In Memory of Ann Nicole Nelson

There are so many friends and so many heartfelt comments that there is hardly anything left to be said. Physically, it is a little empty around here without you, but I know that spiritually you are with us, and I remind myself that you're always in the present tense.... And thank you for choosing us as your parents.

Dad

*** Posted by her dad (Gary Nelson) on 2010-05-26 ***

Gratulere med dagen. Hope your birthday is fab.... Miss you, Ann!

*** Posted by Lisa Lyons on 2010-05-17 ***

Dear Ann,

I go the the school you used to go to, Wayland Academy. When I heard that you went to this school and that you died in the World Trade Center, I wanted to know more about you, like: How was your life at Wayland? And even: Which room did you have?

*** Posted by Magda on 2010-03-05 ***

Dear Ann,

I think of you and pray for your family often, but especially today. I so wish I could have known you and spent time with you. You have been, and continue to be, an inspiration for many.

Pam

*** Posted by Pam on 2009-09-11 ***

Dear Annie,

Even though I was only 4 when you died and said some things to you that I shouldn't have, I hope you knew that you were and still are my favorite aunt. Ever. Every 9/11 I cry myself to sleep, hoping that you would come back. And every 9/11 I get reminded that one day I will see you again and apologize for those harmful words. Every one misses you so much. I miss you so much.

Love,
Your little Brookey

*** Posted by Brooke Ashlyn Nelson on 2009-09-07 ***

Although we never met, I think of you and wish we had met. There is a memorial in Sacramento, at state fair grounds, with several I-beams from the WTC. It is a powerful experience. I have let other family know about you. We are a spread-out family, but we all love and care. Peace to you, Dan Roben.

*** Posted by Dan Roben,cousin,Tula's son on 2009-08-06 ***

Ann,

My husband and I were recently staying at the Lion Square Lodge in Vail, CO. We stayed in a room that had a loving photo of you and your many family skiing adventures in Vail. We knew nothing about you other than the pictures in the photo, but somehow we both felt touched by the loss your family and friends must feel. We will forever be touched by your life-loving face that will help us to forever put a real face to a national tragedy.

*** Posted by Steph on 2009-07-13 ***

Dear Ann,

What an amazing spirit you have (and are). I have learned about you from my friend Suzanne, so touched by your upbeat, committed, compassionate nature, your love for family and the world. And now my daughter has been touched by you as well, playing a part in the unfolding of your story and a greater story. I am so glad you were born, Ann, and so glad your presence and promise continue to impact so many in the world. Love and light to you ... and to your mother, from this mom.

*** Posted by Tunie Munson-Benson on 2009-02-19 ***

I would like to say that i'm very sorry, Ann, and I hope your family will understand that you're in a better place.

*** Posted by Ana Nicole Taylor on 2008-11-08 ***

On September 11, 2008, I checked my two beautiful girls out of school early and loaded them into the car and exclaimed, "We are going on an adventure!" The five year old said, "Yeah, Mommy!" And the nine year old said, "Uh, oh." We were evacuating our new home outside of Houston, Texas, to see our old friends in Louisiana. Ike. I thought of Annie the whole way. My girls got into the spirit, traffic and all. We found a rainbow in the storm, and the 9-year-old photographed it. While stuck and stopped on the undulating Baton Rouge suspension bridge over the Mississippi River, she took a picture of the city out of the sun roof. It was scary and fabulous. We had so much fun girl time together, just like the girl time I had with Ann at Wayland. One time we went shopping on State Street. We didn't have much time because of schedules. We took it as a challenge, and I think we went into nearly every store, just to say we did it. Life was and always is an adventure because of the spirit that Ann had, the spirit that I had around her. She could take any day, any circumstance, and make it a great adventure. I didn't realize how perfectly we spent 9/11, remembering Ann while making a bad circumstance into a grand adventure and a chance to cherish our good friends. We returned home after a week. The house was intact this time.

Love you,
Ann

*** Posted by Lisa Brown Lyons on 2008-09-25 ***

Dearest Annie,

It has now been seven years since that terrible day. Dad is in New York observing the memorials and visiting your friends. I am at the lake going through your albums and reliving the wonderful memories that you left us with. I feel your spirit with me all the time and know that you are not gone.

Love,
Mom

*** Posted by Jenette Nelson on 2008-09-16 ***

Dearest Ann, I never knew you, but I wish I had. I work in Stanley, and every day I drive by your final resting place. Something pulls me there, and my heart aches every time I slowly drive by. Today it's been 7 years, and it feels like just yesterday. God bless your family and friends.

*** Posted by vicki on 2008-09-11 ***

Annie, even though it has been six years since 9/11, you continue to touch lives. Your warmth and genuine interest in people continues through your list and the wonderful memories shared. You will always be with us and loved more than words can express.

*** Posted by Aunt LeAnn on 2007-09-12 ***

My dear North Dakota flower! I work as an IRONWORKER at the WTC site rebuilding and have since two weeks after the horrible day that took you away! I hope you and your wonderful family know we construction workers have bird baths and feeders here! ... so many birds who work with us daily as you do in spirit! ... My love to you and my thoughts always with your family.

-Paul Martin

*** Posted by Paul Martin on 2007-08-16 ***

i never knew ann nicole but after this horrible accident I know her a lot and I know her pain because I have someone who died and they mean alot to me. well I hope ann nicole has a grrrrreat eternity in heaven and you know that she not watching you but she is.:-)

*** Posted by melissa on 2007-06-18 ***

I am from Sweden where the Ellen Degeneras show just aired, and I saw your parents telling your story. I was so inspired I have decided to write my own list. It's truly amazing how you can inspire people all around the world, to be a better person, to always strive for more and never take life for granted. Thank you.

*** Posted by Lina from Sweden on 2007-04-09 ***

dear Ann,
I am from Australia and just watch the Ellen Degeneras show and saw your parents telling your story... I was so inspired I have decided to write my own list as well. You are an amazing person and I'm sure will be missed by more people than you could ever imagine... I have also printed a copy of your list from Google as a reference and a reminder of who you are to make sure I remember that life goes on xoxoxox carla

*** Posted by carla boggis on 2007-04-02 ***

Ann,

You never knew me, but I knew you. I was a freshman while you were a senior at Wayland. No contact of any importance nor any reason for you to remember me, but to this day, nearly 12 years after I first saw you, I can't get your image out of my mind. I find myself fighting back tears just looking at all the pictures of you and your life. It's a feeling I can't describe and one that echoes deep inside of me. Wherever you may be, I hope happiness and peace surrounds you there.

God bless you, Ann.

*** Posted by Jamie on 2007-03-19 ***

will be missed.

*** Posted by sandy dravecz on 2007-03-07 ***

I LIVE IN NEWPORT ARKANSAS ANNA WAS ONE SPECIAL PERSON VERY BEAUIFUL WE WILL ALL MISS YOU ANNIE GOD BE WITH YOU YOUR LIKE A BEAUIFUL ANGEL NOW LOVE YOU ANNA FROM DEBRA

*** Posted by DEBRA SIMONS on 2007-03-05 ***

i was sad that ann nicole smith die she a very pretty wonmen

*** Posted by tatyanna on 2007-03-04 ***

MAY GOD ALWAYS SMILE ON YOU.

*** Posted by EMILY MORALES on 2007-03-03 ***

I just pray for her and her daughter and family. My heart goes out to them. Anna Nicole, your memory will never be forgotten.

*** Posted by blondy on 2007-02-14 ***

I just read about Ann in "Guideposts"--what a great article. I wish her parents the best and know that Ann's memories will live on every time they use her computer. May God bless you--my prayers are with you as her parents!

*** Posted by Brenda Ligendza on 2006-12-18 ***

Hi

I was planting some blueberries today and I was told to look up Ann Nicole today. I had no idea who is this I assumed it is ann nicole who had a baby and when I did a google search I today came across Ann Nicole's list and was touched. I have decided to plant Blueberry plants in her memory and mark each plant for her numbered goals. I will grow them in my yard in her memory. I am humbled to learn today about her and would like to honor each one whether I knew them or not.

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards and best wishes
Vasu Brown

*** Posted by Vasu K Brown - VasuBrown.Com on 2006-09-19 ***

Because of you, Ann, I have created my own, "Lynn's Life List" and that list is full of goals and ideas of how I can be a better person. Because of you, I have created my list and now am trying to live it. Thank you, Ann. Even though I have never met you, you have encouraged me. You have touched many lives and your family must be so proud.

*** Posted by LYNN TACHICK on 2006-09-15 ***

This is a beautiful story.. I hope everything gets well.. I love this world to the very dead center

*** Posted by E. Lyon on 2006-09-11 ***

Dearest Annie,

Your beautiful list of goals and values has been widely written about this September. It has been featured on the front page of the NY TIMES by Dan Barry, Guideposts mag, Cosmo mag., several newspapers (including 2 from Germany and one from Japan) CBS weekend news TV and the Ellen DeGeneras show. Dad and I are so proud of you. We always have been.

love, Mom

*** Posted by Annie's mom on 2006-09-11 ***

sorry of your funeral.  Tonight we will award 14 grants of $125.oo to seniors who have distinguished themselves in their studies of art and Peaceful Conflict Resolution here at Stanley High School in your memory.  We know that you are with us and please to help others.  I love and miss you more than anyone can know.  Love, Mom.

*** Posted by Annie's Mom on 2006-05-16 ***

Though I did not know you personally, you were a fellow North Dakotan; therefore to me, you were a dear friend. This tragedy robbed us of your presence and a beautiful soul. It has been over four years since this atrocity happened and the memories still linger in my head; it pains my heart when the images flash in my mind. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts. You will not be forgotten. Say Hello to Heaven.

*** Posted by Annika on 2005-11-08 ***

I watched a documentary on the Discovery channel last month about this horrific act.  I was sickened, saddened, and angered.  I vowed that I would read everyones name, and comments that family and friends had to say about them.  I read about Ann on the CNN website.  Although I did not know her, I felt drawn back to her for some reason.  She is now my special Angel.  I pray for her and her family daily.  She seemed to be such a beautiful soul.  I am sure she is in heaven dancing with the Angels.  May our Lord grant her eternal rest.

*** Posted by Christina on 2005-10-06 ***

Not knowing anyone personally, I went through the list, and for some reason I stopped on her name. why, I have no answer, but my daughter lives in the city and was 32 at the time, so maybe that is why the angels lead me to this sweet name. My prayers to the family, and I want you to know that my heart shall never be the same. God Bless Ann Noicole and her family. May you as a family and her friends find peace within your heart.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2004-02-18 ***