Saturday, January 16, 2010

Molly Hightower: one of the losses in Haiti



The Pacific Northwest is mourning the tragedy in Haiti along with the rest of the world. At the Portland Trailblazers basketball game Friday night $65,000 in relief donation funds were collected from players and the crowd attending the game, an example of the outpouring of love and concern we're seeing around here.

There is a loss that has hit close to home, which you may have noted in the memorial at my sidebar. Molly Hightower was a recent graduate of the University of Portland and had been working in Haiti since June with disabled children for "Friends of the Orphans."

The Oregonian reports that:
. . . Molly majored in psychology, sociology, and French Studies, and studied in Paris in the summer of 2007. She was “a very gifted student of French and a wonderful person in every sense,” according to mentor and professor of French Trudie Booth...

While in Haiti, Molly wrote about her experiences at the orphanage in a blog.

Molly was believed to be on the fifth floor of the building when the powerful quake occurred. Rachel Prusynski, of Boise, Idaho, a friend of Molly’s who also graduated last May from the University, was pulled from wreckage of the seven-story building on Tuesday and was transported to Florida, where she is recovering from injuries...

There will be a memorial mass for her today at noon at the University of Portland. Because I did not know her personally I won't attend, but my thoughts will be with her family and friends throughout the day.

I am posting this video created by Molly only last month as a tribute to a beautiful and caring young woman who had so much to give.......and did.


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10 comments:

Sage Ravenwood said...

Beautiful tribute and such a sad loss. I went over to read some of her earlier entries. She gave so freely of herself.

I'm continuing to keep the people of Haiti in my prayers on the smoke. May they find a way through this tragedy. (Hugs)Indigo

Unknown said...

One of the nurses I work with is from Haiti and her family there is dead or missing. She's devastated and there is very little we can do.

Darlene said...

The loss of life is unimaginable, but when it becomes personal it really hits you. Such a sad loss.

Bronagh said...

My eyes filled with tears as I read this post. She was a beautiful young woman in every sense of the word.

Rhiannon said...

Beautiful and happy video watching children in pure "joy"..now such sadness. Molly was doing what she loved when she passed on. That's something I think about a lot these days. Very meaningful.

I am just devastated about the horrific damage and loss in Haiti. Starting the New year off by our giving and feeling and helping and loving and forgiving and grieving for all those souls. May the Angels have lifted all their souls up high beyond pain and onto another realm of peacefulness.

Wonderful song in the video. Let's all get up and get on that Love train, all our brothers and sisters, dancing together.

"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us and the world will become "one". John Lennon ahead of his time. Words to remember always in our hearts, souls and mind.

I wish I could wrap my arms around all that are in pain and suffering.
Sigh...:o(

Blessings for Miracles,

Rhi

Looking to the Stars said...

Oh, Lydia to lose one such as this is heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family

Nancy said...

Crying now. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Lydia said...

Indigo: I think it is touching that you read some of her blog posts. She was obviously a special light. So are you.

Distracted: It must be truly difficult to actually know someone enduring this fear of loss, and loss. I believe you will find the right words of comfort...

Darlene: Having read your recent beautiful post to your daughter on her birthday my heart goes out to her mom who will not see Molly grow into her life. :(

Spring Night: It is under sad circumstances, but I still welcome you here to my blog and thank you so much for your tenderness.

Rhi: You are feeling this all very deeply. Take care of yourself in these hours so you can send your strength and hope out there into the world.

Looking to the Stars: I know how you feel. Sharing your sentiments...

Nancy: Yes, rest in peace, sweet girl. Thank you for placing those words here; they deserved to be repeated.

Jennifer said...

I haven't visited in over a week and have been reading through old entries and here I am, crying.

We are given so much and are so lucky and Molly sounds like she was an amazing soul.

Lydia said...

Jennifer- Molly's story does bring tears, most definitely. And I, like you, have cried tears of gratitude for my blessings.....

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