Helen said, “I am interested in understanding this process of promoting health and strength and well-being, and in trying to design programs that do that in large numbers of people "
Helen Kivnick passed away September 14, 2020. Helen's legacy includes the abundance of gifts she shared with thousands of people and the programs she inspired. She was a brilliant scholar, talented musician and had a passionate commitment to making the world a better and more joyful place for others of all ages. Helen possessed a warm spirit, generosity, intelligence, compassion, humor, and community- mindedness. While Helen's passing leaves deep sadness for people who knew and loved her, her legacy lives on through her writings, her music and the programs she developed. May her memory be a blessing. May we remember Helen by carrying on her legacy through the work we do, the stories we tell, and the people we serve.
The day I met Helen was among the most exciting days of my life. We met during a creativity session at the Aging Society of America conference in Chicago, Illinois. Almost immediately we recognized the complementarity of the work we were doing with Elders; Helen’s work in Vital Involvement and my work in creative health which was developed as a capstone to my Master's degree and used to provide opportunities in health promoting creativity for Elders living in affordable housing communities. Our professional work was driven by the passion we each have for making the world a better place, especially for marginalized elders.
Our relationship began as a professional collaboration which quickly turned into a rich friendship that enriched our professional and personal lives. Helen had a special gift of being able to understand the inner self and providing support. Our collaboration over the years included many phone calls which almost always started with catching up on what was going on in each of our lives. We shared countless laughs as well as tears as we shared touching or sad moments. Helen enriched my life in ways I had not even considered prior to meeting her. She was a precious jewel of a person. The lessons, support and love we shared will remain in a precious part of my heart.
IF
for Helen
If I cover a wall
If I paint it in blue
If I raise up a forest
Bring the ocean in view
If I raise up the ocean
And give it to you
On a wall with blue paint
If I offer the wall
If it floats on the ocean
If the water won’t fall
If I twist up a cloud
Into mountains of spray
If I climb to the top
If I stop and I pray
To the powers that be
Will they help you to stay
If I hand them a star
If I offer a pair
If I throw in the moon
And a beach in the air
If I roll up the waves
If they break in the sand
Very close to the moon
On the back of my hand
If I offer the waves
On some blue painted wood
If I reach out my hand
Could I hold yours for good
Or at least for the time
That your doctors attend
Till you gain back your strength
And recover, my friend.
The obituary published by the Star Tribune on September20, 2020 is full of interesting facts about the diverse work Helen did during her life.