I want to tell you a story about a woman named Stephanie.
She is one of nine siblings, a proud Mormon family in Provo, Utah — the descendants of pioneers.
In 2000 she married Christian Nielson. That officially made her “StephaNIE NIElson” — so everyone called her “Nie Nie.”
They struck out as young couples do, leaving Provo for New Jersey, and then Arizona, making homes and having babies. Somewhere along the line, she started blogging about it at the Nie Nie Dialogues.
She writes about the beauty of life — her time with her children; her creativity; her extended family. She calls her husband “Mr. Nielson” and sometimes she blogs love letters to him.
Going through her archives, it is hard not to notice how beautiful she is. Luminescent.
Most of her posts are, in some way or other, about beauty. She chooses to share, focus on, put out into the world, the things she likes best about her life.
In this post , from last August, she planned a back-to-school party for her kids. She set the table with antique linens, decorated with baby roses and organza, made chocolate cake and crowns for the girls.
Many of Nie’s posts are about doing things with her family. Her husband’s family has a ranch, and she writes about going out there, and about getting her kids into the outdoors. For Mr. Nielson’s birthday, she got him flying lessons and was fearless about taking the kids up on a flight right after he was licensed.
On August 14 of this year, she wrote,
“Speaking of flying, my last visit to the ranch, I went to the village’s gas station. Inside the station they have a little section of leather goods. Needless to say, I feel in love with some awesome moccasins. These leather lovers were a thing of beauty. Mr. Nielson promised me he would fly me back to Bluewater retrieve them. Thinking of getting another pair for a giveaway-”
Two days later Nie Nie and Mr. Nieson and flight instructor Doug Kinneard were taking off from an eastern Arizona airstrip when the engine stalled. The plane crashed. Doug Kinneard was killed. Mr. Nielson suffered burns over 30% of his body. Nie Nie fared worse — burns over 80% of her body. She was in a medically-induced coma for three months.
Their four children are living with their aunts in Provo. Sister Courtney Jane (“C-Jane”) has taken in three of the four. She’s a blogger, too. Her posts about this crisis in her family are admirably unsentimental. She tells us that Nie Nie sleeps, that Mr. Nielson suffers, that the family prays and has faith. Her boundaries are clear: we’re never taken inside the hospital room. We don’t know much except that Stephanie is taking skin grafts, that her nose and ears are being reconstructed, that they’re all in for a very long haul.
Courtney stays away from the maudlin, and only briefly addresses the significant physical changes facing Stephanie. Courtney writes:
“We’ve teased Steph since childhood about her creative hobby of the self-portrait. Many times in these past few months I’ve quietly thanked Steph for being so gratuitous in taking these photos. I like to experience her energy through film. I am grateful for what art can help us feel and remember. I repent of the teasings (only a little).
Besides, what is so wrong about a girl who likes how she looks? … beauty is too fleeting not to enjoy while it graces. To be enchanted with yourself? Brilliant.
It is difficult at times wondering what the future will look like for this self-portrait artist. Something inside of my soul tells me that these stacks of pictures will have a role to play in her healing.”
Courtney is the hero of this story. After years of infertility she gave birth to her first child last May. Three months later she is managing life as a new mother … to her own baby and three displaced kids ages 4,5, and 6. She takes care of them, she posts, she manages fundraisers to help support her sister and brother-in-law in what promises to be milions of dollars of rehabilitation and continued medical care.
In news interviews, Courtney says that she believes that everything happens for a reason — that her infertility allowed her to be ready, and grateful, for a houseful of children in a time of crisis. She writes of her love for her husband, who has taken these children on as his own.
I have become quite engaged in their story, feel an affinity for these two writer-mothers who share with the world the best of what they see in it.
Nie Nie and her family did a session with photographer Wendy Whitacre last July.
“When I look at these pictures I feel so happy-
(Wendy) really captured how I feel each day with my life, kids, and husband.” July 22, 2008
A snapshot. A moment in time. A woman who knows what she has.
Life is changing every day, only most days we don’t notice.
I wonder what life holds for the woman who lives, sees, exudes beauty. I pray for her, I admire her courage and her passion, and her determination to live life with all its risks and banalities. I love that she took those kids on a hot summer flight with their pilot Daddy, I love that she rode with her husband anywhere he wanted to go. Where they have gone is unexpected, but there is beauty there, too.
It is the end of one story of her life, and the beginning of another.
I encourage you to follow the links, to meet these sisters and their families, to offer what you can to their efforts.
To see the beauty of your own life, and share it wherever you can.
As I sit here with tears in my eyes i wonder how can life be so unfair to good people some times.
I follow their story from the other side of the world. It inspires me to walk through each day as a mama with more grace, patience and reverence. What a glorious example of Family.
so touching – thanks for sharing her story. makes me wonder, what am i waiting for? we are not promised anything.
Thank you for sharing this. This puts some things into perspective and makes the path a little clearer. Mr. and Mrs. Nielson, and their families will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I remember reading Nie and I also remember the plane crash. I have not been following but I am glad you posted this.
I’ve been following their story for awhile now. That family is amazing. I’d encourage everyone to check out Courtney and Stephanie’s sites. I’ve learned to appreciate my kids and family so much more and not becasue of the tragedy,but because of their joy.
Thanks so much for posting this! I have been following the NieNie story for a few months now and I am so inspired by how the blogging and crafting communities have come together to raise money, offer prayers, and support this special family. I wouldn’t expect any less from you, Liz!
Wow. Thank you for sharing!
This story of a wonderful family turned upside down by a horrible event makes you just want to stop and smell the roses a little more. To not worry if the dishes are done, the laundry folded. To rock my baby girl (7 months old) a little longer before putting her to bed, to rub my cheek a little longer on that soft downy hair/fuzz. To give my husband an extra kiss before we leave for the day, to hold a hug just a few seconds longer. We can never know when it all could be taken away. We must enjoy it every moment we can.
I, too, have been caught up in the Nielson story.
As a fellow Arizonan it’s touching to see how the community has responded with concerts, yard sales, craft sale and the like.
People at their best helping another in a time of need is awe inspiring, to say the least.
long time listener, first time caller.
despite being overwhelmed with semster finals and papers, i had to read this. for the past few hours ive been reading their blogs, and crying a little. so inspiring. thanks for giving this burned out college student the will to keep on thru this week.
I too have been following her story and actually spent snuck moments of 3 or 4 days reading her archives.
I am so drawn to her for her increadibly positive attitude. I go through slumps of thinking all would be better if I worked outside the home and didn’t have to do all the maintainace stuff that comes with staying at home with the kids. She just gave me a different insight, an almost permission to enjoy stuff like baking bread, doing home craft projects, being excited about holidays and taking time to plan them with a creative flair. Stuff I thought twee or old fashioned but in actuality just hadn’t tried and didn’t know I liked it. She lets herself enjoy the simple things.
Along with the positive attitude towards being at home with the kids, I took away the sense of commitment that she has to her marriage. Date nite has now been instituted in our house.
Soon we will be spending Wednesday nights going skiing together and then to the pub for a pint. Just the two of us without the dishes looking at me or Sports Desk whispering at him. Stephanie really treasured her husband as if they were dating. I want to do that more with mine.
This story also brings up the importance of extended family. Blood is thicker than water. I am reminded of keeping in touch with my brothers and making sure that my kids are given ample opportunity to play and grow up with their cousins. I think of Courtney often and hope that I would be such an incredible sister/aunty if the need ever arose.
I am sure that most will walk away from having heard this story and appreciate something simple but precious in their life….or in my case make some changes for the better.
Wow…I just lost an entire 8 hour day of work between the Nie Nie blog and CJane’s blog…and it was worth it. Thank you for pointing us in their direction.
Thank you for sharing that. How wonderful that she, and you, not only savor your moments but share them with others. I lost my breath when I realized her crash occurred on my birthday– we must celebrate every day.
I thought I had clicked on the wrong blog for a second. Like so many others, I’ve been following along with the Nielson family as well. I love the way you have summed up their story. I think it amazing how one family, one accident, has brought so many people to her blog and made them all realize how valuable their life is. Thanks for sharing.
Hi,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and want to thank you for posting this entry. I never knew about Nie or her blog, but I’m glad I know now. What a story of human tragedy. I will be following her story, and that of her family, from here on out. Thank you.
Thank you for this touching ad beautiful post. I can assure all of Stephanie and Christians readers that they really are as lovely and enchanting in person as they seem- if not more. This woman has changed so many lives just by living her own.
I, too, have now spent hours reading through both Stephanie and Courtney’s archives – they are both beautiful writers and I have loved reading their entries.
I am thinking of Stephanie and her family, and hoping her recovery continues as smoothly as possible.
Thank you for bringing their blogs, and their story, to our attention.
Thank you so much for introducing Nie Nie’s story. I have been spending hours reading through her blogs and cannot wait to read Courtney’s. What an amazing woman; truly inspirational.
I read it was those same moccasin slippers that prevented more serious injuries to Nie Nie. She was wearing the slippers and her feet were spared from burns. Such a blessing!
SO glad you have helped publicize what’s going on with Nie Nie. I held an auction for them, and was thrilled to have been part of helping. If your readers want some Japanese treats, I would be happy to do another auction, on my blog or on yours (which is MUCH more popular!) Heck, together we could offer a signed copy of Da Book and a bunch of Japanese candy (or nori or wasabi or whatever you think appropriate!)
Speaking of books, can I send you a copy of Da Book for your John Hancock, then ask you to send it to me? I still don’t have my own copy, having given away all I’ve bought!
And also speaking of books, when shall we plan Volume II??
I’m glad to see there’s another amazing ‘nie nie’ in the world… and a Mormon to boot!
how humbling and inspiring to read about this.
Oh, my goodness, what a lovely post and what a phenominal story. I’m going to have to go read their blogs.
WOW…. I am new to this blogging lifesyle thanks to my cousin who insisted that I start one so she can keep up with our family. I came across your site and could not stop reading. I love the way you handle your family with love and humor. when i got to the nie nie post…. it brought tears to myeyes… and now i am reading both of these sisters stories…. I thank you… for the insight and entertainment as well as giving me yet another role model in life. (My boss however thinks you waste too much of my time