I was with the Air Police at Larson, AFB in 1959 when the Chief of Police in Soap Lake asked for some APs for crowd control during the festival, four APs were chosen. I was lucky enough to be selected and spent three wonderful days, and somewhat busy nights, assisting local and tribal police patrol the event. We were treated so well that none of us wanted to return to Larson. The people of Soap Lake were wonderful.
CSM Joseph P. Henderson AUS RET
Fair Lawn, New Jersey
I met this free spirit many years ago while I was traveling north to Omak to help take care of my father who was dying from cancer. I come into Soap Lake and I see this cool coffee shop. I pull up to order and this big smile greets me! From that day on we shared a friendship. This started one of many stops for me and my dog Keshia, which by the way always left with a treat! As I was going back and forth we shared many stories. I believe her mother was ill at the time and she also was making trips. We shared many heart to heart conversations. I was also selling biscotti cookies whcih she purchased to sell with her coffee drinks. Time marches on and we would either stop or honk. and there was that waving hand. One time we stopped and showed her Joel's book of poems that he wrote and published. Naturally she thought it was so cool and immediately wanted one which Joel autograped for her. It is called " A View From The Cabin" by Joel Solis. If you see this book, this is where it came from. She just was in awe with it. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago on a trip up to our cabin at Conconully Washington. We came across the highway and I said to Joel, "what in the world happened to Mid and her coffee shop". We go on to our next stop, my favorite root beer and burger place. That is where we heard the horrible news. Of course that gal that was working was very sad to have to be the one to tells us what happened. Our hearts just ached. Then when we rounded the corner and saw the beautiful flowers on the guardrail we both just filled with emotion. Our trips through Soap Lake with never be the same. This horrible tradgey makes us stop and realize just how precious every second of our life is. We will always remember her big smile, waving hand, and the friendship she brought to us. God Bless you all and know others share your saddness. Niki & Joel Solis - Tri-Cities
Not only did Mid remember what we drank, but she asked how we were, always had a doggie treat for Sadie, and sent us on our way with "Go play like a kid. That's your job today." Mid had a playful sense of humor and a joy for life. She stood up for what she believed in. She was a one-woman Chamber of Commerce booth, promoting Soap Lake every day as she served beverages to visitors and locals. You knew what was going on in the community and the area by reading the posters she had posted on the coffee stand. Mid was truly a caring "people person." I imagine that everybody who drove through can remember their last conversation with Mid. What a tragic loss for her family and for this community. Eileen
More than her coffee, Mid's smile and her enthusiasm for her community and for life was such a great pick-me-up. She was smart, enterprising, and a real worker. She seemed indestructible. What an inspirational person. There is just a great big gaping hole in the heart of Soap Lake that will never fully heal. Burr
I sit here staring out the window at work trying to get something done, but today, like most days, I read something or I see something that reminds me of my mom; my best friend, and I start to cry. My co-workers have been gracious enough to listen to me, help me and try to comfort me. So far, there is no comfort, just anger and sadness. I get through my days differently now. There's no phone call from mom, no goofy card in the mail reminding me how much I am loved by her, no e-mail asking me to run an errand here or a favor there. My boys (my husband and my two sons) keep me going. Jeff keeps me going. Knowing that my mom loves me keeps me going. Reading wonderful stories and blogs people write about her keep me going. It wasn't until the celebration of my mom's life did I realize just how many people she touched. Even if it was just a free coffee, a treat for your critter (she wouldn't have been offended by any means if someone brought their loved pet to her service), a homemade blanket for your little one or a shoulder to cry on. I believe I am the woman I am today because of my mother, and for that, I am the luckiest daughter in the world. I pray that her smile lives in your heart and her laugh lives in your memories forever.
Loved Mid for the fact that she was a no bull straight shooter who loved this community with fierce passion. You never had to guess what Mid was thinking because she would tell you to your face. It was fun to see her work the local officials when she felt they were not serving the community in the best interest of the people. Mid was a spokesman for the common folk. I must apologize to Linda Gustaveson for bringing Cassie the weiner pup to Mid's celebration of life. She told me that it was tasteless and she was highly offended. Im sorry but Mid loved Cassie and I know she was glad her little friend was there. Mid loved the little four legged creatures of the world. We miss you Mid and I am comforted by your spirit that I feel everyday. I didn't know you very well but you really made an impact on me and my feelings for our wonderful community. There is a wonderful picture of Mid in the liquor store that I encourage you all to come by and see. Come on in and we can share a story about our friend.
I am not the wordsmith like Kathy, but as I sit here, at a client's, I have been looking back over the last few weeks, still feeling saddeness, and emptiness, over our loss of Mid. I can still remember clearly how I had to reaffirm to my wife, Judy, one of Mid's morning regulars, that it wasn't a dream, she had been hit by a drunk driver, and killed. Mid and Jeff had been regular clients of mine for several years, and it was her smile and laughter which kept me from getting frustrated with her when she would push the limits on getting her info to me, so I could get their income taxes prepared. But I dealt with Mid outside of business, as a director of the Chamber. I was on the receiving end of many donations to the Chamber in support of the different events and our annual banquet and auction. She also was very supportive of our kids and the schools. The void left by her passing will not be an easy one to fill. And as a motorcyclist, she never made fun of my Goldwing, but allowed that I could share the road with Harleys. Even if they couldn't hear me coming. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and the family. Mid, may the chrome be bright, the weather fair, and the road long on your journey with the angels.
I miss Mid. She was my friend for many years. Not just a coffee friend, but a friend friend, if you know what I mean. A girly girl friend. I remember her when I look in my garden and see the Welcome Heart she gave me for my birthday, when I look at the cool motorcycle mirror she gave us for Christmas and when I wear the Harley T-Shirt she gave me "just because". She will always be in my heart!
"Who would be greatest among you, but he(she) who would serve you the most." The majority of my days, these last seven years, started with a 12oz. sugar-free, vanilla latte, and I have to say they were nearly perfect, every time...although it really wasn't about that. It was about someone who consistently cared, someone who always wanted to please, and someone brave enough to make herself vulnerable to each of us...she let us know what was going on in her life and made you feel like she had your back in your's. Funny, but somehow she gave me the impression that I was special...come to find out, I was just one of many...we all felt invested in, nurtured, and taken care of. In one way or another she overfunctioned for us all, and we went back for more and more. Jeese, I miss her, I miss her everyday, and when my thoughts play out the wave of grief again, my prayer always ends with..."watch over her Lord, have mercy on her, keep her safe, and let her know how much we loved her...for loving us.
I heard about Mid's passing the day after it happened. It was a sad phone call from Aunt Carol. We both cried. I took time off to travel from Aberdeen to Soap Lake to pay my respects to Mid, her husband and her daughter. I just got the links for this posting that Kathy did. Beautiful Keifer... very classy. I sit here, again, in tears, in disbelief that she's really gone. I cried on my way out of town the weekend of her service. I honked and waived as I passed her coffee stand, as I always have. What a loss. The ONLY way I can make this remotely o.k. in my mind is to think this: For all of the good she did here, on earth, with us, in Soap Lake, for all of those she helped, touched, made laugh, and talked with... for all of the importance her life had here on earth, God must have had a bigger, better, more important life for her in the afterworld. She has to be gone for a reason, for something bigger, better and more important than what she gave us here. She will be missed from many corners of the world. Next time I feel the wind of Soap Lake, I will imagine that it is her laughter, her smile, her heart. Deanna Edinger
Well said tribute to Mid. She was often my last stop before I'd leave Soap Lake after a visit. She always had something positive to say. She donated several times to community meetings and SLRT happenings. She was instrumental in calling people to let them know about meetings and what was going on in the community. She always had a big smile and fun way of saying goodbye. She often tried to give me my coffee for free, but I told her she couldn't stay in business that way and please let me pay. She'd smile and say no it's on me and I'd throw $5 bucks through the window and zip away. I'll miss not seeing her on my way out of town in the future. A Toast to Mid-May your days be filled with love, joy, happiness, fond memories of all your fans and knowing how much we miss you and will meet up with you again. We look forward to you taking us on a Harley Tour of Heaven and an Angel created Tall Mocha.
The Coulee Corridor was blessed by Mid's energy and activities. Soapy's commentary is a fne tribute to a fine person. As a newcomer to the area, I met Mid a few times at civic meetings and was served some number of wonderful coffee "thingys" at her stand. A good peson, Mid.
What a beautiful tribute. My heart still cannot believe it. I have such a "large void" and I am sure others feel the same. She was such a special person to "all of us" and I loved that well over 200 people came and celebrated her life! My children noticed a cloud in the sky as we were driving and it was shaped like a "heart" and they reminded me that Mid was letting us know that she loved us from above. I have adopting the phrase, "no regrets" and we need to just "go play like a kid" which is what she would want us to do.
You did a wonderful job Kathy, capturing these historic moments. Thanks for sharing your talents. Have you been down to the monument lately? I enjoy sitting on the benches, watching so many people come and go, observing their interactions with the site, listening to the comments. People seem to really enjoy the art and overall setting, especially at sunset.
The new site looks wonderful Kathy, from content to colors!!! Soap lake needs more members of the community willing to invest their time and heart in order to bring new life to Soap Lake. I hope that the city recognizes the incredible value of this online venue, as well as the incredible potential that it has to tell the Soap Lake story. Great Job Friend! Tom
I was with the Air Police at Larson, AFB in 1959 when the Chief of Police in Soap Lake asked for some APs for crowd control during the festival, four APs were chosen. I was lucky enough to be selected and spent three wonderful days, and somewhat busy nights, assisting local and tribal police patrol the event. We were treated so well that none of us wanted to return to Larson. The people of Soap Lake were wonderful.
CSM Joseph P. Henderson AUS RET
Fair Lawn, New Jersey
I met this free spirit many years ago while I was traveling north to Omak to help take care of my father who was dying from cancer. I come into Soap Lake and I see this cool coffee shop. I pull up to order and this big smile greets me! From that day on we shared a friendship. This started one of many stops for me and my dog Keshia, which by the way always left with a treat! As I was going back and forth we shared many stories. I believe her mother was ill at the time and she also was making trips. We shared many heart to heart conversations. I was also selling biscotti cookies whcih she purchased to sell with her coffee drinks. Time marches on and we would either stop or honk. and there was that waving hand. One time we stopped and showed her Joel's book of poems that he wrote and published. Naturally she thought it was so cool and immediately wanted one which Joel autograped for her. It is called " A View From The Cabin" by Joel Solis. If you see this book, this is where it came from. She just was in awe with it. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago on a trip up to our cabin at Conconully Washington. We came across the highway and I said to Joel, "what in the world happened to Mid and her coffee shop". We go on to our next stop, my favorite root beer and burger place. That is where we heard the horrible news. Of course that gal that was working was very sad to have to be the one to tells us what happened. Our hearts just ached. Then when we rounded the corner and saw the beautiful flowers on the guardrail we both just filled with emotion. Our trips through Soap Lake with never be the same. This horrible tradgey makes us stop and realize just how precious every second of our life is. We will always remember her big smile, waving hand, and the friendship she brought to us. God Bless you all and know others share your saddness. Niki & Joel Solis - Tri-Cities
Not only did Mid remember what we drank, but she asked how we were, always had a doggie treat for Sadie, and sent us on our way with "Go play like a kid. That's your job today." Mid had a playful sense of humor and a joy for life. She stood up for what she believed in. She was a one-woman Chamber of Commerce booth, promoting Soap Lake every day as she served beverages to visitors and locals. You knew what was going on in the community and the area by reading the posters she had posted on the coffee stand. Mid was truly a caring "people person." I imagine that everybody who drove through can remember their last conversation with Mid. What a tragic loss for her family and for this community. Eileen
More than her coffee, Mid's smile and her enthusiasm for her community and for life was such a great pick-me-up. She was smart, enterprising, and a real worker. She seemed indestructible. What an inspirational person. There is just a great big gaping hole in the heart of Soap Lake that will never fully heal. Burr
I sit here staring out the window at work trying to get something done, but today, like most days, I read something or I see something that reminds me of my mom; my best friend, and I start to cry. My co-workers have been gracious enough to listen to me, help me and try to comfort me. So far, there is no comfort, just anger and sadness. I get through my days differently now. There's no phone call from mom, no goofy card in the mail reminding me how much I am loved by her, no e-mail asking me to run an errand here or a favor there. My boys (my husband and my two sons) keep me going. Jeff keeps me going. Knowing that my mom loves me keeps me going. Reading wonderful stories and blogs people write about her keep me going. It wasn't until the celebration of my mom's life did I realize just how many people she touched. Even if it was just a free coffee, a treat for your critter (she wouldn't have been offended by any means if someone brought their loved pet to her service), a homemade blanket for your little one or a shoulder to cry on. I believe I am the woman I am today because of my mother, and for that, I am the luckiest daughter in the world. I pray that her smile lives in your heart and her laugh lives in your memories forever.
Loved Mid for the fact that she was a no bull straight shooter who loved this community with fierce passion. You never had to guess what Mid was thinking because she would tell you to your face. It was fun to see her work the local officials when she felt they were not serving the community in the best interest of the people. Mid was a spokesman for the common folk. I must apologize to Linda Gustaveson for bringing Cassie the weiner pup to Mid's celebration of life. She told me that it was tasteless and she was highly offended. Im sorry but Mid loved Cassie and I know she was glad her little friend was there. Mid loved the little four legged creatures of the world. We miss you Mid and I am comforted by your spirit that I feel everyday. I didn't know you very well but you really made an impact on me and my feelings for our wonderful community. There is a wonderful picture of Mid in the liquor store that I encourage you all to come by and see. Come on in and we can share a story about our friend.
I am not the wordsmith like Kathy, but as I sit here, at a client's, I have been looking back over the last few weeks, still feeling saddeness, and emptiness, over our loss of Mid. I can still remember clearly how I had to reaffirm to my wife, Judy, one of Mid's morning regulars, that it wasn't a dream, she had been hit by a drunk driver, and killed. Mid and Jeff had been regular clients of mine for several years, and it was her smile and laughter which kept me from getting frustrated with her when she would push the limits on getting her info to me, so I could get their income taxes prepared. But I dealt with Mid outside of business, as a director of the Chamber. I was on the receiving end of many donations to the Chamber in support of the different events and our annual banquet and auction. She also was very supportive of our kids and the schools. The void left by her passing will not be an easy one to fill. And as a motorcyclist, she never made fun of my Goldwing, but allowed that I could share the road with Harleys. Even if they couldn't hear me coming. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and the family. Mid, may the chrome be bright, the weather fair, and the road long on your journey with the angels.
I miss Mid. She was my friend for many years. Not just a coffee friend, but a friend friend, if you know what I mean. A girly girl friend. I remember her when I look in my garden and see the Welcome Heart she gave me for my birthday, when I look at the cool motorcycle mirror she gave us for Christmas and when I wear the Harley T-Shirt she gave me "just because". She will always be in my heart!
"Who would be greatest among you, but he(she) who would serve you the most." The majority of my days, these last seven years, started with a 12oz. sugar-free, vanilla latte, and I have to say they were nearly perfect, every time...although it really wasn't about that. It was about someone who consistently cared, someone who always wanted to please, and someone brave enough to make herself vulnerable to each of us...she let us know what was going on in her life and made you feel like she had your back in your's. Funny, but somehow she gave me the impression that I was special...come to find out, I was just one of many...we all felt invested in, nurtured, and taken care of. In one way or another she overfunctioned for us all, and we went back for more and more. Jeese, I miss her, I miss her everyday, and when my thoughts play out the wave of grief again, my prayer always ends with..."watch over her Lord, have mercy on her, keep her safe, and let her know how much we loved her...for loving us.
I heard about Mid's passing the day after it happened. It was a sad phone call from Aunt Carol. We both cried. I took time off to travel from Aberdeen to Soap Lake to pay my respects to Mid, her husband and her daughter. I just got the links for this posting that Kathy did. Beautiful Keifer... very classy. I sit here, again, in tears, in disbelief that she's really gone. I cried on my way out of town the weekend of her service. I honked and waived as I passed her coffee stand, as I always have. What a loss. The ONLY way I can make this remotely o.k. in my mind is to think this: For all of the good she did here, on earth, with us, in Soap Lake, for all of those she helped, touched, made laugh, and talked with... for all of the importance her life had here on earth, God must have had a bigger, better, more important life for her in the afterworld. She has to be gone for a reason, for something bigger, better and more important than what she gave us here. She will be missed from many corners of the world. Next time I feel the wind of Soap Lake, I will imagine that it is her laughter, her smile, her heart. Deanna Edinger
Well said tribute to Mid. She was often my last stop before I'd leave Soap Lake after a visit. She always had something positive to say. She donated several times to community meetings and SLRT happenings. She was instrumental in calling people to let them know about meetings and what was going on in the community. She always had a big smile and fun way of saying goodbye. She often tried to give me my coffee for free, but I told her she couldn't stay in business that way and please let me pay. She'd smile and say no it's on me and I'd throw $5 bucks through the window and zip away. I'll miss not seeing her on my way out of town in the future. A Toast to Mid-May your days be filled with love, joy, happiness, fond memories of all your fans and knowing how much we miss you and will meet up with you again. We look forward to you taking us on a Harley Tour of Heaven and an Angel created Tall Mocha.
The Coulee Corridor was blessed by Mid's energy and activities. Soapy's commentary is a fne tribute to a fine person. As a newcomer to the area, I met Mid a few times at civic meetings and was served some number of wonderful coffee "thingys" at her stand. A good peson, Mid.
What a beautiful tribute. My heart still cannot believe it. I have such a "large void" and I am sure others feel the same. She was such a special person to "all of us" and I loved that well over 200 people came and celebrated her life! My children noticed a cloud in the sky as we were driving and it was shaped like a "heart" and they reminded me that Mid was letting us know that she loved us from above. I have adopting the phrase, "no regrets" and we need to just "go play like a kid" which is what she would want us to do.
You did a wonderful job Kathy, capturing these historic moments. Thanks for sharing your talents. Have you been down to the monument lately? I enjoy sitting on the benches, watching so many people come and go, observing their interactions with the site, listening to the comments. People seem to really enjoy the art and overall setting, especially at sunset.
The new site looks wonderful Kathy, from content to colors!!! Soap lake needs more members of the community willing to invest their time and heart in order to bring new life to Soap Lake. I hope that the city recognizes the incredible value of this online venue, as well as the incredible potential that it has to tell the Soap Lake story. Great Job Friend! Tom
I'm sorry I missed the event, but thanks for posting the video so I could catch the highlights. -Tory