Christine Flowers 1964 – 2021 Minden, Iowa **988 - Suicide and crisis lifeline** ++ 800-799-7233 - National Domestic Abuse Hotline++ Christine Flowers was a; -Daughter to; Agnes & Robert Flowers -Sister to; Joe (Traci) Flowers Michelle (David) Koraleski Andrea Flowers-Kyle -Mother to; Nicholas (Emily) Walter Alexandria (Dan) Gallant Hilaree Walter (John Hansen) -Grandmother to; Dylan & Tyler Walter Lyla & Lydia Gallant Natalie Walter, Lillian Hansen, Nolan Hansen & Chloe Hansen -Aunt to; 2 nieces and 6 nephews Chris was 56 at the time of her death. Chris attended and graduated from Gross Catholic School in 1983 Chris worked at various facilities taking care of mentally handicapped adults before she retired from Glenwood resource center Mom did not show or express her hopelessness, prison of isolation and abuse. Instead, she was a warm welcoming smile and embrace no matter who you were or your circumstances. Mom had a strong relationship with God and her family. She loved fiercely and with every ounce of her soul. We wish we knew the depth of her despair to see past her smile, laugh, jokes, unconditional outpour of love and urge to take care of others. Mom was a strong, outwardly appearing, happy person but she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders to protect us from the abuse she lived within her four walls. That weight eventually became too much. Chris died by suicide on 11-23-2021. She was the recipient of domestic abuse and although he did not pull the trigger, he was a major factor of dragging her into the abyss that she didn't feel like she could crawl out of. Chris's final chapter does not define her. Her legacy is her children, grandchildren and family. She continued to show up despite her internal turmoil and she always prayed for a miracle. Mom was cremated so her ashes are always with us. Mom did not want or feel she deserved to have a Mass/funeral. There is no headstone with her name on it. This bench is the only physical item we have left to visit and feel her presence. I hope you feel her with you now - she would be your biggest cheerleader. If you're reading this and have walked this painful and scary road to that dark place, please remember how brave you are for still being here and continuing to fight. Give yourself time with patience, grace and gentleness. You have fight left in you and I am proud of you for being here. You are worthy of a beautiful life. If you are a victim of domestic violence, I am so sorry. Nothing you did or can do makes you deserve this. Speak your truth and reach out to anyone and everyone. You have nothing to be ashamed of and please do not let anyone have that control over you; emotionally, physically or financially. Break the stigma of mental health and/or being a victim of domestic abuse by telling your story, seeking therapy and growing independently to stay safe mentally and physically. If you have been fortunate enough to not experience either battles, please ask those around you how they truly are. Look for signs small and big. Look out for them and keep them safe. Be there to help them in any way you can and follow up with them. Let them know they are loved and needed, that they are important. Encourage them, stay close and support their feelings without judgement. Together we can make a difference and keep our loved ones safe!