, in true Chelsea form she let me know she was only joking and was really just coming to see why I was not ready yet. Crying and laughing never felt so good.
We reached the summit hours later at around 6:35 a.m. as we watched sunrise reflect an indescribable purple off the glacier. On the descent, Chelsea’s knee bothered her a bit, but 20 hours after we awoke that morning, we were down the mountain reflecting upon our journey.

Chelsea’s sense of humor was so unique and played so well off individual personalities. Amidst all the facades of high school insecurities, Chelsea was always toying with people to figure out just who they really were. She despised hypocrites and loved things that were real. I think this was a reflection of her desire to have people understand her for who she truly was and not to be perceived by immature notions of “coolness,” games which she did not play. I feel so fortunate that she allowed me to know her on so many levels.

"The letter, perhaps, began in bitterness, but it did not end so. The adieu is charity itself. But think no more of the letter. The feelings of the person who wrote, and the person who received it, are now so widely different from what they were then, that every unpleasant circumstance attending it ought to be forgotten. You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." Mr. Darcy

Thanks for the memories.

Love,

Jared R.

Stocking Footprints

I had the great privilege of being the so-called "ma" at our stake pioneer trek, and having chelsea in my family. she came on trek with some of her friends even though she had technically graduated out of the young women program. by age and definition she wasn't exactly a youth, and she wasn't exactly a leader. but she was obviously a leader. chelsea led out with a bright smile each morning. an amazing smile. she became friends with everyone quickly, and made sure each person felt included and welcomed. you can't train that in a person - some people just know how to do it. she did.
she and another girl in our group spent an afternoon making me a gift, and snuck it onto my pillow at night. you can imagine my surprise at laying my head on a handmade wood frame.
i didn't know chelsea well enough to know all of her good qualities, but you wouldn't have to know her long to know many. she was appreciative, and generous-spirited. she was kind and inclusive. she was well-rounded, balanced, grounded, and funny.
You've heard the saying about how some friends come and go, but others leave footprints on your heart and you are never the same...
Chelsea was one to leave footprints. i imagine a lot of people feel it.
having read some of the other entries, i now recognize the little stocking foot prints on my heart. (i've been wondering what that shape was)
I want to send my love to her family, and to those who knew her and loved her. she left a lot of footprints.
-megan mccullough clayton

Chocolate covered cherries and stockinged feet

Trying to reminisce with myself isn't much fun, but reading some of the other posts made the memories come back more easily and helped me reconnect with my delightful friend Chelsea, so thanks to those of you who have shared. Hopefully my memories can help to spark some other for those of you who have yet to post!

I spent the semester of Fall 2000 in London with Chelsea and immediately found her to be one of the most charming women I had ever encountered. Her genuineness and enthusiasm were unmatched by anyone I had ever met (or have to this day, as I think about it) and I found her to be radiant.

One of my favorite traits in a friend is an ability to laugh at one's self, as I think much of our best comic material is found right at home base. I have the clearest picture in my mind of sitting on the bedroom floor with Chelsea as she promised that nothing on this green Earth was funnier than the sight of her stocking feet. She proceeded to remove her pants and pull her socks up tight over her calves and ankles, the skinniest little calves and ankles I have ever laid eyes on. I don't know if it was the sight of her scrawny lower limbs that made me laugh, or her priceless delivery and willingness to sacrifice the dignity of her extremities for the sake of her laughing cohorts, but there is no way I can do justice to those little stockinged feet. Just trust me: they redefined funny.

I also recall feeling touched by Chelsea's unbridled love for her family, and her particular pride in her mother. Several moms sent care packages to their kids, and I remember a few in particular that were teased without abandon. However, when Chelsea opened her package, she fawned over every detail of her mother's gift to her, noticing each thoughtfulness from the beautiful wrapping to the inclusion of the chocolate covered cherries of which she was so fond. I myself was a largely ungrateful person at the age of nineteen and saw my own mother primarily as a target for my own entertainment (thankfully, I have a very tolerant and resilient mother) but Chelsea always spoke of her mother with the respect, even awe, that she certainly deserved. By the time our Study Abroad was over, we all knew Karen Hale was a special lady and had absorbed some of Chelsea's admiration for her.

I often think of Chelsea and miss having her unique personality and heartfelt goodness in my life. I'm thankful for the memories I have, as well as those others have shared. It is truly a blessing to be reminded of a person who did so much good and shared so much of what life has to offer, even though her own was so short. I'm grateful to have been a part of her life, and even more to have had her as a part of mine.

Amy (Peterson) Lee

To England, Where My Heart Lies

Wow, everyone has done such a great job capturing Chelsea's love for her fellow friends (of whom she had many). I relived so many memories with her as I read the other posts, and everything written only reinforced my conclusion that Chelsea was champion at living.

So many of my memories have been covered in other posts, for example, I also tried (on rare occasion) to try my hand with the "advanced" group of morning runners, (at Chelsea's invitation and encouragement.) She was 48 times the runner that I was, but she never ran ahead or ran out of motivating schemes to keep me from collapsing and taking up permanent residence in Kensington Gardens. One morning after running approx. 2 min, I was overcome with the need to find a restroom. Chelsea and I trekked all over London trying to find a public toilet (fat chance). We eventually made it back to Palace Court, but I'm certain that without Chelsea's "you can make it" being constantly fed in my direction, I would've met with an untimely accident.

I also remember staying up late one night in the Lake District, swapping stories and ambitions with her as our cohorts slept snug in their hostel beds. I recall being hit with the impression that Chelsea felt an enormous responsibility to keep those around her happy. All of her future plans were weighed in direct contrast to how they would impact those she loved. She loved and respected her parents, and wanted to make them proud. She also spoke of her siblings with a maternal kind of love, and I like to think that although she never experienced the sweet blessing of having children, she was able to live that role through the care and worry she took on as the oldest sibling. We finished up the late-night chat talking about our respective boyfriends, and how those relationships would pan out after reaching our homeland. She expressed a sincere love for Chase, but was nervous about feeling such an attachment with her whole future ahead of her.

Even after London, I was eager to continue my new-found friendship with my Salt-Lake-raised kindred spirits (Ange & Chelsea). Between the two of them, I had arranged a place for me to live, and a great job. Being a small-town gal, I was grateful to have some kind friends with big-city know how.

I will forever be grateful to my Heavenly father for letting my path cross Chelsea's. She has made a lasting impression on my life, and her way of soaking every drop out of each of life's experiences has helped to make me want to be more focused on living mine to the fullest. If I'm ever blessed with female offspring (another fat chance,) I hope my daughter grows up to be like you, Chelsea Anne Hale.

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day

And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I
(author unknown)

Love,
Jodi (Tracy) Cope

3rd Wheel and Loving It

Chelsea and I grew up just a couple of streets over from each other, but when I really started to get to know her and consider her one of my great friends, was my junior year in high school. Now it's no surprise to anyone that I was a slow bloomer when it came to the ladies, and my shyness, awkwardness, and struggle to take off baby fat didn't help my cause personally, but made me the perfect wing man for some of my friends. Rex Patrick and I played soccer together and more times than not the two of us would end up over at the Hales in the springtime after our games or practices. All three of us would sit and talk in the kitchen, go get something to eat, watch movies, or whatever else we could come up with. The one thing that we did the most of was laugh, and there wasn't a joke or lighthearted moment that we didn't take advantage of. I knew I was the third wheel, but I loved it, and the memories that were created over those two and a half years are what I cherish so dearly to this day.

When I think of Chelsea, one of the first words that comes to mind is "acceptance". To this day, I've still never seen anyone who was so concerned about those around her feeling accepted, and that can be difficult, especially in an adolescent setting. I definitely was no stranger to this, and the people you tend to think about and care for most in life are those that have accepted you for who you are and care for your well-being continuously. Chelsea epitomized this quality, and how she was able to show continuous empathy to those around her is something that I try to emulate in my life to this day.

Chelsea I love you and your legacy is thriving.

Andrew Jones (Jonesy)

Chelsea Anne Hale
When I hear those words I think of the most genuine person I know. Her smile and laugh could bring happiness to any room she walked in. I still remember the first time I really got to know Chelsea in high school. We all decided to do a lip sync to Michael Jackson's Thriller. It was so fun to see Chelsea's wonderful, fun personality come out. I remember hanging out in Chelsea's basement painting our finger nails over and over again while we all just laughed and had fun. We were not super close but she always made me feel so special. I knew I could talk to her anytime and she would listen. She always made me feel like I was one of her best friends. I always looked up to her so much. I got married a few days before Chelsea passed away and I feel so lucky I was able to see her and talk to her. Her kind words of advice and happiness she gave me that night I will always remember. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. She has made me a better person and I will continue to strive to be a better person because of Chelsea.

Ashley Sippel Olson

Unforgettable

"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

Chelsea kept this quote attached to her bulletin in the DG house. I often marvel at the memory of these words, their meaning, and the way that she truly lived by them. She saw beauty in a rare, inward manner. She made fast friends and people, including myself, gravitated towards her because she was real, she was confident, she was selfless and she was sincere. And to top it off, she was fun!

I had the humbling pleasure of living with Chelsea for the few short weeks before she passed. I got to know her in a different, deeper way during those special days and her influence and impact on me will always be ingrained in my soul. We had several conversations that the contents of which will never escape my memory. The sound of her voice will never escape my memory. And neither the solid advice she gave will ever escape me. Chelsea taught me self-confidence and courage during a critical time. Those moments I shared with her are tender in my heart and perhaps due to her untimely passing, are frozen in time. Although only a month my superior, Chelsea was a big sister. She possessed that rare quality.

Thank you, Chelsea, for teaching me the worth of one's soul...not only my own, but more importantly, all we might have the pleasure to know. I will never forget you.

With love and gratitude,
Heidi Hawker Preston

What I remember most about Chelsea

Chelsea was such a sweetheart! I didn't know anyone on the swim team and she was the first one to introduce herself. She instantly made me feel comfortable and I will never forget how she used to say my name "Alex Peck", I can still remember exactly how it sounded. She was so fun to be around and always had such a positive attitude and a smile that was contagious. Some of my best memories of high school are from swimming with such a great group of people especially Chelsea. I loved sharing a lane with her, chatting between sets and goofing off with her (which would make Michael Brooks nuts) and having an all around amazing time with her. We all were so tight and I cherish those memories.

Crossing Paths

I would like to remember Chelsea because she did become one of my good friends. I too have enjoyed reading memories of Chelsea as it has brought back many memories for me. I first met Chelsea when I was in elementary school. She lived up the street from me. I didn't really know her well because we moved when I was in second grade (she was in third). I was reacquainted with her in seventh grade as we both went to Hillside Jr. We were in a music class together. I knew her in high school but didn't really get to know her until my senior year. Chelsea would babysit my cousins, the Thatchers and Carley Schneider. I was good friends with Ali my senior year and was getting ready to start my freshman year at the University Of Utah. I remember talking to her about Greek life and that I was planning on going through RUSH week. She always said "hi" to me during that week and when I saw her on campus. The thing I remember the most about Chelsea was how she made my adjustment at the UofU smooth. She was always so pleasant, asking me how my day was going. I believe she was living at the DG house the same time I was living at the KKG house because I saw her a lot on Greek Row. The last time I saw her was at a Fraternity opening social ( I think that is what it was). I remember being honored that she said "hi" to me as she was really popular with everyone. We were planning on getting together for lunch.

Chelsea was a great person, a great example, and someone that I strive to be like. She was always so happy and positive and really made you feel important. I will always remember my first semester up at the UofU and associate it with Chelsea. How she made me feel like I was a friend.

Allison (Barlow) Young

Chel

Chelsea was a big sister to me. I looked up to her and thought she was so beautiful. I remember driving around with Em and Chel in "The Piece" Em's first car. Chelsea loved bringing the My First Sony in the car because the radio didn't work and I would watch them rock out to Strawberry Wine. She was always happy and made everything more fun. When Emily would babysit Chelsea would help make the mac and cheese and help tuck us in at night. Chelsea and Emily loved to dress me. I can remember they picked out these super flare jeans for me and I hated them but Chelsea somehow talked me into believing they looked good and I ended up wearing them. Every time I saw Chelsea she would give me the biggest hug and I thought I was especially cool for knowing her. She knew how to make you feel loved and truly was interested in everyone's life. Chelsea and Emily threw me a slumber party Birthday and gave every girl at the party a manicure. Chelsea I love you and am so thankful you were a part of my life.
-Eliza Cook

Dearly Loved, By babsie

Title: Grandma. Official name: Babsie. Chelsea never called me Grandma but knew that I cherished her with the heart of an admirer who was bonded by DNA. Memories of her bring amusement and pure joy! I picture Chelsea at age one shocking salespeople with her full sentences, perfectly understandable. I remember watching a little first-grader with skinny legs running down a soccer field relishing the moment but not knowing the purpose of her energy. She grew with a confidence and sense of self worth that gave strength and encouragement to others. She was open and non-judgmental with a genuine love and concern for those who weren't so sure of themselves. She was strong in her beliefs, bold enough to express them and live them.
She expected the best in others as she required it of herself. She was a self-proclaimed director of parties, family plans and procedures as well as a few practical jokes! She was not afraid to right a wrong or express her opinion on a controversial subject. That trait was directed to her obedient siblings, school friends, her elders and even strangers.
Who didn't love Chelsea? Her beauty, talent, athletic skills, enthusiasm for life, and love of service made us all eager to follow in her steps. Age didn't matter. We wanted to join her in her colorful journey.
I treasure the time she and Ali spent in California with me and Papa. I discovered that she drove the LA freeways the same way she attacked life--- with gusto! I learned that she was addicted to Hershey's Kisses and didn't give much thought to nutritious meals. Se made me happy when she turned the piano keys into a symphony of sound. I knew she had a growing testimony of Jesus Christ and became aware of the influence of the scriptures she read daily. She brought happiness and joy to us.
Who doesn't love Chelsea still? Her kindness, laughter, convictions, and love live on in our hearts and minds encouraging us to strive to be like her. The promise of seeing that remarkable young woman again is the reason we can go on without her.
Babsie

Lasting Impression

I didn't know Chelsea particularly well, but it wasn't necessary to know her well to feel like you were friends with her! It is unbelievable what a lasting impression she has had on my mind when I think of the short amount of time we shared. Number one, she was beautiful, and had a beautiful voice to match. I remember we were in a morning seminary class together at Highland and she would sit behind me and play with my hair. I absolutely loved it. She would eat her Yoplait yogurt and I remember the combination of hearing the plastic spoon scraping at her yogurt, feeling her gently play with my hair, a tiny bit of her breath on my skin (yes the seats were that close), and sometimes she would hum a random little song. She had this ringing voice; it was so sweet and lasting. It may sound strange but it was truly the best memory and I think of it from time to time. In those moments I felt almost as if she were my mother; she watched over people and developed a bond so quickly.

She was in another class of mine as well and it goes without saying she was liked by EVERYONE. She had absolutely no pretenses and had this pure kindness oozing from her all of the time. Completely genuine. And the most awesome sense of humor. And her smile! You just had to experience it. She was so many things and I remember seeing her at a party when I was in KKG and saying hello and I hadn't seen her since high school and remembered how much I adored her! I was heartbroken to learn of her passing but realize that her spirit must have been in great demand wherever she is right now. What an amazing person Chelsea was.

Love,

Alisa Beck Barua

Christ-Like Love

I have many great memories of Chelsea that make me laugh, smile, and urge me to be a better person. There is one small memory, however, that has always stuck out in my mind and that I reflect on often. It was our final assembly at Highland High School and it had just concluded. All of us seniors were on the stage hugging and talking. Chelsea came over to me, hugged me, and then gently played with my hair on both sides of my face while speaking closely to me. To this day I cannot recall what it was that she had even said to me. I was so struck with what a tender and Christ-like love her gentle actions towards me radiated in that very moment. It was so sincere. I remember thinking to myself as she spoke that I would always remember that moment because of the genuine love I felt from her. I think of it every time my children grab my face to speak closely to me, to make sure that they have my undivided attention, to tell me something special, or to express their love for me. Just as the simple and sweet Primary song lyrics state, "When your heart is filled with love, others will love you." Chelsea, thank you for filling your heart and showing your love for me. I do love you!
-Chantel Richards Erickson