Sara Elizabeth

By Helen Fernald
January 26, 2026

Dear Mom,

Looking out the window at the nearly foot of snow around my house today, I am reminded of January 20, 1985, and the big ice and snow storm in the middle of Kansas.

Ever since I was a young child, what I wanted most in life was to have a family with two children. When I married Fred in 1978, I felt I was one step closer.

However, it was not an easy journey. I had trouble getting pregnant and suffered several miscarriages, which were heartbreaking. In January of 1984, Fred and I decided to take leaves of absence from our teaching jobs. Fred loved old cars and had found one college program in the United States that offered classes in old car restoration. He signed up and we notified our schools.

Just months later I got pregnant with our first child and was thrilled!!! In late August we packed up the truck with what would fit for our 9 month stay in McPherson, Kansas. We knew nothing about the town or college, but were excited for the adventure.

It turned out to be one of the most fun years of our lives. McPherson was a small town with very kind and friendly people and a quality hospital. We quickly found a great doctor and started birthing classes. We had a tiny college apartment but it was all we needed.

Fred loved his classes. I like to stay busy, so I biked a lot and got very involved with swimming and classes at the YMCA. I also started my own baking business and went back to being an Avon lady, which I had done in my late teens.

You flew in a few days before her due date and were incredibly helpful. Early in the morning of January 20, I went into labor. Despite the bad weather, you got us to the hospital where I delivered our healthy baby just hours later. We named her after my great grandmother Sarah (but used the Spanish spelling) and after a number of women in both families named Elizabeth. We could not have been more excited and I know you were too.

I am so grateful that you and Sara had a lot of time together for the next eight years, before you left for your next adventure beyond. You adored each other and that made me so happy! We still miss you!!

Love,
Helen