Posts to the tribute of Helen Tillman Hudson

Helen has been the most positive influence in my life. I saw her on and off for the better part of 30 years since I moved to Virginia. She has helped me with everything from a childhood of abuse to depression, relationships and coping skills for chronic pain when I got sick and had multiple surgeries. She had a beautiful spirit. She was patient, understanding and was nonjudgmental. I miss her so much and still talk to her every day. I am blessed for having found her.

I learned of Helen's passing tonight. I have not seen her for many years but have remembered, and been thankful for, the impact she made upon my life. In the 1970s. when she was working in Staunton, VA., she taught a select group of public health nurses the principles of conducting group sessions. I was fortunate to have been in that group. She also became a friend. I regret that I have not stayed in contact with her. I think she would have been pleased that I have used what she taught many times. She was one of the most inspiring and engaging people I have met in my 85 years. She was a rare lifeforce. My sympathy to her family and friends. The world will be a lesser place without Helen.

Dear Hampton Hudson, Carol Frye, and other family and good friends of Helen's - Your sister, aunt, and friend was one of the most caring and thoughtful and joyful and encouraging of souls I have ever known. One of you must tell me how her living room with that crazy, life-sized, 3-dimensional angel come into being. If one of you has that angel, could you send me a photo of it? Or post it on this page? Does anyone have a photo of that wild and wonderful "living room" of hers? About 47 years ago Helen was my wonderful camp counselor, out at Camp Hanover, in Mechanicsville, VA. Well, I just don't know how to say enough good things about Helen. I was awed most recently by the manner-of-fact way she went about arranging for down-sizing, for sending good-byes to friends, for saying good-bye to those precious people to her for whom she was a counselor, -- for readying herself for her own departure. Hampton, you have known her the longest. My thoughts and prayers are with you with this loss of your sister. Carol, thank you so very much for all your communication about Helen these last months. I'm so glad you were able to visit with Helen during the Easter holidays. I look forward to being in touch with you and your brother. And to Helen's wonderful, dear friends in Harrisonburg, thank you, each of you, for all your care for her these last months. To Hospice staff, caring for Helen, thank you very much for your care. Love and peace to each of you~