Stories
Kristin Erdmann
My sister loved the sandy beaches and the beautiful crystal clear waters. This photo is definitely her happy place. Heidi was the best sister and friend I could have ever asked for. So many memories of laughing with her so hard we couldn't catch our breath. I loved her sarcasm and wit, she made life so fun. Our sayings, "Dang Gina" & "you've got a spider on your head", I hope I can still hear you saying these forever Heidi. You are so missed, I think about you daily. Love this site and looking forward to seeing and sharing more memories here.
Jessica Bush
There isn’t an hour since Heidi has been gone that we haven’t thought about her. Heidi is missed so incredibly much! Having Heidi as a sister in-law was such a blessing to me, having both our babies so close in age and always being at the same stage with our kids! We have shared so many memories together.
We have played hours and hours of cards and games together over the last thirteen years! Heidelberg was the nickname our family gave her and whenever we called her that during games her contagious laugh always came out!
Traveling with Heidi was the best! She loved the Caribbean! We loved to take our morning walks everyday with my mom before the kids woke up on beaches of Grenada, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, etc! We shared the same books on vacation and would often be the last on the beach still reading! One time a tropical rainstorm started and we stood under an umbrella for 15 minutes laughing while it down poured! Anytime we go to the beach Heidi will be with us!
Mandy Levine
Heidi and I met in the third grade, and we were instant friends. We considered ourselves truly lucky to have each other by our sides through all of life's milestones – graduations, marriages and raising kids together. Our conversations about the future always involved us growing old together, sitting in rocking chairs, watching our grandkids play, and of course still dancing! Heidi loved to dance! There are so many wonderful memories that I have with Heidi, but some of my absolute favorites involve the dance floor. When a great song came on, we would make eye contact and do a little shoulder shrug to the beat. That was our universal sign that it was time to hit the dance floor. It was constant laughter as we, in our 40s, tried to relive the dance moves we effortlessly pulled off in our 20s. I am grateful every day for the bond we shared and the memories we made. I think about Heidi everyday and I miss her like crazy.
Mindy Siewert
Heidi and I met during dental hygiene school where we spent so many hours together studying for tests, cleaning each other’s teeth, and even giving each other shots in our mouths. My husband, Nic, and I got to live with Heidi and her brother AJ where we spent so much special time together. Oh how I enjoyed her dry/snarky sense of humor and how much we got to laugh together. I loved how much Heidi always knew herself and how strong she was in her faith. She was always a great friend and I knew I could always count on her. I also loved how Heidi was always up for a walk or working out together. I think one of my most favorite memories of Heidi included all of the Schmitke gang when Nic and I came home after being out and walked into a full blown dance party in the living room. I knew Heidi had something special when I saw Dennis and Linda right there in the thick of all the fun. I always loved how much she valued family. She truly loved on everyone she ever came into contact with. I’m so grateful to have called her a friend.
Lindsey Olsen
So many of our childhood memories come to mind. All the holidays spent together and all of our cousin performances and plays that we put on for our parents and grandparents every visit. She was one of the best competitors in our family kickball games and I always wanted to be on her team! Heidi had the amazing gift of making you feel so incredibly special to her. From her birthday phone calls to thoughtful texts and our conversations when we were together she always made you feel that moment with you was important to her. I was looking through pictures and one picture reminded me of one of my favorite visits with Heidi. I was in high school playing volleyball and our team traveled to San Diego for a tournament. Heidi was living in San Diego and she showed up at my tournament with Aaron and Gwen to watch me play. It was the very best surprise! She then met me and my team at the beach the next day and I got to spend some rare one on one time with her and introduce my super cool college cousin to all my friends. Watching Heidi with her little family was so much fun. I will always giggle at the pictures we captured of her going down the water slide in Grants Pass last summer while the kids all threw water on her/in her face. She was up for anything to make those kids happy. I will carry so many memories with me (and share them with everyone around me) forever. 
Annie Blanchard
There are no words to express what a dear, tried and true friend Heidi was to me! We met in 6th grade and there was no turning back. One day after school Heidi and I were yelling and making funny noises from her upstairs bedroom window at her paper boy. Okay, it was really me but Heidi’s laughing was urging me on. Well, either the paper boy or the neighbor told Dennis and Linda! Then Linda said, if you guys act like that together you can’t hangout anymore! Well, thank you Linda, because I knew I would never do anything to jeopardize my friendship with Heidi from that moment on! She had the cutest and tiniest feet and most adorable shoes because she could still shop in the little kids sizes. We laughed until we could catch our breath nearly every time we were together. We’d have sleepovers often and even some on school nights (this was extra special). We felt like we were getting away with something. She and I would actually study though (that crazy Tardieu Block) and laugh like you wouldn’t believe. Every time I was over she refused to let me sleep on the floor, and I refused to take her bed, so we’d sleep together in her bed or on the floor together! We would go to this one gas station in town, the only place they sold one cent “Frooties” those watermelon, grape, strawberry mini tootsie rolls. They were the best! We’d buy 100 of them each and ride off into the sunset with our bag of Frooties. And yes we even rode up her giant hill, weaving back and forth the entire way! Life was so simple, pure and good on those sunny bicycle days with Frooties in our mouths! As we graduated from high school, we celebrated with a senior trip together with Jennie and Krystal to Great America and Santa Cruz. I still can’t believe your parents let us take the suburban down to California and this was before any of us had phones. We brought a giant VHS video camera though and I remember us filming Krystal trying to fill the car with gas. “What’s this, self serve business?” I remember writing signs “please let us over” and holding it in the suburban window because all the fast drivers wouldn’t let us over. We’d listen to the best mixed tapes and all of us even sat across that big long bench seat in the front. We had no idea what we were doing, but I am so glad our parents trusted us on this adventure together. My own girls talk about doing this same trip when they graduate. Somehow it’s not so easy to say yes, now that I’m a parent, but how could I deny them these same experiences that we had! This trip was a wonderful memory I’ll always share with you! When we were both away at different colleges I flew down to visit you, with a bag full of “Frooties” of course! I fell in love with your college, your friends and loved seeing what a joyful and fulfilling life you created for yourself at school. It was so special to see you spread your wings and fly and still be who you always were. Your roommates were instant friends to me because we all had the greatest thing in common, YOU! I’ll never forget church days with your family and walking over to Dutch Bros after the service. And whenever I’d come over your dad would giggle and say “Annie, the pantry is stocked for you!” Your home and family were always a place I felt love and absolute acceptance. When it came time for Tommy and I to build our forever home, we went over to your parent’s house and your dad helped me measure you’re great room, dining room and kitchen as we designed our house. Now we have teens running in and out of our house and there’s a pantry big enough for them all and stocked with their favorite foods. Your family was a pillar of strength and guiding light for me as I grew up and I will forever be thankful to them. Through weddings and babies and having no idea how to homeschool and parent our kids through a pandemic, we always, always picked right up where we left off, and did not skip a beat. The best kind of friend for me. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you or hear your laugh! A truly great friend to me is defined not by the amount of hours we spend in each other’s lives, it is the amount of life lived in the times we did spend together. We could always pick right up where we left off even if it was months without connecting. Whenever we connected, it was just like we were 16 again. We’d go on walks miles long and solve the world’s problems and be walking so fast you’d get shin splints. We were always there selflessly for one another and fierce, fierce supporters of the lives and families we so lovingly built! We used to always say, we were “single for life!” Now, Heidi my friend, you are far from single. You have touched more lives than you will ever know. Whenever I want to feel extra close to you, I’ll go on a drive and turn on Delilah! Oh how many nights and drives we’d listen to her dedication show. She’s still the best! So tonight, if I could talk to Delilah, I’d send this dedication out to “one of the greatest friends who’s ever lived.” It was such an honor to call you my friend Heidi Pie and I will look forward to hearing that laugh again someday! I love you my friend and I’m so proud to have shared so many wonderful parts of my life with you!
Shannon Lewis
I have had the honor of knowing Heidi since the day I was born. I am so proud to be able to call her my cousin. Being only a year apart, I had a built-in best friend at every holiday and vacation together. Most of my childhood memories of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and many Lake Tahoe vacations involve Heidi. She was my roommate on trips, my floating partner down the Truckee River, my jet ski driver, and my “double buckle” buddy on car rides when there were not enough seatbelts for everyone in the car. I was a painfully shy child but Heidi made me feel confident when I was around her. When we were young I remember being asked if we were twins. I thought this was the greatest honor because Heidi was the coolest! I would usually come home from spending a week or two with Heidi and buy a new tape or CD of an artist she introduced me to: Enya, Chicago, Boyz II Men, Collin Raye come to mind (Kristin may have had an influence, too). When the Schmitke’s would come stay at our house, or when we all visited Grandma and Grandpa together, all 5 of us cousins would sleep on the floor of the living room. We would stay up late whispering while our parents talked and watched TV. Heidi and I would sneak over and try to watch whatever they were watching. I remember being caught once because of her laugh. Her laugh was contagious and would go on and on. I can still hear it so clearly in my memory. As our families grew, our time together was more infrequent. But the family reunions, birthday phone calls, and especially the trip this last summer, are such cherished times and memories that I will hold so dear. I can still hear her laugh and see her smile. Heidi was an incredible person, and she brought out the best in others. I miss Heidi every single day, but I also take comfort in the love and laughter we shared together.
Brian Dear
When we were kids, I was visiting the Schmitkes and was shocked to find a RAT in their garage! Apparently it was their pet! I could not believe that anyone would choose a rat for a pet and it still makes me laugh today thinking about it. We had so many fun memories from our trips to Lake Tahoe. I can still recall when we were running out the door to go rafting, Heidi stopped to floss her teeth. I was like, “what the heck are you doing?” and apparently she loved flossing and had the best dental hygiene of any kid I ever knew. It absolutely no surprise when she ended up working that field of work. :)
Brooke Judd
As I come to write this, I’m sitting outside, the sun is shining, a breeze is blowing, and my feet are bare…propped up on the patio table with the pool in the background. It’s little things…all the time…that remind me of Heidi. We’d often send each other pictures of our feet with prettiness in the background, and here I am writing this, wishing I could just send her a text of my feet and get a reply with her adorable feet in whatever it was she was doing. Heidi and I met our first year of college in San Diego in the dorms. From that time on we embarked on a slew of shenanigans. We worked hard and played hard. We studied, we worked in the maintenance department on campus (Paint Crew and Landscaping Crew), got jobs as servers, explored what Mexico had to offer, celebrated our birthdays together (since we were only a day apart), and often found ourselves losing track of time dancing the night away. One of my all time favorites was us talking about how our legs were sore. Heidi quickly reminded us that it’s because, “We were dancing SO hard last night!” The amount of times we’ve said those words to each other, I’ve lost count of. Even if we were talking about some other random physical symptom, we’d frequently say we wished it was just because we had been dancing SO hard. Heidi and I shared a special bond that allowed us to be completely real and raw with each other. Whether it be floating together beyond the break of the waves talking about life, lounging by a pool, or chatting on the phone, we were consistently able to pick up right where we left off and feel truly understood by each other. Neither of us held much stock in astrology, but we referred to each other as Scorpio Sis. Gosh I love that girl, and I am forever grateful for the time we shared.
Melissa Pulju
I met Heidi in San Diego in our early 20’s. We worked together at Bennigan's Restaurant and became instant friends. We lived together for several years in different places in San Diego. Heidi wasn’t just my best friend but she was my California family. There are so many memories it feels like I could write a book! We did everything together. We worked together, lived together, hung out together… we were a pair. I think Heidi knew me better than anyone. Heidi and I were always laughing, always having fun and living life. We went through a phase where we were roller blading all the time. Whether it was through Point Loma (where we lived for a while) or around PB… sometimes even into the bars! Which would result in many falls if you can imagine. She always had me doing some sort of exercise. When we lived in La Mesa we used to walk the hills. We had these brutal stairs by our house that she would get me to climb several times and then we would have to painfully walk back to our house with our calves burning! One time she even got pooped on by a bird during our walk… we laughed so hard! I will forever cherish our time together. The constant laughs, the cry’s, the heartbreaks, the long talks and sharing secrets. We used to just drive around and sing as loud as we could! There are songs that play on the radio and they bring me instantly back to a memory and I always smile. We often worked late at Bennigans and would watch many sunrises together. Sometimes we would drive to the beach in La Jolla for breakfast and a sunrise with a pretty amazing view. When Heidi moved back to Oregon and I moved back to Minnesota she came and visited a few times. One of those times being my wedding. She stayed with me while she was in town and did all things wedding with me. One of those things was helping us pack everything up the next morning after our reception. We had the door open as we were bringing things out to the car. At some point a squirrel got into the building… it was scared so it was running around frantically trying to find a way out. We had decided that this squirrel was after us and we needed to run. All I remember is running up these long narrow stairs with Heidi behind me screaming “it’s coming!” We ran in terror convinced that this squirrel was after us. The story ends well for the squirrel and for us but I don’t think either of us looked at them the same ever again! I will forever be grateful for the memories that I have with Heidi. I am a better person for having known her and loved her. California will always be me and Heidi, the Heigenator.
Melinda Avery
As I have been meaning to write something on this page, TLC’s Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls came on the radio and I cannot hear that song and not think of Heidi. We used to blast that song! I can picture us right now in her kitchen in High School singing and dancing to that song. We were living our best life. That was Heidi, always living her best life. I have known Heidi for almost 40 years. Wow, that’s crazy. We grew up together. She lived a street down from me when we were little. I remember doing Brownies/Girlscouts at that house and playing sardines. Then she moved a street above me. We would each walk half way and meet in the middle to go play at one of our houses. We would call for urgent “Discussions” - this was our deepest and darkest girl secrets we had to tell each other. It was mostly about who our latest crush was, but these “discussions” were so important to us back in the day. Of course after reading Annie’s post on here I remembered our “single for life” slogan. Ha. That made me laugh so hard. I had forgotten about that slogan!! Heidi was the biggest dancer. She was always down to do anything and everything. ALWAYS. Man, that girl was so fun. Too many taco nights to count, beach trips, wine tasting, camping, and working at the OK Coral together are some of my fondest memories. Birthday parties, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers….we were going through this life together. We would laugh until we cried, forget how old we were and end almost every night dancing to 90s hip hop. She was the best friend. Thank you for all of the memories Heidi. I hold them close to my heart and I will cherish them forever. I love you and miss you so much
Jennie Ellis
Heidi and I started a friendship nearly 40 years ago. Her mom just shared with me that I made a congratulations card for Heidi as she was looking forward to becoming a big sister to A.J. Apparently, I cut out images of puppies from a magazine and pasted it on the front saying, ‘Congratulations!” I love babies!” To think back on the times we have shared together just brings me so much love and laughter. We we were pretty much inseperable starting in Kindergarten. I would go to her house after school until my parents got home a couple days a week. We spent our summers filled with morning and evening swim practices and weekends traveling for the meets. It wasn’t so bad when your best friend also had to be there. Heidi and I became a part of each others families. My brothers loved her as though she was their sister. She was able to join us on some of our family trips; skiing or to Salem/ Portland to see my mom where we spent countless days on the boat. I can think back to us floating the Columbia in the tahiti, getting pushed into boats as we tried to dock just laughing until we peed. The Spring break after we turned 16, when we went to Sun Valley, ID. The days were spent skiing and then back in the condo singing and dancing to Aretha Franklin and the many other oldies that, John, my step-dad introduced us to. Then to Mexico our Senior year. I won’t dive into too much of that story…. Sorry Linda. :). Just kidding. I have been looking back through my Senior book where I am so happy to have documented that year. In there was a letter from Heidi where she saved the entire page…..Do not write, Heidi’s page written at the top along with a “I LOVE YOU”! So many pictures of our dances, senior skip day and days spent just hanging out. When Heidi told me she was going to sunny San Diego for college, I knew that was perfect for her, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little devastated. I felt like I was going to lose my Best Friend. That sure wasn’t the case. Heidi and I spoke often and I was able to visit her a few times. It never mattered the time or distance that came between us. When we were able to see each other again we just got right back to where we left off. When Heidi finally moved home we were able to see more of each other with taco Tuesdays and game nights. Then she, Jason and the kids a few years later ended up moving into the same neighborhood. We would meet and take long walks just to catch up on our days. My most favorite memory of Heidi is the day she came to my wedding to Huston. She was due to have a surgery the day before and didn’t think she would be able to attend. Of course not. It didn’t matter, she needed to take care of herself. But, as I was getting dressed and ready, I turned around to see her standing in the doorway to the dressing room. I just cried. What was she doing there? She needed to rest. But no. Heidi said, she didn’t want to miss and was feeling ok to be attend. That is the kind of friendship I will always remember. It was unbreakable. We could bend, but never break. I will always cherish all of our days together and remember the laughter and the love that came with them.
Uncle Dave
Uncle Dave’s teeth One afternoon while visiting Heidi and AJ in their apartment in Portland many many years ago. Heidi remarked with a question and a grin on her face, so uncle Dave how long has it been since you’ve been to the dentist ,and I grinned back to her saying 10 years. So Heidi with a stern smile on her face said uncle Dave get up here on the couch and let me look. So she promptly got her cleaning tools out and checked my teeth. After a few minutes of checking she said astonished wow not bad for 10 years. Thus the saga of uncle Dave’s teeth . 
Kristin Erdmann
Heidi and I along with our childhood friends Jenny and Molly had a Mystery club. All of these memories popped up for me today. There was an RV on the side of our friend's house that was our club house and we would hold meetings after school, the four of us. We would roam around the neighborhood knocking on doors and asking people if they had any mysteries for us to solve. After developing our routine of normal spots we would hit up we learned that these people never had a mystery for us to solve but they each had something for us. We would go to one house, the lady there would let us jump on her trampoline and walk her dogs around the block. One house had a tire swing they would let us play on, one we thought was haunted so we would just walk by. One house had a no soliciting sign and they were not very friendly but we would still knock and then sometimes run. Mr. Green's house was always a favorite though because he had lemon drops. We would even bring dues and then when we had enough saved up buy popsicles. These memories are making me laugh and are so fun to think about. These poor neighbors had us knocking all the time but were all so kind to us. I think I only remember getting one actual mystery from all the years of doing this. We all had imaginary dogs too :) Oh Heidi, I miss you. Kristin
Linda Carter
Heidi and I became instant friends, having both our boys and girls in the same classes at Horizon. We were both health care working moms, who's kids were our entire priority in life. We shared countless gymnastics, parkour classes, sporting events and games together...and since I passed her "background check" as a mom...we counted on each other through it all! She was the one who always carried the hand sanitizer, and made sure we were backing into our parking spot for the potential need for a "quick getaway". All while listening to Bob Marley Radio...probably wishing she was on a Beach somewhere. Heidi did it all no matter how busy her schedule. She always managed to show up with some elaborate spread for whatever event or party we were going to. Her blood red Jell-o with gummy worms she showed up with for our annual Halloween party made me smile, and was a hit with the kids. She was incredibly witty, and we spent countless times just laughing together over a glass of wine. Our girls at least weekly, purposefully dress alike, but Heidi and I were also known for showing up dressed in the same outfit. She would just look at me and say "dang you've got style". She built the most AMAZING community surrounding her and her family, because of who she was as a person and those she invested in. I am honored to be a part of such a strong group of women who call ourselves "Heidi's Horizon Moms". I will forever be grateful for Heidi as a friend, mom, partner in crime, and sister in Christ. She has become one of my reasons why in life, and will never take for granted the time we shared and the example she was to so many. She will be up there keeping our dads in line, until I see my "one of a kind" friend again someday!
Annie Blanchard
Remember that Crystal Clean, Caribbean Cool deodorant? The one that was trending back in 1990? Well, I got a whiff of that in the store today and it made me think of Heidi! We couldn't wait to get our hands on this deodorant, it smelled sooo good! Why can’t our kids want $2 sticks of deodorant instead of $50 Stanley water bottles?! This memory came rushing back to me…waiting for Heidi in the locker room in middle school. We were always racing off to some sports practice, and I’d have to wait for Heidi while she would meticulously coated her feet with Crystal Clean Caribbean Cool deodorant. She was terrified of having smelly feet! I was just telling this to my daughter the other day! Anytime I smell that cucumber cool smell, it takes me right back there with Heidi and I giggle just a little. Sticking with the hygiene theme, Heidi and I also had a code word for teeth emergencies. It was simply "Charlie!" for when someone had something stuck in their teeth. I have no idea why we chose that word? But, we decided we’d always be the friends who never let the other have a conversation with food in their teeth! Heidi also had the most beautiful nails, or maybe I just thought that because mine were so bad! Either way, I suffered from serious nail envy! One day in Spanish class, I noticed Heidi sporting a single, extra long nail on her ring finger. All her other nails were broken, but she clung to that one beautiful nail for dear life. It was even cracked and looked like it would fall off any minute, but she wouldn't let it go! We laughed so hard we almost peed our pants. I told her I'd preserve it in a shadowbox once it finally broke. Looking back, my childhood is filled with these little moments with Heidi. Now, when my kids find Caribbean Cool deodorant in their stockings, instead of Stanley water bottles, they'll understand. And they definitely know why every pocket in almost every article of clothing I own is filled with floss picks, even our dryer vent! I miss you, Heidi!
Megan Kohl
I met Heidi on the tour at Horizon school. We were both looking to start our sons at the same time (in the midst of Covid!). After the tour, the principal asked each of us when we were hoping to have our child start at Horizon. Heidi, with a very straight face, looked at the principal and said “ummm, like last week.” I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle and she gave a sly little smile and sweetly said “Just kidding. But as soon as possible would be great.” I knew in that moment that I needed to get to know that woman. She got it. She could laugh and joke about the trials of motherhood. As I shared we started at Horizon during the weird Covid/social distancing times. But Heidi and I quickly connected and would meet for park playdates, etc. I didn’t really branch out much the first few years our son was there, but was so thankful I felt the pull to connect with Heidi. Heidi was always thoughtful and kind; showing up with a sweet card or gift for birthdays; noticing a cheesy romance novel I was reading at the pool over the summer and giving me a stack of her old books (which I’m still working my way through and chuckle every time I get to a steamy part thinking about us giggling over them); thoughtfully giving our daughter Alessia’s hand-me-downs. She always put others first. Even when she was in pain and battling, she always, always made it a point to ask how I was doing or our plans for the upcoming break, etc. Heidi was a pillar of strength, unwavering faith and positivity. When I think of her now, I still see her beautiful smile. She literally lit up a room and made everyone feel welcome. I feel so lucky to have known Heidi and to have felt her impact on my life. To be one of Heidi’s Horizon Moms” is a true badge of honor. Love you and miss you, sweet friend!
Jen Linthicum
Heidi and I met our first week on campus at PLNU and became instant friends. She quoted a line from "Tommy Boy" and I knew we were going to be best friends. During our 4+ years as roommates we laughed every single day, sunbathed at our favorite spots in PB & OB, played intramural soccer and softball, studied hard, rocked out to mix tapes on our driving adventures, went to College Ave church, rented a few sketchy apartments, danced, learned to parallel park anywhere, ate way too many meals at Rubios and Adalbertos, and all around soaked up all San Diego and PLNU had to offer carefree college students! During college, Heidi invited me to go to lunch with her and her family friend Gwen, who is a part of their beloved "Our Gang", which is a generational group of faithful friends. Gwen checked in on Heidi throughout her time in San Diego, we had several more lunches, and I ended up marrying Gwen's son Aaron. Without Heidi I would not have my marriage, my kids, and some of my dearest friends. Gwen loved Heidi so much, and although I miss them both, I take comfort that she was there to welcome her home. I had so much fun and laughter with Heidi, but her true joy came from her relationship with Christ, her family, and being an amazing mom to her two sweet kids. I am so grateful for my recent visit to So Cal enjoying the sunshine and walking along the ocean with Heidi, and the breaking of bread and fellowship we had around the table at The Baker's on my last visit with her. Having Heidi for my friend is one of my life's biggest blessings and I am forever thankful.
Hans Manseth
Heidi was always a joy to be around. I would so much look forward hanging out with her and Jason and the kids. Our conversations were always great with plenty of laughter. She had such a calm and positive spirit that will live on forever through myself and everyone she touched. She’s an Angel in heaven looking over her loved ones and will be dearly missed.
Monica Whitaker
Reading all these heartfelt stories about Heidi reminds me of the beautiful person she was, inside and out, and how incredibly loved she was. Heidi and I bonded over having kids similarly aged. We spent hours in the taekwondo studio giggling and talking in the viewing area while our children practiced. We always had our hand sanitizers ready when classes ended! There was nothing I couldn’t talk about with Heidi - travel, our favorite destinations, our love for the beach, our challenges, and our fiercely protective hearts and love for our families. We bonded over our crazy PI skills and for having eagle eyes on all the people around us! She had a way of making people feel like they were the most special friend to her, and she always listened and offered her support. She insisted on helping me set up for my son’s birthday party last year, eager to make sure everything was perfectly arranged. She offered to watch my kids so my husband and I could have a much needed date night (reminding me that she passed my background check with flying colors!). She’d remember to check in and ask how things were going, just because, and never out of obligation. She always thought of others, and she never complained about the little things. I miss her laugh and her smile. I miss her saying “I appreciate you!” Heidi, I appreciate you and the gift of knowing you! I hope you’re dancing in heaven and keeping your watchful eyes over us. Much love my sweet friend.