Loss
For those who no longer have their dad here on Earth, Father’s Day inevitably carries a touch of sadness. Many of us wish for just one more day or one more memory with our dad, but that, of course, is not possible. Instead, we quietly send a Happy Father’s Day wish to Heaven, knowing that our dad doing well and filled with joy. It’s we who carry the weight of sorrow and loneliness. For me, both my father, Allen Spencer, and my father-in-law, Walter Schulenberg, are in Heaven now, and I often find myself forgetting the day’s approach, maybe as a way to protect myself from the sadness their absence brings. My comfort comes from knowing I’ll see them again in Heaven. Until then, to my dads, I say Happy Father’s Day in Heaven. I’m sure it will be a truly wonderful day there…far better than anything we could ever plan for them here on Earth.
I feel so blessed to have had two wonderful dads in my life. My dad made sure that we…his five daughters and our mom…had chances to see the country, go camping, read maps, plan trips, and enjoy many other 
adventures. He taught us responsibility, love for one another, and most importantly, love for God. My father-in-law was much the same kind of man, even though his family didn’t travel much. They were still incredibly close and always helped each other in any way needed. It’s like a network of people with unique talents who share the load when challenges arise. I will always be proud of and grateful for my two dads, both of whom are now living with God in Heaven.
I’m blessed to have several men in my life who qualify as dads, even if they’re not my own. My husband, Bob Schulenberg, is the proud father of my children, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce. My sons-in-law, Kevin Petersen and Travis Royce, have been wonderful husbands and fathers, working hard to give my daughters and 
grandchildren happy lives. My grandsons, Chris Petersen…father to a daughter and two sons, and Josh Petersen…father to four sons, are both deeply involved in raising their kids. I’m so proud of these men, who show their children every day what it means to be a great dad. They’re loving fathers, strong role models, and true blessings. I also want to honor my brothers-in-law and nephews, who are amazing dads as well. Today, on Father’s Day, it’s a time of memories for me, but also a celebration for us all. Happy Father’s Day to them and to all the dads out there!
On June 30, 1956, a Lockheed L-1049A Super Constellation flying as TWA Flight 2 collided with a Douglas DC-7 Mainliner operating as United Air Lines Flight 718 over Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The Constellation plunged into the canyon, while the DC-7 crashed into a cliff. Tragically, all 128 people aboard both planes were killed, marking the first commercial airline disaster with over one hundred fatalities. The planes had taken off from Los Angeles International Airport just minutes apart, bound for Chicago and Kansas City. The crash happened in uncontrolled airspace, where pilots were expected to maintain separation under the “see and be seen” rule, exposing the outdated state of air traffic control and sparking major aviation reforms. Similar to the “see and avoid” rule, the “see and be seen” rule requires the pilots to somehow make their presence known. Since I have been a passenger in a small airplane, where I was required, as the only other person onboard, to help watch for traffic when coming into the airport, I can say 
that “see and be seen” is not always an easy task. Planes can blend into the terrain very easily. Even when we were told where the traffic was, it took me a minute to locate it. I’m sure the pilot, my boss at the time, Jim Stengel saw it before I did, but because it took a minute for me to see it, I can see how two planes could end up in a bad situation.
On that morning, TWA Flight 2 left Los Angeles bound for Kansas City. Just three minutes later, United Airlines Flight 718 took off for Chicago. Amazingly, their paths crossed 400 miles away over the Grand Canyon, where both pilots, flying under visual “see and avoid” rules, steered around a thundercloud…TWA’s Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation passing to the left and United’s Douglas DC-7 to the right. The “see and avoid” rule requires the pilots to take evasive action when the other plane came into view…but was there time? Probably not.
Unfortunately, the planes didn’t see or have time to avoid the danger. At 21,000 feet, the two airliners crossed 
paths, and the United plane’s left wing clipped the TWA’s tail, tearing through the rear of its fuselage. Both planes crashed into the canyon floor, killing all 128 people aboard. This was the deadliest American aviation accident of its time, and it prompted a congressional investigation and paved the way for today’s modern air traffic control system. I always find it sad that it takes a tragic loss of life to bring about change.
My sister, Alena Stevens would have been 65 years old today. We miss her every day. So much has happened since she went to be with the Lord. Two of her children and their spouses are having babies this summer…Alena’s favorite season, so now, she will have six grandchildren. I know the new babies would absolutely love their grandma, just as her current four grandchildren did. Of course, they will get to know her (and probably already do, since they originated in Heaven) when we all go to Heaven and join her and other family members who have gone on before us. Today is a joyous day for Alena. She is happy and has much to celebrate with the Lord and family members in Heaven. I’m sure she knows that this is her Earthly birthday, and that would make it even more joyous in Heaven.
Alena has always loved children. When she worked, she had a very soft spot in her heart for children who were 
upset or having a bad day, and especially for those with life struggles they faced at home. That is what made her so good at her job as a Refocus Room teacher at Verda James School in Casper. While getting a child to refocus is at times difficult, once they are calmed, it can be very rewarding. Many of Alena’s students kept in touch with her even after they graduated from high school. That is amazing, since she work in an elementary school. A teacher who changes a child’s life is hard to forget, and her abilities were a long-lasting tribute to her and one she never forgot. She felt honored.
While being a Refocus teacher was Alena’s occupation, her main focus was on her family. Mike was the love of her life, and her nearly 41 years with him were her greatest treasure. Alena always wanted to be a wife and mother, and her children, Michelle Miller, Garrett Stevens, and Lacey Killinger were her pride and joy. As with 
most mothers, the second-best thing to having children is the day those children have children. Being a grandmother is so much fun, and Alena thoroughly enjoyed it. She loved taking trips to Sheridan to spend time with Garrett and his family, and very much enjoyed the time she spent with Lacey’s stepchildren, Brooklyn and Jaxon. She was a terrific grandmother, and they all love her very much…as do we all. Today is Alena’s birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven. We love and miss you very much and look forward to seeing you when we join you in Heaven.
Bob’s step-grandfather, Walt Hein, was quite the character. He always tried to come across as gruff, and maybe he was in his younger days, but by the time I met him and he became my official “Pitch” partner, it was clear that the gruffness was just an act. After about a year, he dropped the act entirely. He was a big softie, and he knew it. I first met Walt…though I always called him Grandpa…in 1975, when he was 69 years old and pretty set in his ways, but that didn’t stop me from liking him right away. I was never much of a card player, except for Cribbage with my Uncle Bill Spencer, but I’d play “Pitch” with Grandpa. We were both ruthless, and most folks didn’t stand a chance against us. 
He was a softie when it came to our girls, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce too. He let them chase the chickens on the ranch and took them for rides on the horses. They loved doing both, and they adored Grandpa. He had a sort of “swimming pool” out in the yard, and he was always happy to fill up that old bathtub so the girls could cool off and have some fun. Grandpa was an “old softie” not just with my girls, but with all his grandchildren.
Grandpa always had a habit of heading out to one of the ranch’s outbuildings for his afternoon nap, usually about an hour long. Afterward, he’d be bursting with energy and ready to jump back into playing cards, which would’ve been the main event of our visits if he had his way. He hated going into town to see other relatives 
because it cut into his card-playing time. I always felt bad when we had to leave—not because I was eager to see the rest of the family, but because he seemed truly heartbroken. Since he didn’t get to play much when we weren’t around, he wanted to make the most of it, though Grandma sometimes had other plans. Poor Grandpa…it could ruin his whole day. Maybe that’s why he took those naps. He missed us. I know that now, because I really miss those days. Today is the 120th anniversary of that sweet man’s birth. I still miss him very much. Happy birthday in Heaven Grandpa Hein. We love and miss you very much.
Many military holidays are misunderstood, celebrated incorrectly, or forgotten altogether, often becoming just another day off work. Memorial Day, for example, is seen as the start of summer, marked with picnics and parties, but in truth, it’s a day to honor the soldiers who fought in wars and never made it home. They gave everything…their lives…for the freedom we and others enjoy, a debt we can never truly repay. We truly owe them so much, the least of which is to be remembered for their sacrifice.
I haven’t personally lost a loved one in any war, but I know a few people who have, and my heart goes out to them today. The families of those brave soldiers who gave their lives sacrificed as well, and that sacrifice is no small thing. In my own family, there were men who died in war, though I didn’t know them personally. I doubt any family can be completely untouched by such loss, considering all the wars throughout history. Somewhere in each family, I’m sure there have been soldiers who were lost in battle or as prisoners of war. The deserve to be remembered for that selfless sacrifice.
Memorial Day is important because without the sacrifices these men and women made, 
our world would be a very different place today. While some may not agree with the changes the current administration is bringing to the nation, this administration is bringing honor back to our military, and I approve. This day isn’t just for barbecues and enjoying a long weekend…it’s a time to reflect on those we’ve lost in the difficult wars fought to keep this nation and others free. As you go about your day, remember that, and if you know a family who has lost a soldier, thank them. We owe them and their loved one a great debt of gratitude. To anyone who has lost someone in battle, thank you for your sacrifice and that of your loved one…it will never be forgotten.
For my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens the last year has been one of major changes. My sister, Alena, who is Mike’s wife of what would have been 42 years this year. Mike has had a tough year. It’s hard to be the parent left behind after a loss, even when the children of the marriage are grown and on their own. Mike has had to try to be supportive of his children, while dealing with his own sense of immense loss. That was the position Mike found himself in, and through his grief, I can say he has handled it well. Mike knew how important all the family birthdays were to Alena, and they are to him too, but like many men, he had looked to Alena to keep track of the days, and then he would join her in wishing the happy birthday to the family member. After Alena went to Heaven, Mike contacted me to get a good list so he could continue to do so. He knew I would have that list because of my blog. I was so proud of him for making sure he could continue that tradition, and I know Alena would be proud of him too. It was such a sweet blessing to get that text from Mike on my birthday. He is carrying on the tradition started by Alena. 
There are joyful events coming Mike’s way too. His son, Garrett and wife Kayla are expecting a new baby in July, and his daughter, Lacey and husband Chris Killinger are expecting a baby in August. I know Alena has met these grandbabies in Heaven already, but soon the rest of the family will get to meet them. I know Mike is very excited to see his family continuing to grow, but I’m sure he wishes he could share these joyous occasions with Alena. Mike has a close relationship with his kids, and they all work hard to maintain that closeness. They are very supportive of each other.
In early April, Callie, the half miniature Doberman and half Long-Haired Chihuahua dog Mike and Alena had owned for 13 years passed away. It was hard that it was shortly before the one-year anniversary of Alena’s passing on April 23, 2025. After Callie was gone, Mike said the house felt really lonely, and since he had been 
around my sister’ Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike’s West Highland White Terrier, he decided to get one for himself. In early May, he got a male Westie, and names him Festus. I guess you can see that Mike is a “Gunsmoke” fan. While he still misses Callie, Mike and Festus are getting along very well. Westies are a small dog, so they make for a great lap dog when Mike is watching television or just relaxing in the evening. I’m glad he has a new companion in the house and Festus is a sweet little companion too. It’s a good thing for Mike. Today is Mike’s birthday. Happy birthday Mike!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
When your mom and mother-in-law are in Heaven, Mother’s Day is forever changed. My mom, Collene Spencer went to Heaven on February 22, 2015, and my mother-in-law, Joann Schulenberg, went to Heaven on January 4, 2018. Last year on April 23, 2025, my sister, Alena Stevens…who was also mom to Michelle Miller, Garrett Stevens, and Lacey Killinger…moved to Heaven too. Mother’s Day is meant to celebrate moms, but when your Mom is in Heaven, it can feel a bit empty. Still, it’s not truly empty, 
because I’m a mom too, as are my sisters, sisters-in-law, daughters, granddaughters-in-law, and nieces. So, to them and to the moms in Heaven, Happy Mother’s Day.
Being a mom is such a blessing, and I’m so honored to have my two beautiful daughters, Corrie Petersen and Amy Royce. They’ve always been an incredible blessing to me, filling my life with kindness and love that has brought me so much joy over the years. Even when I can’t be with them on special days, I know I am in their thoughts and prayers, just as they are always in mine. I cherish our daily chats, whether by phone or text, and the sweet feeling of being on their minds. Each has given me two wonderful grandchildren, and the blessings just keep growing. My granddaughters-in-law, Karen Petersen, who has blessed me with a great granddaughter and two great grandsons, and Athena Petersen, who has blessed me with four great-grandsons, all of whom I love dearly. As my family grows, so 
does the depth of the blessings I’ve been given. God has been, and continues to be, so good to me. Life is good, and it just keeps getting better.
Some people see days like Mother’s Day as just commercial holidays meant to sell greeting cards, but I couldn’t disagree more. Mother’s Day, like so many other special occasions, is a time to think about our moms and all the blessings they’ve given us. People who still have their mother in their life, really have no idea what it might feel like when their mother is gone from their earthly life. I miss those moms who have gone on before me, and I wish I could be with them on this, their day, but since I can’t, I’ll simply celebrate the joy they’ve brought into my life and always will. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, especially to mine…I love you so much!!
My dad, Allen Spencer has always been my hero. I know my mom, Collene Spencer and my sisters, Cheryl Masterson, Caryl Reed, Alena Stevens, and Allyn Hadlock have always felt that way too. Dad was our hero, because of the wonderful life he worked to give us, but mostly because of the solid Christian upbringing he and our mom provided us. Dad was the best “Girl Dad” ever. He treated his girls, including Mom like princesses. We weren’t wealthy, but we felt like royalty anyway…and that was before we knew much about our relationship to nobility in England.
There was another relationship to England for our family too. Dad served as the top turret gunner and the flight engineer on a B17 Bomber, stationed at Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. It was a base in the middle of the English countryside, surrounded by civilian towns and farms. These people knew all too well how important the United States military presence was to their safety, and indeed their very lives. This was another place where 
my dad’s heroic side was on display. If one of those men had revealed information about their upcoming missions, the entire area could have been attacked and destroyed. So important was their mission over there, and so grateful were the people of that area, that memorials were erected to remember…forever, the sacrifice made by the brave men of the 385th Heavy Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces. The memorials were placed so that generation, and future generations would remember the sacrifices made to save their lives by men who were a part of something greater than their own lives…to protect the lives of people they didn’t even know. That was the war that my dad was a part of…when he was barely more than a teenager.
At Great Ashfield, Dad earned the awards for his service. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, signifying that he had shot down four German planes, and two Gold Stars, signifying that he had taken part in two major aerial engagements. In all he would take part in 35 bombing 
missions before he was honorably discharged on October 3, 1945. Many of the stories of Dad’s service years were never told to his daughters, because he was a part of the generation of people who did not talk about their war years. They went in, did their duty, and didn’t brag or whine about it. They felt like it was their duty and that was it. No wonder my mom, sisters, and I felt like Dad was a great hero. Today would have been my dad’s 102nd birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven Dad. We love and miss you very much.
