My mom figure, my friend.
And she was humble.
Helen downplayed her
Heroism.
She was 24 when she escaped
The communist regime in
Czechoslovakia by skiing out of
The country.
With her heart wildly beating, she
Traversed the snowy forests of
No man's land expecting to be
Shot at any moment.
But God spared her.
And after her seemingly endless
Journey she reached Bavaria.
She reached freedom.
God led Helen, step by precarious step
To America where she raised a
Family and overcame enormous
Obstacles later in life.
After our paths crossed, Helen
Became like family to me and my girls.
She graced our table at all the
Holidays.
She was always grateful despite her
Challenges.
Over and over she thanked God
For His goodness.
And He allowed her to reach 99.
(I was hoping for 100.)
My hero/friend refused my
Accolades when she was alive.
But now she can't stop me.
I will sing Helen's praises to her
Family and friends, and I will
Share her story with folks who wish
They could have known her.