Light a Candle for Ann and Segundo Strongheart.
24 08 2009
Today is the funeral of Segundo Strongheart in the village of Nunam Iqua, Alaska. Segundo is the husband of Ann Strongheart and the father of CC, and another wonderful child who will be born this fall. The Mudflats community mourns his loss at the young age of 38.
Many of you remember Ann when she first appeared on Mudflats with the screen name “Struggling in Nunam Iqua.” Through Ann’s grass roots activism and organization, many of you sent flat rate boxes filled with supplies and food to families in rural Alaska who could not afford to both heat their homes and feed their families. Her posts about what it takes to go grocery shopping in the winter in a village, what it’s like to live without running water, and what it’s like to raise a child in a remote Alaskan village also introduced us to her husband Segundo. They were a team, and their combined efforts made lives easier for people struggling last winter. Ann went on to cofound the blog Anonymous Bloggers, named as a tribute to the power of the anonymous blogosphere to enact change.
Now, Ann and little CC are saying goodbye to Segundo. Many of us are thinking of them and wishing there was something we could do from where we are. There is a fund being set up to help Ann and CC during this incredibly difficult time and I will post details when they come. But today is a day for reflection and support. Some send prayers, others sympathy and good thoughts. Some of you have lit candles. Some of you have cried. Here is a way to tell the Stronghearts that you are present in spirit as Ann and Segundo’s family struggle through this difficult day.
If you click HERE, you can light a virtual candle for Ann and Segundo. It will stay lit for 48 hours, and you can write a message to Ann if you choose. I’ve lit a candle, and created a group called AS/SS for Ann Strongheart and Segundo Strongheart. If you choose, you can add your candle to that group so Ann can go there when she has a quiet moment, and bask in the glow of your thoughts, and prayers, and wishes for strength. Just find a candle that is not lit, click it and follow the steps.
Rest in peace, Segundo.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:43 PM
I lit my candle and hope our collective light brings some comfort to Ann.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Thank you for the candle site…already lit my candle in Segundo’s memory.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Candle burning brightly…
August 24th, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Mourning for the Strongheart Family brought to mind the Fanny J. Crosby hymn, arranged by Robert Whooten Sr., ‘Close to Thee.’ It’s a beautiful hymn that I associate with the Dillard University Concert Choir (HBCU in New Orleans, LA just prior to Katrina).
My son was in the choir and to see fifty choir members carrying lit candles at the end of each performance was powerful. The singers spread out around the church, concert hall, school, etc. and created a moving audio, visual, and spiritual tribute to this life’s journey toward eternity.
My prayers are with Ann, CC, and the coming little Strongheart during this sorrowful time of their journeys.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:10 PM
For anyone who doesn’t know – Go to the column at the right of this blog, go to Alaskan Blogs, scroll down, click on Anonymous Bloggers. You can navigate the site by clicking on the links to the right once there. So much information, and a testament of life.
And thank you Jane, I know you’d never ask for kudos but you are a dear.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:12 PM
We are up to 203 candles from 10 countries. I hope it will giver some solace to Ann to know that people around the world are holding her and her family in their thoughts and prayers.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:21 PM
I, too, added a candle. Thanks AKM for giving us this opportunity to express our sorrow. It was at 213 candles when I visited.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Yes, it’s quite beautiful; it’s so peaceful and meaningful that it makes you forget it’s on a computer screen…
August 24th, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Beautiful site…thank you AKM for finding a way for all of us to join together to mourn a life ended too soon and to support Ann and the children.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Thank you Ann for sharing your family’s life with us: struggles, triumphs, and sorrows. So far away but you seem like a friend who is now suffering the irony of the name Strongheart. Your writing connects people around the world of such diversity, with common cares and concerns. Perhaps somehow your unmet friends can bring some comfort to you in this sad, sad time.
August 24th, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Rest in peace Segundo. My sincere condolences to Anne and their family.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:02 PM
RIP Segundo.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:10 PM
When I last looked there were 244 candles from 11 countries. This got me to thinking….what is the population of Nunam Iqua.
I found the answer – 2000 U.S. Census – Pop. – 164
What an amazing world we live in where someone living in a rural village of under 200 people can bring together people from so many different places throughout the world.
I found this candle site quite powerful, but it took me awhile to figure out how to begin and make sure that the candles were within the group.
For those who are having problems, just go to:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=AS%2FSS
Once there, click on any unlit candle and follow the step by step directions.
AKM, this was a beautiful idea… thank you.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Thanks AKM for providing that wonderful way of sharing our grief for Ann. I lit my candle and still have tears in my eyes, but nevertheless feel a little appeased.
Samper @ 28
I wonder if that “democracy touch” is not deeply inbred in Greek people. I have two very good Greek friends who came to Switzerland when they were around 20 years old, studied there, and both landed very important jobs in medical and physics research. 40 years later, one decided to give up all the good life and money to go back to Greece and continue research and teaching at Athens University, and the other takes an unpaid leave from his high flying job in Paris one month a year to do the same. Both say it was their duty to give back something to their country and culture.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Initially, I thought, “Virtual candle? Eh, not so much.” But I went to look anyway. All I have to say is WOW! Just WOW! Such a feeling of peace came over me as I lit my candle and watched it. Thank you so much, AKM, for sharing this with us. You’re the best.
August 24th, 2009 at 7:47 PM
My condolences from the Oklahoma panhandle.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:09 PM
What a beautiful sight seeing all the candles lit…
RIP Segundo..God be with you.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Thanks, AKM, for introducing me to the Light a Candle site. A moving experience. The AS/SS group now tallies 265 in 13 countries.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:23 PM
265 candles from 13 countries. What a lovely act, AKM.
To Ann, my most heartfelt condolences.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Almost 300…
Dear Ann – we share your sorrow, and we will share your joy in times to come. Segundo’s memory lives on with us.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Thank you all for providing us with a link to show Ann and her children that we respect her and Segundo’s support for all that is good for the world.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Thank you AKM for giving us a wonderful chance to show Ann how honored we are to know her. That candle site was the greatest thing I had ever seen. I showed it to my two girls and they couldn’t stop looking. I will be going back there and donating when I can.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:56 PM
314 candles from 15 countries have been lit.
August 24th, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Thankyou. A wonderful place to share.
August 24th, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Lit my candle — what a wonderful, beautiful, contemplative site.
I was brought up Lutheran — back in the days when Lutherans and Catholics weren’t supposed to frateranize. But this gives me new understanding into why someone would light a candle.
Ann — CC — Baby — Strongheart Family …….. I hope you realize how many of us stand with you, and are ready to support you in any of your needs. You are indeed Family to us. Just call on us. We are here.
ybg
August 24th, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Ann and I just returned from Eskimo Dancing this evening. A way to celebrate Segundo and let those who have grieved so much a little light feeling.
We are checking in with those who are helping us keep “our head above water”. The prayers, thoughts, hugs and comments have helped Ann and her family more than we can express.
Thank you is such a little phrase but know that from Ann, CC, Roland and myself all that you have done is truly a blessing during this hard time in Ann and CC’s life.
Victoria
August 24th, 2009 at 11:55 PM
@62 Mirage 18 Says:
For those who are having problems, just go to:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=AS%2FSS
============
GREAT advice! I had a little trouble initially, but by going to the above link, it worked for me.
Thanks, Mirage! It meant a lot, because I really did want to light that candle.
ybg
August 25th, 2009 at 4:34 AM
Lit a candle, wept, read a few, wept some more. Now up to 355 candles and 17 countries
August 25th, 2009 at 7:02 AM
388 candles from 17 countries! The largest number for one group on the site!. I sincerely hope it comforts Ann and her family that so many people wanted to honor a truly good man.
August 25th, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Hello, I am a long time lurker but decided to write a note today. I was at the gratefulness.org where a group of us light a candle for Obama. I just decided to look at the groups today, usually never do, and I clicked one and lo and behold it is for Ann and Segudo. I didn’t realize the whole site was for Ann until I came over here to tell you about it and I see that AKM already has. AKM, you are always on top of things. There are 391 candle lit from 19 countries. What a beautiful way to remember dear Sequdo. Blessing to Ann, CC and the baby. I know that she will feel these lights and it will lift her up during this difficult time because I lost a son and it was the prayers and thoughts that raised me up. I could actually feel it.
August 25th, 2009 at 7:59 AM
400 candles as I lit another…
August 25th, 2009 at 8:15 AM
teutonic13 and michigander–my guess is that it’s prob. pronounced “kai-yaa-naa kak-nek” or something similar (though I’m slightly better with pronunciation of Tlingit words than Yup’ik ones). It means “thank you very much”.
August 25th, 2009 at 8:22 AM
It’s almost up to 400 candles by now…
Ann, Please be assured that if you ever need anything, you can rely on your blogger friends! We will be there for you!
Again, my deepest condolences to you and CC and the little Strongheart-to-be!
{{{HUGGGZZZ}}}
August 25th, 2009 at 8:43 AM
“The Lord watch between me and thee,
while we are absent, one from the other.“
Genesis 31:49
Prayers to Ann, CC, baby and the Strongheart family.
Quyana caqnek = coy-ah-nah chuck-nuck
is how I explain it to people.
Except the C in coy is pronounced more from the front of the throat, as opposed to a gutteral sound.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:40 AM
417 candles from 19 countries.
August 25th, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Quyana Cakneq AKM,
I am simply overwhelmed, the outpouring of support just astounds me. I keep thinking to myself this is so amazing. It seems very surreal. The thought of 431 candles from 19 countries…WOW.
Quyana Cakneq everyone! I am truly overwhelmed and eternally grateful to each and everyone of you. Knowing that not only Segundo has so many prayers and thoughts but also that CC, and I and the Family are being thought/prayed for is just….I am at a loss for words.
OVERWHELMING is the best I can come up with.
I will never be able to express the deep sense of comfort that I am feeling thanks to all of you here and at anonymousbloggers and everywhere.
Quyana Cakneq a million times over!! Please keep checking at http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/ as there will be a post going up soon with an update.
Quyana again!!
Ann, Cecelia and all of the Strongheart Family and friends
August 25th, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Stay strong Ann.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Take care, Ann.
August 25th, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Candles 452 from 20 countries. Ann you are in so many peoples thoughts and prayers. As you helped your people this last winter and spring may our hearts of love fly over the mountains, waters, and land to rest in your being and give you strength.
August 25th, 2009 at 4:31 PM
barb from KS, I happened across the OBAMA group from here – and now I’ll visit there frequently to light a candle for our president and his family.
Ann, take courage and comfort from so many bright flames. So very sorry for your loss; if my mom were still with us she would say “it gets easier after a while.”
456/20 countries now
August 25th, 2009 at 10:52 PM
482 now…
(Just a reminder: the candles stay lit for 48 hours, then they extinguish. So, by tomorrow, it is time to re-light some of them…)
Stay strong, Ann!
Remember to take good care of yourself, so you can be there for your and Segundo’s children…
August 25th, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I keep my candles open on my desktop as Minicandles and can see how low they are, so I will be ready to light another when they are out.
Thankyou so much for letting us light a candle in memory of Segundo.