Light a Candle for Ann and Segundo Strongheart.
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.
Thank you AKM.
Thank you AKM for the opportunity to show our community support. I’ll be burning sage for them tonight.
Going to light a candle, so sad.
Did one each in real life. Going to the other link.
Thank you for the candles, AKM. I seldom post, but having lit a candle I don’t feel quite so helpless.
Thanks for sharing this with us and allowing us to share with Ann.
I’m lighting one now. Couldn’t we start a group so we’ll all be together?
There is a group. The group name is AS/SS. When you follow the steps to light the candle it will ask you if you’d like your candle to be with the group. AKM
What a wonderful way to show our support for Ann and family. Thanks, AKM.
AKM~ ThankYou..
Bless you AKM for posting this!
Thanks, AKM. I missed that.
Still so very hard to believe that such a young, vibrant life was suddenly interrupted… and yet Segundo truly maximized his time while hear on earth ~ and left his love as a STRONG foundation. Ann, take all the time that you need for your heart to heal… and please be encouraged to continue the journey.
Take good care, and know that we will always be here for you and the little ones.
~Peace be Still~
I’ve lit a candle for them and am sending prayers their way. Thank you.
“Death is not extinguishing the light, but putting out the lamp because the DAWN has come”
Tagore
@ Ms. Strongheart
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most trying of times.
Took me a while to figure it out, (what else is new), but I did light a candle. Wonderful thought.
Thank you, AKM.
GA Peach, I missed the group name with the 1rst candle too. I feel happy to have lit 2, the message came out different like it was meant to be. It may sound odd, but I felt comforted. What precious people.
I’ll light a virtual candle. But just think of all the light those candles would shed if in a real church. How peaceful with hundreds of flickering lights. Peace, Ann.
Thank you for this opportunity. I will keep the Strongheart family in my prayers in the days to come. I feel such sadness for them.
81 candle have been lit from 5 countries.
My heart just aches.
I am lighting a candle now.
akm!!! how beautiful the candles look. thank you
…and with the lit candle, prayers for peace. Personal peace and universal peace.
akm, it is just beautiful. I’ve lit mine.
I have a candle by my side in honor of our Dear Ann.
Thanks, AKM. What a lovely opportunity to offer us on behalf of Ann, CC and the little one yet to be born.
My candle is burning brightly in honor.
Also, in honor for those in Athens who have died (50 at last count) and are losing their homes and businesses.
As in AK, Athens has much to offer in history, heritage, democracy, and humanity.
We must remember where our democracy was born and send good thoughts.
Democracy was born in Athens, Greece. They are suffering. Let’s remember them, also, as democracy is what brings us all TOGETHER!
There are now 100 candles from 8 countries for Ann and Segundo. God Bless you, Ann and know you have our love and support for whatever you need.
#21 tigerwine Says:
August 24th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
81 candle have been lit from 5 countries.
————–
There are now 102 candles from 8 countries. They look beautiful!
Thanks, AkM.
I lit a candle, but it just makes me so sad. Ann and CC and baby to be, you have touched and changed so many lives. It’s amazing how so many of us around the world are connected, even during the saddest of times.
I like the fact you can have the mini-candle in its own window as an reminder and an comfort.
Thank you AKM.
tigerwine, When I read that Celtic Diva lit a lavender candle for Segundo, I lit a candle. I now have my Mama’s Lily of the Valley candle lit.
Virtual or tangible – what a beautiful tribute to his life! I hope and pray Ann finds comfort. Thank God for Vic being there with her too.
Thank you AKM .I am sure Ann does also.I remember when my youngest had a high school program they dimmed the lights and had the teens all walk through the isles caring candles and singing silent night..A light in the darkness.It was enough to bring tears and still does when I think of it .It was just beautiful and uplifting.
Thanks AKM.
I have a real candle glowing as well as a “virtual” one.
I am weeping for Ann’s loss as well as the losses to our birthplace of democracy. I have a real and a virtual candle glowing. For BOTH.
50 have died now in Athens, Greece. The home of DEMOCRACY.
Please keep good thoughts and prayers for those whose ancestors brought us the concept of democracy. We have much to be grateful for in their thoughts.
The Athenians brought forth the vote of the people. They are IMPORTANT to our way of governing and IMPORTANT to our way of choosing representation.
MOST OF ALL… let’s remember Ann and her family with love.
Sobbing incessantly, I remain a faithful pup.
Much love to all!
XOXOXXOXO
Samper
Thank you, AKM. I wasn’t sure how to say good-bye. The candles, were a very nice gesture.
Well there really aren’t words that can make anything better. AKM I have always loved your writing style- but I think this time your empathy and compassion took me beyond the analytical- and it just plain sunk in.
That is a beautiful picture of the Strongheart family. It was a worthy tale she wrote of the shopping trip- unlaced with anything but but an uncomplicated narrative and recounting of life- as they lived it.
I am so very sad for this tragic loss- but must ask- what did Segundo die of?
I lit a candle and placed into a group I thought would be named AKM- but I missed that the group was appropriately named for the family (AS/SS).
I will light another candle.
teutonic13–Ann/Vic’s blog entry at http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/ said he died of a massive heart attack, which the docs said he wouldn’t have survived even if he’s been at the world’s best hospital.
I’ve got a migraine so didn’t read the post to the end, so I didn’t realize there was a group AS/SS. Apparently a couple others did the same as me — we put “AKM” as our “group.”
Please let the Stronghearts know there are messages there for them as well.
Thank you.
Ann and Segundo have helped us all along the way to becoming better people. I was honoured to light a candle in memory of Segundo and in tribute to their efforts. We can always do better.
Thanks inJuneau
How is “Quyana Cakneq” pronounced? and does it mean “thank you very much” or is derivative of a deeper etymological root?
Oh, darn, I didn’t type in the group name – meant to and it’s too late now. Can someone tell me what this signifies…..I noticed some people wrote personal notes about their loved ones too.
Those of you who didn’t get the right group – well, go back and do another one (smile) type AS/SS as the group. When you go to the link “group” afterwards, you can select our group, and read the posts by clicking on the individual candles. While I was at the main page, I lit a candle for my aunt who is undergoing chemo for liver cancer. (lit a candle in the Obama group too, for blessings and protection for the president and his family). Neat site.
karen marie, rebekkah, you can go back at any time and light another candle with the group name. You do not need to leave a message. It will be in Segundo’s honor and for Ann once you fill in the group name AS/SS (o:
@ 41 PC-
Yeah you are so right- “we can always do better”. It’s funny how as we walk through life (or race instead of living- from point “A” to point “B”), we always see majestic qualities in others we admire, and at times we forget to grant our selves peace until it is too late, or forget to see in the mirror, the quality in our reflection that spurs others on, and becomes the feather for their arrows.
teutonic13 @42 – I was going to answer the pronunciation question then realized I have always assumed it was ‘key-ANN-ah KAK-nek’
I will hope that someone more knowledgable answers (o:
What a wonderful way of supporting Ann and CC. Last time I looked over 100 candles had been lit.
177 candles in 9 countries. What a wonderful concept!
I goofed and put my first one in a group titled “A” so I’m sure Arthur’s family will be perplexed about my message. If the messages there are any indication, he was a good man, so I’m happy to provide an extra candle for him.
This is a lovely way for the community to come together and show support for Ann and her family. AKM, please do let us know if and how we can help Ann and her children once you know. Thanks.
I lit my candle and hope our collective light brings some comfort to Ann.
Thank you for the candle site…already lit my candle in Segundo’s memory.
Candle burning brightly…
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.
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.
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.
I, too, added a candle. Thanks AKM for giving us this opportunity to express our sorrow. It was at 213 candles when I visited.
Yes, it’s quite beautiful; it’s so peaceful and meaningful that it makes you forget it’s on a computer screen…
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.
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.
Rest in peace Segundo. My sincere condolences to Anne and their family.
RIP Segundo.
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.
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.
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.
My condolences from the Oklahoma panhandle.
What a beautiful sight seeing all the candles lit…
RIP Segundo..God be with you.
Thanks, AKM, for introducing me to the Light a Candle site. A moving experience. The AS/SS group now tallies 265 in 13 countries.
265 candles from 13 countries. What a lovely act, AKM.
To Ann, my most heartfelt condolences.
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.
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.
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.
314 candles from 15 countries have been lit.
Thankyou. A wonderful place to share.
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
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
@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
Lit a candle, wept, read a few, wept some more. Now up to 355 candles and 17 countries
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.
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.
400 candles as I lit another…
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”.
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}}}
“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.
417 candles from 19 countries.
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
Stay strong Ann.
Take care, Ann.
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.
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
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…
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.