Memories of Heather

So, I have really felt the need to write down my thoughts and feelings of the past week - as well as my many memories of my friend Heather. So, this could be a long post... It's kindof sad when this blog has turned into my journal :).

Anyways, this past week has been pretty emotional for me and my family. I guess this whole year has been emotional. I have lost 2 friends, 2 uncles and an aunt. Hopefully this year will be better - not sure how much more we can take...

Anyways, here is what took place last week:

Saturday we went up to Idaho with the AF band for the Pocatello competition. I rode on the bus there, but decided to come home with Dusty and my in-laws. Well, we got a call about 7:15 from Jermie (assistant band director) that one of our buses had rolled. We were only about 10 miles behind them - so, my father-in-law sped the whole way there (I think he was going close to 100). I cannot even begin to tell you the nerves I had at that moment - not knowing what was going on. Well, when we got there I couldn't believe my eyes. The bus was on it's side and students were getting out. I think most of them were in shock. Jermie ran up to John to talk to him in private - I knew something was wrong. I went to the front of the bus to make sure all the kids were out. There was one girl on her back complaining that her back hurt - so we told her not to move. 2 more kids were trapped in the bus - the seats had their legs pinned. I went back to the front of the bus and that's when I saw my friend Heather. I knew at that moment she was gone. I just couldn't believe it. I was so glad Dusty was there because I lost it at that moment! I somehow pulled it together and started running around again making sure the kids were okay! I kept checking on my girls (who were on bus 4) to make sure they were okay as well. They were able to get the 2 students off the bus and get them to the hospital. John had decided he better tell the kids about Heather because some of them were starting to guess. So, I told him that we better call her family first. I had to call Melodie (her best friend and roomate) to get Heather's moms number. It was the worst phone call I have ever had to make. Melodie is a good friend of mine - in fact, I hired Heather and Melodie to run my independent guard called Wasatch Academy. Anyways, Melodie got in touch with Heather's sister and Heather's mom was able to call John. We then went on the buses to tell the students. It was so heartbreaking! They all loved her so much.

Eventually we were able to send the other buses home, but the students who were on bus 2 had to go to the hospital. So, John and Dusty and I (and Pam and my 2 kids) went to the hospital with the students. All of them were ok (a few stitches, scrapes, bruises, broken fingers, etc.) - but considering the accident, it was a blessing no one was hurt worse! I sat in with one of the girls as she talked to the police officer. She was about 2 seats behind Heather and saw the whole thing. Heather is a hero! As soon as the bus driver passed out, Heather leaped over the chair to grab the stearing wheel. That action probably saved the lives of ALL of the kids on the bus. If that bus had gone more off the road, it would have landed in Lava Rocks that was about 100 feet from the road. So scary!

Since that night, we have been able to pay tribute to Heather many ways. Sunday night we met at the high school with the students and parents (and Heather's family). Then we moved to the gym where hundreds were there to support Heather! It was amazing.

Monday we had rehearsal. The kids just wanted to play their instruments and spin. There were news crews there, but the kids did great. Tuesday night was BYU. The kids wanted to compete but also pay special tribute to Heather. John called me that morning to work on something "special" for the end of the show, and we pulled it off. It was an amazing night. Saturday was Heather's funeral. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful life! It was pretty tough to get through for me, but I did.

And, here I am, one week later, still trying to figure out why this happened. I know Heather is so happy right now! She loved life so much and I am sure she is loving Heaven even more.

I first met Heather in 1993. I was a new member of the marching band (I was a junior and had moved to American Fork) and didn't know anyone! Heather befriended me, and from then on we have been friends. She was the drum major and I was in the color guard. When we were at band practice, we would mess around - WAY TOO MUCH! But, it was fun. We would make out hand signals to the song "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" and would do them while at rehearsal. I think I got in more trouble than Heather because Mr. Miller couldn't see her from where he stood...

After Heather graduated, she went to the U of U (where she was drum major too) and majored in music. She was the first band teacher at Riverton High School. She asked me to come down and do clinics for her color guard - which I did and loved because she was such an amazing teacher. After a few years, she decided to move to Spanish Fork and run the music program at a new charter school, American Leadership Academy. She also started a winter guard program there (and they took 1st in their division last year). She wore so many hats - and was good at everything.

While Heather was at the U of U, I begin very ill. Heather stuck by me through years and years of my illness. She came to see me at my house all the time. I also lived in Salt Lake for a brief time, and we hung out quite a bit. I remember going to her apartment with Sarah and Kim to watch old movies (me and Heather are fans of the old movies!).

Well, Heather came to work at AF about 4 years ago (full time last year). Last year I hired her and Melodie to run my independent group, Wasatch Academy. It was for kids between the ages of 9-14. The all ADORED Heather and she was great at it! I have many, many memories of Heather and I at band camp. She was always trying to get me to read new books - one year, it was Twilight. I asked her what it was about and she told me vampires. Are you kidding me? Well, years later I read it and now am reading it again for the 2nd time... She knew I'd like it!!

Heather was ALWAYS happy. I think I've seen her cry twice - once with me during a hard time in my life, and once last year when she was going through a hard time. She was such an inspiration to me. I just can't believe she's gone. It's hard because the last memory I have of Heather is seeing her that Saturday night, just laying there. But, I know she had gone on to a better place!

I love you Heather! I am hoping the Sun with come out tomorrow - I know for you it has!