Remembering Rose Helin

 One year ago today, Rose Helin passed away. I thought I'd mark this sad anniversary by sharing a memory of her - something that I'll try to do every year. I first met Rose in August of 2001. I had just moved to the Twin Ports a few months before, and was hosting a film showing at my house. I think it was the Greening of the Cuban Revolution? Anyway, I remember sitting on the front steps half hour before hand with my friends Rob & Monica, when Rose's mom dropped her off. Without saying a word, Rose walked right past us, went into the house and sat in the dark, empty living room waiting for the event to start. I don't remember her saying anything that night, other than maybe answering some small talk questions. But the next day I got an email from her, asking to meet up to talk about the film. We agreed to go for a walk. When I pulled up to her house, she walked out wearing a Gilligan's hat and sun glasses, got into my car, and then immediately proceeded to bombard me with hours worth of questions, comments and witty insights about Cuba, feminism, pop culture, the Russian Revolution, Trotsky's Theory of Permanent Revolution, you name it. Her brain was amazing, and her curiosity was limitless! That first walk lasted all afternoon, and ended up somehow involving breaking into an abandoned house and climbing up on the railing of a railroad bridge (well, Rose did at least, I stood back from a safe distance and admired her bravery and sense of adventure). What a spot on introduction to Rose! There will never be another quite like her. You are missed, Rose.  ~October 10, 2024