Photo: Kathryn, Wendy, Julie, Carol at Texas Renfest 2002
Once upon a time, in a land far away, in a village called Plains, lived a simple family. One year they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, whom they named Wendy, which means Valiant Warrior.
While still a little girl, she was playing outside in her yard. Her mother was hanging clothes on the line, watching her daughter play with her dolls. Her father was working in the family garden. Neither parent saw the approaching danger to their child. The valley dragon known as Cancer had been soaring thru the sky, looking for some human to eat. The dragon spotted Wendy, and thought she would make a tasty afternoon snack. The dragon swooped down from the sky, and carried off the child. As the dragon flew skyward, with this tiny girl in his huge claws, he began taking bites out of her small body.
Wendy's mother screamed, Wendy's father grabbed his crossbow and shot the dragon in the foot, and the dragon dropped Wendy from the sky, screaming. She was alive!
Her father ran across the field, and caught his daughter in his arms. He fell to his knees when he saw his daughter: the dragon's claws had slashed Wendy's head, it had eaten her eyes. But she was alive and kicking-despite her injuries.
In her childish voice, she spoke to her parents, who were crying with grief. "Mommy, don't cry no more. I too tough for a dragon to eat. He spit me out."
Wendy was tougher than the doctors thought a small girl could be. She recovered and thrived. She was strong, stubborn, fearless. As she grew older, the villagers looked upon her and were amazed, knowing she had done battle with the dragon, and lived to tell about it.
Years passed and she grew into a beautiful woman, with long black hair. Wendy was unafraid to conquer the world. Wendy joined the ranks and became a Pink Warrior, helping others who had been attacked by the hungry Dragon. She taught them how to be fearless.
Wendy touched the lives of many of the local villagers, and thru her travels, became known across the land. She was greatly adored and respected by all she touched.
The dragon stayed away from her for many years, remembering the arrow shot thru his leg. But, this particular breed of Dragons has the power to self replicate. A severed dragon claw can regrow into a full dragon.
One day, Wendy felt a pain. The doctors examined her and found a tiny piece of the dragon's claw was still alive, deep inside her head. The doctors tried to cut it out. They tried poisons to kill the claw, to stop it from turning into a full dragon, but could not. The dragon grew inside of Wendy, feeding on her life force.
Wendy fought with valor and honor, but was no match for this growing beast inside her. The battle was internal, no one could see the flesh wounds.
Weakened, she stumbled. Villagers and friends from near and far rallied to her side, and lifted Wendy up over their heads and carried her to her parent's home. Many friends gathered there
A messenger arrived at the humble home of her family.
The messenger spoke: "The King will bestow Knighthood on Wendy. She has shown Courage in the face of danger. She has shown what true Bravery is. She has taught others that they can fight the Dragon and win, though wounded. She has shown Humility, never using her injuries and battle scars for sympathy or self-serving ends. She has shown Compassion, never judging another person by their appearance or abilities. She sees a true Heart in everyone. She has known Joy, and lived life to the fullest, despite the obstacles put in her path. She has shared Love, for her family, friends and animals.
Fear not for her. She will be given glories and accolades for her work here in the village. She will wear the crown of the Victorious. She must come with me to the Kingdom Castle."
One friend shouted to those gathered "Find her battle armor. I have a strong steed that she can ride!" Her friends dressed her in battle gear. They sat her atop a magnificent white horse. They chanted to her:
"Ride Victorious to the Kingdom Castle! Ride Victorious! Ride Victorious!"
Wendy turned in silence and waved goodbye to them, for she had no strength left for a voice. The messenger led the white horse and they started slowly walking up the great mountain toward the King's Castle.
Friends and villagers wept. "We are not ready for her to leave us. We are not brave without her. We are not inspired without her. We do not want her leave us! Who will show us how to fight the Dragon? Who will teach us the way of a Warrior?"
And then the wind whispered to them all:
"She has been found valiant and worthy.
She will be fully restored.
She will have no pain.
She will see the light once again.
She will remember you and greet you with love when you also ride Home.
She is going to receive her Glory."
Wendy's friends and neighbors continued to shout as she rode up the mountain, now hidden by the clouds.
"Ride Victorious to the Kingdom Castle! Ride Victorious! Ride Victorious! We are with you."
The Legend of Wendy will be told by all that knew her, and were touched by her love, her laughter.
She will never be forgotten, or ever really gone from us.
When we are silent, we will hear Wendy whispering on the wind:
"I have been fully restored.
I have no pain.
I can see the light once again.
The wind blows through my long hair,
and I am free from the Dragon."
- written Feb. 13, 2010 by Kathryn Kroll
ps. Wendy's mother Vickie Rigden read this poem to Wendy on Saturday, so she knows I'm telling stories about her.
Wendy's Uncle sent this and wanted to share it:
Wendy Ann Rigden:
July 13, 1970 - Feburary 14, 2010
Wendy
God saw you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So He put his arms around you
And whispered, "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
Julie Duane Gullace
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void...
Then fill it with remembered joys-
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee-
God wanted me now, he set me free.
From Tammy Halton:
Remembrance
Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break,
but all in vain.
To have, to love, and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.
The years may wipe out many things
But some they wipe out never.
Like memories of those happy times
When we were all together.
~ Author Unknown
Abby White wrote:
I asked my dear friend, “Wendy,
Why did you have to leave?”
She replied “I was so very tired,
But I don’t want you to grieve.
I’m feeling so refreshed now.
I SEE the world anew.
Such joy in my forever home,
So please be happy too.
My spirit is still among you,
In the sunlight and the stars.
I’m dancing through your stories
That tell me I’m present in your hearts.
I know my leaving causes you pain.
I know you’ll shed some tears.
But please don’t let go of faith and hope.
Don’t let my parting fuel your fears.
Cry if you must for the loss of me,
But keep your boxing gloves on.
Each person on earth is a unique life -
Your fight can still be won.
And If God has other plans for you,
For your child, friend, husband or wife,
I’ll be waiting here to welcome them home,
And together we’ll celebrate eternal life.”
Abby White wrote
A poem on Valentine Day
For a friend loved so much
Who filled our lives with light and fun,
And for her family and friends whose hearts are broken.
Thank you God for Wendy
For her infectious smile
Her laughter, her zest for life.
And for the gifts she generously bestowed on us.
Thank you that she is now at peace
In your healing... presence.
Her life continues in our hearts -
An endless graceful path, entwined in the souls of others.
How rare in all eternity
To be so richly blessed,
So encouraged and inspired,
By the spirit of one so precious as our Wendy.
Please comfort her family.
Enfold them in your love.
Strengthen them and give them peace.
And bring healing to the hearts of all who have loved her.
May we keep alive the love
That Wendy shared with us
The blessings of her friendship
And the joy with which she embraced and enriched the world.
Love Abby.
Jenny Wood wrote:
Wendy, I felt God at work this morning while in church, as we sang:
"My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace"
Your love and laughter will be sorely missed, but the impression you have made on this earth will be ever-present.
God bless you, dear friend.
(Feb. 14, 2010)
Kathi Dickerson Ackermann
Sweet, beautiful Wendy...you were a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day! I am saddened to my core to lose you...my heart aches so badly. Today, the world is a little darker without your light, and heavenly hosts are rejoicing to welcome home a true daughter of the King! Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you so terribly! To Wendy's family, may God's peace and comfort be with you right now and always.
See More
February 15, 2010
Kathryn Kroll
This is a poster from my college days, in the mid 70s – Wendy was about 4.
-- Lawrence Craig-Green (1974)
This creation is Kat's idea, Missy's floral design expertise.
The family requested donations in lieu of flowers. Kat's friend Melissa Younger, an expert floral designer, said "Oh NO! A girl has to have flowers!" Missy was not able to attend the service, but wanted to contribute her floral design skills as a tribute and memorial to Wendy.
Kat's idea came in the middle of the night. Kat wanted all the visually impared to SEE one flower arrangement created especially for their needs.
Each tray represents one letter of the Braille alphabet.
Description: Four narrow flat floral trays, about the size of a loaf pan, made of earth-friendy recycled paper. The edges are lined with fresh ivy leaves from Kat's gardens. The tray is covered with mini mums to create a background. The "dots" are large frilly edged carnations. It spells LOVE.
Kat sent these home with Wendy's parents.
Wendy neices spoke at the service. The text of their euology is here:
Aunt Wendy
Aunt Wendy was strong and she fought the cancer for a long time. 5 Years ago docters said she wasn't going to make it and look where it headed up to - she lasted 5 more years. I don't know about you but I think that's a long time for someone who has practicly had this her whole life. Now she's in a better place and the cancer is gone.
We know one thing, Wendy's never gone. Sure, her body is but that doesn't mean that her soul and love is. We will all remember her as a great person. This is a sentence I love from the funeral home's page: "I can see once again and I am free from the dragon!"
-Kayla V Halton
Abby White wrote (Feb. 20, 2010)
Friends are gatheered together in Plano just now, to say goodbye to a wonderful beautiful person.
In my own quiet way, thousands of miles away, I am with you all.
Love Abby.
The sun is shining brightly
A stillness fills the air
Friends gather round
Remembering all
The blessings you have shared.
This morning's service of thanksgiving
Brings tears of joy and grief.
My mind and heart are filled with the gifts
That your presence brought to my life,
When the sorrow and pain of your leaving
Become hard to bear.
I close my eyes and see you
On a sunny Texas morning.
Heaven's golden light enfolds you.
We'll never truly be apart -
You'll be forever in my heart.
Alan Wheeler just wrote a poem for Wendy, a farewell poem.
Note the beginning of each line as you read it.
We will miss you
Even though you're in Heaven, rejoicing
Nothing can stop the tears
Dear friend, that we shed
You are so special to us
Remembering the laughs, and the smiles you gave
It is with sadness and joy mixed that we say
God speed, Wendy
Don't think we'll ever forget you
Each day we will think of you
Needing your spirit in our lives.
(Feb. 20, 2010)
Wendy Rigden
James 1:19. Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
December 4, 2009 at 12:11am
Wendy's friend Dana found these thoughts and poems written by Wendy, which were posted on her blog. I have copied and republished them here.
January 14th 2009 Posted in Family Matters, The Heart Beat
As I lie here waiting to doze off –something that will happen quicker than usual tonight– I consider my family. Words don’t come easily to me anymore because of the chemotherapy, but I still want to try to get my feelings down in writing. To have a concrete record of them.
Family is the most important thing to me in this life. I forgot that for a while when I was married. That does sound ironic but there it is. Too often I allowed an unfeeling husband to guide what I did, and hurt the family that truly cared about me.
Now I live here in Plano full time and I get to see almost all the family quite a lot. It’s heavenly! I hope I never have to leave this area unless I’m following the rest of my family.
I am so lucky to have family that I know will be there if I need help. I have spoken to friends and coworkers at times and heard their stories about their families and felt sad for them. They didn’t have the blessing I do and I couldn’t even imagine what it was like for them.
This writing still doesn’t do it justice. However, it will due for now. The great thing is I can come back, write again, as many times as I feel like doing so. And I will keep making sure that they know how much I love them.
November 24th 2008 Posted in Family Matters
I want to take the time here to say how thankful I am to have loved ones. My family is truly a gift from God and I am blessed that they are here and support me through everything. I get to be near my nieces and nephews just about whenever I want. I’ve heard many people say how difficult it was moving back home for whatever reason. But my parents are great to live with.
These words are so simple but I can’t seem to find any strong enough that express how I feel. So I will just end with saying again: Thank you! And I love you all!
June 18th 2008 Posted in Dragon Watch
So, this stupid dragon is getting on my last nerve. It started fussing again and so, back to a stronger chemo.
DTIC and Adriemyacin again. I had that combo back in 05 when this started. It’s evil but not as debilitating as the
Gemzar Taxotere I had last year. I’ve had two rounds so far and on June 25 I have a CT and a heart echo to check progress. The echo is because this lovely combo has a potential to cause congestive heart failure. Yeah, joy …
I don’t really know why I’ve decided to write this in such a public way. Probably because I need to write my feelings down somehow and the recent PC crashes I’ve had show me that unless you back up or save externally everything is gone in a flash. Or is it a whimper? Even though I don’t expect readers I figure the act of writing itself will be therapeutic. We’ll see on that one though.
BLESSINGS!
I'm sorry for your unhappiness
I'm sorry for your pain.
I want to take them away from you
I want you to smile again.
Is there something I can do,
Is there Something I can say?
If I hold you in my arms very tight
Will that drive the pain away?
I've cried my tears I've said my prayers
I don't know what more to do.
You're drifting farther and farther away
And yet I still love you.
I've lost so many battles
And now I think I've lost the war.
My heart is breaking, now I know
I can't do this anymore.
I want to just lay down and weep
My thoughts are all so dark.
The fear I have within me now
Is sharp and cold and stark.
I can not take your pain away
No matter how I try.
So I'll close my eyes, say one more prayer,
Farewell, my love, goodbye ...
Copyright September 2003, Wendy Rigden McCurley
for now, that's all I have.