6A = THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FACES IN THE CROWD
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 2002
Student finds inspiration, solace in sibling's memory
A touch of Irish in downtown Lawrence
KIMBERLY THOMPSON/KANSAN
Lion Lions Chase
By Adam Pracht Kansan staff writer
Kristen Landes, Gladstone, Mo., freshman, jokes around with Corinne Deuel, Norfolk, Neb., freshman, in Lands' Gertrude Sellards Pearson-Corbin Residence Hall room. Landes said her sister's death helped shape her personality.
Kristen Landes grew up as an only child.
Yet she said her sister Amy, who died before Kristen was born, shaped much of her life and personality.
"I feel like she's always my guardian angel," the Gladstone, Mo., freshman said, "I feel like I have a relationship with her."
Kristen said even though she never got to meet her sister, she felt her absence. As a child, she noticed that others took their family for granted.
Judy Landes, Kristen's mother, said Amy was born in March of 1979 with multiple congenital anomalies. Judy said Amy had multiple symptoms without a known cause, such as seizures, weak muscles and fragile bones. Her condition slowly deteriorated until she died in January of 1980.
"When she started talking, we knew this was going to be a life experience," Rick said. "She exceeded all expectations."
"My friends would fight with their siblings," she said. "Oh, I hate my brother. I hate my sister.' I'd always get so angry. Be so thankful that you have a brother or sister."
Both Judy and her husband, Rick Landes, said they were concerned throughout Kristen's early life that she would have the same problems, but it was not long before they were certain Kristen would be physically healthy.
Kristen Landes said that Amy's life has taught her to treasure her own life.
"You just need to take each experience and know that you're going to learn something from it," she said. "I don't believe that God gives you anything you can't handle. Things are totally difficult sometimes, but you just have to deal with it."
Both Rick and Judy Landes said they agreed that Amy's life had made Kristen a more compassionate person.
But Amy's story still influences Kristen. When she isn't in school, she helps her mother who directs a program for learning-delayed children. She has helped since she was about 6 years old. On weekends, Kristen volunteers at the Lawrence Humane Society to get animals used to human contact. In addition to pursuing a degree in strategic communications, she will join the dance team for the Kansas City Wizards soccer team this spring.
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"I think that she fully believes
Contact Pracht at apracht@kansan.com. This story was edited by Andy Gassaway.
that everyone has something to contribute no matter what their limitations," Rick said.
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