January 1
January 1
Miss you. Wish we’d stayed in touch.
My sister Sophie ended her struggle with mental illness on April 29, 2015. After years of peaks and lows, denials and acceptance she left this world. Throughout her own, self imposed, suffering she was always keenly aware of the plight of those less fortunate. Her intention to help teenage girls was borne out of her own challenging youth and started after we both visited Tanzania on a school trip in early 1990.
The fundraiser (detailed below) has been reopened until February 2021 at:
www.facebook.com/donate/414268996612889/10...
Please consider a donation, every little bit helps!
During an active period in 2010 Sophie initiated her idea for a charity. She named it the Order of the Crimson Poppy. After her passing I set up a fanpage to raise awareness for the cause and to raise funds for Sophie's objective. An account of how we met (and are continuing with) this cause is touched on below. Please visit the [Stories] tab above to read more about Sophie and tributes to her personally.
Visit the Order of the Crimson Poppy on facebook (many of you already have, thanks!) fanpage: www.facebook.com/OotCrimsonPoppy
In a few months after Sophie's passing, the first fundraiser raised enough to pay for tuition, room and board for 4 years of residential study at Moringe Sokoine Secondary School in Monduli, Tanzania. This is the same school Sophie and I volunteered at 3 decades ago! Through Liz Manning, a dedicated former teacher at ISD, I was able to get in touch with Seth Msinjili an enduring personal friend and the headmaster at MSSS. Seth proposed we sponsor a girl in form 1. The facebook page above is basically about her. By all accounts she is full of smiles now, a stellar pupil and a top performer in her form 4 exams.
Now it's time to get Kadogo through secondary school and into university! The goal is to raise independently for each year. I have inlisted the help of Hellen John (a teacher at MSSS) to help update the fanpage so we can all follow Kadogo's progress.
To visit the fundraiser please go to : https://www.facebook.com/donate/414268996612889/
(note that this is a personal fundraiser initiated by me personally, Facebook does not allow fundraising for pages that do not represent a registered charity). If you would like to donate another way or have any concerns please see below and/or get in touch with me directly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archived Text
We had the Wake and Funeral on the 5th and 6th of May 2015. I set up this Memorial Website so that those who visit can see and share their own photos, videos and condolences. Music from the services is available. Feel free to add songs you know she liked or enjoy in her memory.
In happier and more productive times she formed the "Order of the Crimson Poppy" late in 2010. Her intention was to use rental proceeds from a family owned property in Curacao to support the basic needs of poor children in Tanzania. As her oldest brother, I was a founding member and championed her initiative. Though Sophie helped with interior design and intermittently with day to day running of the hostel, her illness prevented her from being involved as much as she would have liked. I decided that supporting local charities would be more appropriate as there are many on Curaçao that can use help. The Order of the Crimson Poppy was to become a more personal initiative supported by friends and family with Sophie at its core. No more flowers or outings or presents presents but a donation to a girl(s) as a way of celebrating a life cut short in an enduring and uplifting way through education and the power that brings.
Sophie was always more concerned with the plight of others than her own. Although she had the best of intentions, her disorder prevented any concrete plan of action. Now that she is free from her suffering I will turn her intentions into action and continue her initiative.
As I write this, her family is preparing for her memorial and funeral. I have been inundated with messages of support, condolences and questions of: "How can we help?" We have enough flowers, and friends and family are joining us to farewell her in the coming days. We value every bit of support and also realize that there is only so much we can physically accomplish in our grief.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We value any and all donations in her name to help expand our efforts and turn Sophie's memory into a force for good. I will be publishing a book of her poetry and those who donate will have the opportunity to receive a personal copy as thanks for their contribution. Please get in touch with me and I will send you a copy in the format of your choice.
Not everyone can donate with a credit card, there are other ways:
-Paypal: paypal.me/ForKadogo2020 (indicate that this is for "Crimson Poppy")
-IBAN (International Bank Account Number) to: NL24 RABO 01604628 43
(you may only need the last 10 numbers)
You can contact (WhatsApp) me on +3161292818
I thank you for any help you can give. Phie is Free!
Love,
Art
The fundraiser (detailed below) has been reopened until February 2021 at:
www.facebook.com/donate/414268996612889/10...
Please consider a donation, every little bit helps!
During an active period in 2010 Sophie initiated her idea for a charity. She named it the Order of the Crimson Poppy. After her passing I set up a fanpage to raise awareness for the cause and to raise funds for Sophie's objective. An account of how we met (and are continuing with) this cause is touched on below. Please visit the [Stories] tab above to read more about Sophie and tributes to her personally.
Visit the Order of the Crimson Poppy on facebook (many of you already have, thanks!) fanpage: www.facebook.com/OotCrimsonPoppy
In a few months after Sophie's passing, the first fundraiser raised enough to pay for tuition, room and board for 4 years of residential study at Moringe Sokoine Secondary School in Monduli, Tanzania. This is the same school Sophie and I volunteered at 3 decades ago! Through Liz Manning, a dedicated former teacher at ISD, I was able to get in touch with Seth Msinjili an enduring personal friend and the headmaster at MSSS. Seth proposed we sponsor a girl in form 1. The facebook page above is basically about her. By all accounts she is full of smiles now, a stellar pupil and a top performer in her form 4 exams.
Now it's time to get Kadogo through secondary school and into university! The goal is to raise independently for each year. I have inlisted the help of Hellen John (a teacher at MSSS) to help update the fanpage so we can all follow Kadogo's progress.
To visit the fundraiser please go to : https://www.facebook.com/donate/414268996612889/
(note that this is a personal fundraiser initiated by me personally, Facebook does not allow fundraising for pages that do not represent a registered charity). If you would like to donate another way or have any concerns please see below and/or get in touch with me directly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archived Text
We had the Wake and Funeral on the 5th and 6th of May 2015. I set up this Memorial Website so that those who visit can see and share their own photos, videos and condolences. Music from the services is available. Feel free to add songs you know she liked or enjoy in her memory.
In happier and more productive times she formed the "Order of the Crimson Poppy" late in 2010. Her intention was to use rental proceeds from a family owned property in Curacao to support the basic needs of poor children in Tanzania. As her oldest brother, I was a founding member and championed her initiative. Though Sophie helped with interior design and intermittently with day to day running of the hostel, her illness prevented her from being involved as much as she would have liked. I decided that supporting local charities would be more appropriate as there are many on Curaçao that can use help. The Order of the Crimson Poppy was to become a more personal initiative supported by friends and family with Sophie at its core. No more flowers or outings or presents presents but a donation to a girl(s) as a way of celebrating a life cut short in an enduring and uplifting way through education and the power that brings.
Sophie was always more concerned with the plight of others than her own. Although she had the best of intentions, her disorder prevented any concrete plan of action. Now that she is free from her suffering I will turn her intentions into action and continue her initiative.
As I write this, her family is preparing for her memorial and funeral. I have been inundated with messages of support, condolences and questions of: "How can we help?" We have enough flowers, and friends and family are joining us to farewell her in the coming days. We value every bit of support and also realize that there is only so much we can physically accomplish in our grief.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We value any and all donations in her name to help expand our efforts and turn Sophie's memory into a force for good. I will be publishing a book of her poetry and those who donate will have the opportunity to receive a personal copy as thanks for their contribution. Please get in touch with me and I will send you a copy in the format of your choice.
Not everyone can donate with a credit card, there are other ways:
-Paypal: paypal.me/ForKadogo2020 (indicate that this is for "Crimson Poppy")
-IBAN (International Bank Account Number) to: NL24 RABO 01604628 43
(you may only need the last 10 numbers)
You can contact (WhatsApp) me on +3161292818
I thank you for any help you can give. Phie is Free!
Love,
Art
Tributes
Leave a tribute
April 26, 2023
April 26, 2023
Dedicating a heartfelt thought to you today, Sophie.
April 26, 2023
April 26, 2023
Sophie would have loved this.
Sophie used to...
Sophie told me...
So many memories from the past.
But missing you is always present tense.
Sophie used to...
Sophie told me...
So many memories from the past.
But missing you is always present tense.
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
Even though you're gone
and left
You continue
to inspire me
to write and play
and to live.
I just wanted you
to know that.
Love always.
and left
You continue
to inspire me
to write and play
and to live.
I just wanted you
to know that.
Love always.
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2021
bijzondere dag.
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Kleuterschool Wassenaar daar leerde ik de familie Klep kennen.
Heb altijd aan jullie gedacht.
Dit te lezen stemt mij erg verdrietig.
Heb altijd aan jullie gedacht.
Dit te lezen stemt mij erg verdrietig.
January 2, 2021
January 2, 2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I have not had the opportunity of meeting Sophie personally once I remember that she was at that time in Boston. It was between 1996/1997. She was 20.
That was when I met Jaap Klep. In Cologne. I had always heard about her and her time abroad. The familiy lived at that time in Düsseldorf.
Would be nice to hear from Jaap after so many years.
mail@marcelo-marinho.de
I do hope that, wherever she is, she could find her way and her peace.
I am sure that she will be forever in good memory in her family.
God bless her.
I have not had the opportunity of meeting Sophie personally once I remember that she was at that time in Boston. It was between 1996/1997. She was 20.
That was when I met Jaap Klep. In Cologne. I had always heard about her and her time abroad. The familiy lived at that time in Düsseldorf.
Would be nice to hear from Jaap after so many years.
mail@marcelo-marinho.de
I do hope that, wherever she is, she could find her way and her peace.
I am sure that she will be forever in good memory in her family.
God bless her.
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020
Thinking of you, Sophie my dear!
December 16, 2020
December 16, 2020
Omdat ik je mis vandaag en aan je denk.
BAD YEAR
Even in this bad year,
the apples grow heavy and round.
Three friends and I trade stories:
biopsy, miscarriage, solitude,
a parent’s unraveling body or mind.
What is reliable? What do you hold?
I demand of the future, later.
The future – whose discretion is perfect –
says nothing, but rolls another
apple loose from its grip.
A hopeful yellow jacket comes to hunt
the crack, the point of easy entry.
- Jane Hirshfield
BAD YEAR
Even in this bad year,
the apples grow heavy and round.
Three friends and I trade stories:
biopsy, miscarriage, solitude,
a parent’s unraveling body or mind.
What is reliable? What do you hold?
I demand of the future, later.
The future – whose discretion is perfect –
says nothing, but rolls another
apple loose from its grip.
A hopeful yellow jacket comes to hunt
the crack, the point of easy entry.
- Jane Hirshfield
May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
Thinking of you and your beautiful smile
April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020
Denken aan deze dag.
April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020
You continue
to inspire me
to write and play
and to live
I just wanted you
to know that.
to inspire me
to write and play
and to live
I just wanted you
to know that.
February 15, 2020
February 15, 2020
The Red Poppy
The great thing
is not having
a mind. Feelings:
oh, I have those; they
govern me. I have
a lord in heaven
called the sun, and open
for him, showing him
the fire of my own heart, fire
like his presence.
What could such glory be
if not a heart? Oh my brothers and sisters,
were you like me once, long ago,
before you were human? Did you
permit yourselves
to open once, who would never
open again? Because in truth
I am speaking now
the way you do. I speak
because I am shattered.
- Louise Glück
Thinking of you Sophie.
Carrying you in my heart.
The great thing
is not having
a mind. Feelings:
oh, I have those; they
govern me. I have
a lord in heaven
called the sun, and open
for him, showing him
the fire of my own heart, fire
like his presence.
What could such glory be
if not a heart? Oh my brothers and sisters,
were you like me once, long ago,
before you were human? Did you
permit yourselves
to open once, who would never
open again? Because in truth
I am speaking now
the way you do. I speak
because I am shattered.
- Louise Glück
Thinking of you Sophie.
Carrying you in my heart.
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2019
On this date, 20 years ago, we rang in the new year and celebrated your birthday. Had really lovely fun funny times in NYC, Utrecht, your home in Curaçao. You gave me and left me with so much. There was some clear insight into your struggles, but they were seemingly such a small facet of the rest of what made you, they in no way defined you. I miss you.
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2019
As I think of you Sophie
As I see your face in my minds eye
And I feel you all around
I wish you peace and tranquility
Where ever you roam
Where ever you fly now
But most of all
I wish you love and peace
I wish to you a happy birth day
And even though you've gone
You are always here with me
Close to my heart
My dear friend of old
Manny happy returns
Baby sweet
Seb.
.
As I see your face in my minds eye
And I feel you all around
I wish you peace and tranquility
Where ever you roam
Where ever you fly now
But most of all
I wish you love and peace
I wish to you a happy birth day
And even though you've gone
You are always here with me
Close to my heart
My dear friend of old
Manny happy returns
Baby sweet
Seb.
.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Denken aan deze dag blijft moeilijk.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Your in my thoughts and in my heart Sophie.
Miss you.
Seb.
Miss you.
Seb.
April 29, 2019
April 29, 2019
The poppies send up their
orange flares; swaying
in the wind, their congregations
are a levitation
of bright dust, of thin
and lacy leaves.
There isn’t a place
in this world that doesn’t
sooner or later drown
in the indigos of darkness,
but now, for a while,
the roughage
shines like a miracle
as it floats above everything
with its yellow hair.
Of course nothing stops the cold,
black, curved blade
from hooking forward—
of course
loss is the great lesson.
But I also say this: that light
is an invitation
to happiness,
and that happiness,
when it’s done right,
is a kind of holiness,
palpable and redemptive.
Inside the bright fields,
touched by their rough and spongy gold,
I am washed and washed
in the river
of earthly delight—
and what are you going to do—
what can you do
about it—
deep, blue night?
- Mary Oliver
I miss you Sophie, the most beautiful poppy of them all.
orange flares; swaying
in the wind, their congregations
are a levitation
of bright dust, of thin
and lacy leaves.
There isn’t a place
in this world that doesn’t
sooner or later drown
in the indigos of darkness,
but now, for a while,
the roughage
shines like a miracle
as it floats above everything
with its yellow hair.
Of course nothing stops the cold,
black, curved blade
from hooking forward—
of course
loss is the great lesson.
But I also say this: that light
is an invitation
to happiness,
and that happiness,
when it’s done right,
is a kind of holiness,
palpable and redemptive.
Inside the bright fields,
touched by their rough and spongy gold,
I am washed and washed
in the river
of earthly delight—
and what are you going to do—
what can you do
about it—
deep, blue night?
- Mary Oliver
I miss you Sophie, the most beautiful poppy of them all.
January 16, 2019
January 16, 2019
Miss you Sophie. I wish time hadn’t swept us all along in its wake.
January 3, 2019
January 3, 2019
I wish all the Klep Family a happy new year. Best regards to Jaap Klep.
Marcelo Marinho.
Cologne, Germany
Marcelo Marinho.
Cologne, Germany
January 2, 2019
January 2, 2019
Blijft een bijzondere dag.
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2018
❤️
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2018
I will light a candle for you today
And I'll sing a song
As I will be here
Year after year
To tell you
I miss you
happy birth day Sophie.
Sebas
And I'll sing a song
As I will be here
Year after year
To tell you
I miss you
happy birth day Sophie.
Sebas
May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018
Hey Soph, I read this poem today and think you might have liked it.
It's by Richard Jackson.
I miss you.
E.
ALTERNATE ENDINGS
There are times when they gather at the edge of your life,
Shadows slipping over the far hills, daffodils
blooming too early, the dark matter of the universe
that threads its way through the few thousand blackbirds
that have invaded the trees out back. Every ending
sloughs off our dreams like snakeskin. This is the kind of
black ice the mind skids across. The candlelight burning down
into the sand. The night leaving its ashes in our eyes.
There are times when your voice turns over in my sleep.
It is no longer blind. The sky is no longer deaf.
There are times when it seems the stars practice
all night just to become fireflies, when it seems there is
no end to what our hearts scribble on corridor walls.
Only when we look at each other do we cease to be ourselves.
Only at a certain height does the smoke blend into air.
There are times when your words seem welded to that sky.
There are times when love is so complicated it circles
like chimney swifts unable to decide where to land.
There are endings so sad their shadows scuff the dirt.
Their sky is as inconsolable as the two year old, Zahra,
torn from her mother and beaten to death in the Sudan.
There are endings so sad I want the morning light
to scourge the fields. Endings that are only what the river
dreams when it dries up. Endings that are constant echoes.
There are times when I think we are satellites collecting
dust from one of the earlier births of the universe Don't give up.
Each ending is an hourglass filled with doors. There are times
when I feel you might be searching for me, when I can read
what is written on the far sides of stars. I'm nearly out of time.
My heart is a dragonfly. I'll have to settle for this, standing under
a waterfall of words you never said. There are times like this
when no ending appears, times when I am so inconsolably happy.
It's by Richard Jackson.
I miss you.
E.
ALTERNATE ENDINGS
There are times when they gather at the edge of your life,
Shadows slipping over the far hills, daffodils
blooming too early, the dark matter of the universe
that threads its way through the few thousand blackbirds
that have invaded the trees out back. Every ending
sloughs off our dreams like snakeskin. This is the kind of
black ice the mind skids across. The candlelight burning down
into the sand. The night leaving its ashes in our eyes.
There are times when your voice turns over in my sleep.
It is no longer blind. The sky is no longer deaf.
There are times when it seems the stars practice
all night just to become fireflies, when it seems there is
no end to what our hearts scribble on corridor walls.
Only when we look at each other do we cease to be ourselves.
Only at a certain height does the smoke blend into air.
There are times when your words seem welded to that sky.
There are times when love is so complicated it circles
like chimney swifts unable to decide where to land.
There are endings so sad their shadows scuff the dirt.
Their sky is as inconsolable as the two year old, Zahra,
torn from her mother and beaten to death in the Sudan.
There are endings so sad I want the morning light
to scourge the fields. Endings that are only what the river
dreams when it dries up. Endings that are constant echoes.
There are times when I think we are satellites collecting
dust from one of the earlier births of the universe Don't give up.
Each ending is an hourglass filled with doors. There are times
when I feel you might be searching for me, when I can read
what is written on the far sides of stars. I'm nearly out of time.
My heart is a dragonfly. I'll have to settle for this, standing under
a waterfall of words you never said. There are times like this
when no ending appears, times when I am so inconsolably happy.
April 30, 2018
April 30, 2018
Nog steeds verdrietig.
February 24, 2018
February 24, 2018
“I’ll never know and neither will you of the life you don’t choose. We’ll only know that whatever that sister life was, it was important and beautiful and not ours. It was the ghost ship that didn’t carry us. There’s nothing to do but salute it from the shore.”
Ik mis je, zo vaak Sophie x
Ik mis je, zo vaak Sophie x
January 2, 2018
January 2, 2018
Always in my heart and in my thoughts Sophie.
Miss you then miss you now ...
Miss you then miss you now ...
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2017
Miss you Sophie. You’re forever in my thoughts.
May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
Although you're on the other side you are in my heart and in my thoughts always. Lovingly I remember your smile. You're never more than a heartbeat away Sophie.
Love, tranquility, yours always
Seb.
Love, tranquility, yours always
Seb.
April 29, 2017
April 29, 2017
Always missed, Sophie.
C.
C.
April 29, 2017
April 29, 2017
Lieve Sophie,
Ben op dit ogenblik in Compostela, Spanje, N.Manu gaan vervoegen die de camino francès heeft afgestapt (800 km). Mijn gedachten gaan terug naar het jaar 2000 toen we samen met Loes en Karen je naar Madrid brachten. Dat was een super leuke trip waar we veel plezier hebben beleefd. Onderweg hebben we verschillende logementen gehad de ene al wat beter dan de andere nl. van een gîte rurale tot een chique hotel. Met deze reis blijf je steeds in mijn herinnering als een blije en opgewekte Sophie.
Liefs,
T. Jeannot
Ben op dit ogenblik in Compostela, Spanje, N.Manu gaan vervoegen die de camino francès heeft afgestapt (800 km). Mijn gedachten gaan terug naar het jaar 2000 toen we samen met Loes en Karen je naar Madrid brachten. Dat was een super leuke trip waar we veel plezier hebben beleefd. Onderweg hebben we verschillende logementen gehad de ene al wat beter dan de andere nl. van een gîte rurale tot een chique hotel. Met deze reis blijf je steeds in mijn herinnering als een blije en opgewekte Sophie.
Liefs,
T. Jeannot
January 8, 2017
January 8, 2017
Thinking of you Soph your birthday was just two days after mine! Remembering fun times at Taipa at that time of year. xxxxx
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
The greater the light, the greater the shadow. I hold your breathtaking beauty, your sweet laughter, your infectious smile, your creative spirit and your grand heart in highest spirits today. Love and light, Soph. Jx
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
Thinking of you Sophie..
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
Blijft een bijzondere dag.
Sterkte allemaal.
Sterkte allemaal.
February 6, 2016
February 6, 2016
I have not had the opportunity of meeting Sophie personally once I remember that she was at that time in Boston. It was between 1996/1997. She was 20.
As a good friend from Mr. Klep I had always heard about her and her time abroad. The familiy lived at that time in Düsseldorf.
I do hope that, wherever she is, she could find her way and her peace.
I am sure that she will be forever in good memory in her family.
God bless her.
As a good friend from Mr. Klep I had always heard about her and her time abroad. The familiy lived at that time in Düsseldorf.
I do hope that, wherever she is, she could find her way and her peace.
I am sure that she will be forever in good memory in her family.
God bless her.
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2015
Vandaag pas ontdekt dat wij dezelfde geboorte dag hebben. Denk aan jou en alle klepjes.
December 4, 2015
December 4, 2015
Lieve Sophie,
Eens in de zoveel tijd zoek je op de naam van mensen die een bijzondere herinnering bij je hebben achtergelaten. Begin dit jaar deed ik dat, want ik wilde graag weer eens met je in contact komen. Je was nergens te vinden met een profiel.
Toen ik dat vanavond weer deed, werd ik erg verdrietig. Je bent één van de ècht bijzondere mensen die ik in mijn leven heb leren kennen. Ik had gehoopt dat je na onze laatste ontmoeting in Utrecht in 2001 nog eens wilde afspreken, maar ik heb je daarna tot mijn spijt nooit kunnen weervinden.
Ik miste je zonder dat je dat wist. Ik heb je dat nooit kunnen vertellen en daarom hoop ik dat je dit leest. Het mooie doel dat je hebt nagelaten tekent jou als het bijzondere mens dat ik heb leren kennen.
Ik ken het huis dat je verhuurt op Curaçao en heb er fijne herinneringen aan. Hoe we de CD van Madonna grijs hebben gedraaid onderweg naar allerlei plekken op het eiland, hoe je me vertelde over dulce de leche, het zwembad bij jullie huis, Ben & Jerry's en onze eerste ontmoeting op Mambo.
Lieve Sophie,
Ik hoop dat je ergens bent waar je het fijn hebt en dat ik je daar ooit mag ontmoeten. Ik wens je vader Jaap, die ik ervaren heb als een lieve man, veel sterkte. Uiteraard ook veel sterkte voor de rest van je familie.
Als ik je ooit nog eens gesproken had, dan had ik je gevraagd om nog even te blijven en een avondje bij te praten. Ik weet zeker dat het fijn zou zijn geweest. Je hebt een speciaal plekje in mijn leven ingenomen.
Heel veel liefs,
Jasper
Eens in de zoveel tijd zoek je op de naam van mensen die een bijzondere herinnering bij je hebben achtergelaten. Begin dit jaar deed ik dat, want ik wilde graag weer eens met je in contact komen. Je was nergens te vinden met een profiel.
Toen ik dat vanavond weer deed, werd ik erg verdrietig. Je bent één van de ècht bijzondere mensen die ik in mijn leven heb leren kennen. Ik had gehoopt dat je na onze laatste ontmoeting in Utrecht in 2001 nog eens wilde afspreken, maar ik heb je daarna tot mijn spijt nooit kunnen weervinden.
Ik miste je zonder dat je dat wist. Ik heb je dat nooit kunnen vertellen en daarom hoop ik dat je dit leest. Het mooie doel dat je hebt nagelaten tekent jou als het bijzondere mens dat ik heb leren kennen.
Ik ken het huis dat je verhuurt op Curaçao en heb er fijne herinneringen aan. Hoe we de CD van Madonna grijs hebben gedraaid onderweg naar allerlei plekken op het eiland, hoe je me vertelde over dulce de leche, het zwembad bij jullie huis, Ben & Jerry's en onze eerste ontmoeting op Mambo.
Lieve Sophie,
Ik hoop dat je ergens bent waar je het fijn hebt en dat ik je daar ooit mag ontmoeten. Ik wens je vader Jaap, die ik ervaren heb als een lieve man, veel sterkte. Uiteraard ook veel sterkte voor de rest van je familie.
Als ik je ooit nog eens gesproken had, dan had ik je gevraagd om nog even te blijven en een avondje bij te praten. Ik weet zeker dat het fijn zou zijn geweest. Je hebt een speciaal plekje in mijn leven ingenomen.
Heel veel liefs,
Jasper
July 28, 2015
July 28, 2015
Dear Sis,
We tucked you in next to Mom, Bompa and Bomma in the cemetery in Berchem, Belgium.
It was dark and rainy on July 25th. I'm told it was "Black Saturday" because all the highways were full with people traveling to their holidays. I'm sure you would have enjoyed the "Black" part, it being your favorite color. I planted your favorite succulent right above you.
Many of the Verlendes were there to support us and we all had a catch up and lunch afterwards.
I still miss you heaps, we all do.
Love,
We tucked you in next to Mom, Bompa and Bomma in the cemetery in Berchem, Belgium.
It was dark and rainy on July 25th. I'm told it was "Black Saturday" because all the highways were full with people traveling to their holidays. I'm sure you would have enjoyed the "Black" part, it being your favorite color. I planted your favorite succulent right above you.
Many of the Verlendes were there to support us and we all had a catch up and lunch afterwards.
I still miss you heaps, we all do.
Love,
July 15, 2015
July 15, 2015
Saddened by the news. Hope that you have found the peace you seeked. Sleep well.
@ Art. Best wishes to you and your family. Stay strong.
Sudip
@ Art. Best wishes to you and your family. Stay strong.
Sudip
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Im overwhelmed.
I only knew Sophie for a few years, but it has been SO many years since there was contact. I think I visited curacao in '99, quite wonderful. Generous isn't the word, all the Klep family made me feel like family immediately. Shared Thanksgiving dinner just Sophie and Marje and myself, much fun.
Just found this email from 2010, her last correspondence to me. I'm heartbroken, but so happy as all I remember about is heart and laughter and fun. And art, your effort for this cause is beautiful.
Hey Jesse,
I need your address! I had a silly dream, a foundation in honor of my mother. The Order of the Blood-Red Poppy. After all my travels, seeing so much beauty in the world, I have decided to get my ass in gear and give back. I slowly work out logistics and a network of open-minded, positive, unique people with the right perspective, attitude and heart. More will be revealed in the letter i wish to send. I hope you're well.
Tickles,
Sophie
I only knew Sophie for a few years, but it has been SO many years since there was contact. I think I visited curacao in '99, quite wonderful. Generous isn't the word, all the Klep family made me feel like family immediately. Shared Thanksgiving dinner just Sophie and Marje and myself, much fun.
Just found this email from 2010, her last correspondence to me. I'm heartbroken, but so happy as all I remember about is heart and laughter and fun. And art, your effort for this cause is beautiful.
Hey Jesse,
I need your address! I had a silly dream, a foundation in honor of my mother. The Order of the Blood-Red Poppy. After all my travels, seeing so much beauty in the world, I have decided to get my ass in gear and give back. I slowly work out logistics and a network of open-minded, positive, unique people with the right perspective, attitude and heart. More will be revealed in the letter i wish to send. I hope you're well.
Tickles,
Sophie
June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
"Wildflowers from a friend
Do forget-me-nots ever end?
And what of perfumed petals pink?
A scent reminding my heart not to sink
How many slight bluebells gather
Can there be so much wealth in so little matter?
They greet my eyes upon the dawning of each day
I hope Esther comes to visit when I'm away"
The poem you wrote for me, keeps repeating in my mind.
Over and over.
And I still hear these words in your voice and I am afraid
that one day
I will wake up and won't remember what it sounds like.
Or your laugh.
But for now, I still hear you when I awaken.
And for now, I still see the most beautiful of eyes.
Vividly.
And I do visit you.
Every day
Since you
are
away.
E.
Do forget-me-nots ever end?
And what of perfumed petals pink?
A scent reminding my heart not to sink
How many slight bluebells gather
Can there be so much wealth in so little matter?
They greet my eyes upon the dawning of each day
I hope Esther comes to visit when I'm away"
The poem you wrote for me, keeps repeating in my mind.
Over and over.
And I still hear these words in your voice and I am afraid
that one day
I will wake up and won't remember what it sounds like.
Or your laugh.
But for now, I still hear you when I awaken.
And for now, I still see the most beautiful of eyes.
Vividly.
And I do visit you.
Every day
Since you
are
away.
E.
May 13, 2015
May 13, 2015
Dear Sophie,
I remember you dearly as a student at the International School of Düsseldorf. You were kind and full of life and very considerate towards others. I remember you also Art, and my heart goes out to you at the loss of your sister. Our deep sympathy form all at ISD.
I remember you dearly as a student at the International School of Düsseldorf. You were kind and full of life and very considerate towards others. I remember you also Art, and my heart goes out to you at the loss of your sister. Our deep sympathy form all at ISD.
May 8, 2015
May 8, 2015
Everyone is missing you Sis!
Look at all the love and fond memories!
I'm keeping your light in my heart and will share it where you couldn't.
Thanks for everyone's support. I've added one of Sophie's poems.
-Art
Look at all the love and fond memories!
I'm keeping your light in my heart and will share it where you couldn't.
Thanks for everyone's support. I've added one of Sophie's poems.
-Art
May 8, 2015
May 8, 2015
Dear Soph,
I keep thinking of our long lazy days in Curacao and I'm so grateful that I got to share this time with you. Even though you were struggling there were still times of great fun and happiness that I will cherish. I loved your cheeky side and your smile. Your smile radiated to everyone around, I will remember your smile always. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming to me, this was your nature. You talked about wanting to help others, I hope that Art and the Klep's can carry this on in your memory. I am devastated that you were lost to us.
Rest easy beautiful girl.
Much love
Janie
I keep thinking of our long lazy days in Curacao and I'm so grateful that I got to share this time with you. Even though you were struggling there were still times of great fun and happiness that I will cherish. I loved your cheeky side and your smile. Your smile radiated to everyone around, I will remember your smile always. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming to me, this was your nature. You talked about wanting to help others, I hope that Art and the Klep's can carry this on in your memory. I am devastated that you were lost to us.
Rest easy beautiful girl.
Much love
Janie
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
Dear Sophie,
I know you didn't like to be online but I think this was due to you isolating yourself. There were so many people who got in touch with me when you died that could not find a way to connect with you in the past years. I set this up with Marije's help so there would be a place where all your friends and family could leave a note, view photos of you and your memorial services and read some of the many words you wrote.
Don't worry I will only let those who really cared about you in. This will be a place where we can all remember all the wonderful sides of you. We all love and miss you.
Your big bro,
Art
I know you didn't like to be online but I think this was due to you isolating yourself. There were so many people who got in touch with me when you died that could not find a way to connect with you in the past years. I set this up with Marije's help so there would be a place where all your friends and family could leave a note, view photos of you and your memorial services and read some of the many words you wrote.
Don't worry I will only let those who really cared about you in. This will be a place where we can all remember all the wonderful sides of you. We all love and miss you.
Your big bro,
Art
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
Dear Sophie,
So many of my wonderful memories from the years my family spent in Germany involve the Klep family. I think I spent almost as much time at your house during those three years as I did my own. Marije was my best friend, and you became like a big sister to me. I remember how kind you always were, how goofy you could be, and how much fun you were to be around. You were creative and stylish, and I will always remember your absolutely radiant smile. You were truly beautiful, inside and out.
Having moved many times since then, I've lost touch with many many people...but even though time and distance separates us, Marije and the whole Klep family will always hold a very special place in my heart. I will always remember you for the beautiful soul that you are.
Love, Suzy
.
So many of my wonderful memories from the years my family spent in Germany involve the Klep family. I think I spent almost as much time at your house during those three years as I did my own. Marije was my best friend, and you became like a big sister to me. I remember how kind you always were, how goofy you could be, and how much fun you were to be around. You were creative and stylish, and I will always remember your absolutely radiant smile. You were truly beautiful, inside and out.
Having moved many times since then, I've lost touch with many many people...but even though time and distance separates us, Marije and the whole Klep family will always hold a very special place in my heart. I will always remember you for the beautiful soul that you are.
Love, Suzy
.
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
Dear Sophie,
we only met once last year on your big brother's B-day party in Leiden and it was great meeting you there, you touched my heart with your smile & our conversation (in Spanish) I will cherish. It was a good night.
You and your dear Kleps are in my thoughts & heart,
Tamara Bos
(Marloes' sister)
we only met once last year on your big brother's B-day party in Leiden and it was great meeting you there, you touched my heart with your smile & our conversation (in Spanish) I will cherish. It was a good night.
You and your dear Kleps are in my thoughts & heart,
Tamara Bos
(Marloes' sister)
May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015
Dear Sophie,
Your passing crushed me. There are many things I would have like to say to you in recent years had our paths crossed. The fact that they didn't cross will be my loss forever and I feel that loss more deeply than I can say. The conversations, looks and glances we exchanged at school lifted my spirits every time, in ways you may not even have suspected. You had a radiant smile and gorgeous eyes and they struck me each time I saw them. That is how I will remember you.
Yours,
Chico
Your passing crushed me. There are many things I would have like to say to you in recent years had our paths crossed. The fact that they didn't cross will be my loss forever and I feel that loss more deeply than I can say. The conversations, looks and glances we exchanged at school lifted my spirits every time, in ways you may not even have suspected. You had a radiant smile and gorgeous eyes and they struck me each time I saw them. That is how I will remember you.
Yours,
Chico
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 1
January 1
Miss you. Wish we’d stayed in touch.
April 26, 2023
April 26, 2023
Dedicating a heartfelt thought to you today, Sophie.
April 26, 2023
April 26, 2023
Sophie would have loved this.
Sophie used to...
Sophie told me...
So many memories from the past.
But missing you is always present tense.
Sophie used to...
Sophie told me...
So many memories from the past.
But missing you is always present tense.
Gallery
Kerst 1982 bij Bompa & Bomma met neef en nichtjes .
Op de schoot van bomma Verlende.
Sophie is het bruidsmeisje op het huwelijk van ome Lou en tante Olga in de zomer van 1978.
Sophie in Tanzania 1995 Moringe Sokoine Secondary School
Sophie in Tanzania 1993 Moringe Sokoine Secondary School
Klein lief bruidsmeisje met grote broer en 2nichtjes :1 juli 1978
Denk aan jou, in je mooie poppy dress.
20180429_121337_002
20180429_121519_002
Recent stories
Missing you always
December 31, 2020
I just miss you Sophie, your gifts are never too far. The painted tropical bean pod, the handmade books and journals, your postcards and letters. You gave others so much more than you realize, not just things, or even experiences, but your willingness to share your heart. I only wish you had conserved some of this generosity for yourself. I'll probably write again in a year or sooner, thank you for being you and for always being with me even in your absence.
Madrid 1997 Sophie,Loes,Karen,T.Jeannot
April 29, 2018
by Manu Nagels
Leuke herinnering van onze reis samen naar Madrid. T. Jeannot
On your 42nd Birthday
December 31, 2017
by Art Klep
Happy Birthday sis!
The family will all be together at Leerdam with month old Alexander.
Miss you and love you.
One of Sophie's Poems...
Peace-
a still sea,
just before jumping in,
while hearing the waves of mother's womb.
On the edge of life
unaware of its current, its pull,
its turbulence.
There's no stopping, turning around,
nor leaving-
your feet have left the ground.
Somewhere divided, you-
between air, horizon and sea.
Water still unmoved by my entry-
Was it a cocktail of courage and willingness,
or gravity itself,
which brought me to this airy moment-
seconds short of impact?
You've been immersed before,
with head above or beneath the horizon,
waves continued to undulate.
Until, a gargantuan wave,
sparing you, leaves you on a barren shore.
Then, an unsolvable puzzle
with a three dimensional time constraint,
and a morphing perspective,
reveals M.C. Escher shoots and ladders-
a Wonderland where you appear at once pawn, at once king.
Each loosely organized step
imposes change upon a lifeline,
A filament, so delicate, its end the sight of fusion,
where innumerable particles bind,
releasing the energy of Continuance.
Without warning,
nor specific purpose,
this spider's thread will lead your Weathering Will,
to face another height, upon another cliff.
Here, again, I look upon a still sea,
How to reappear?