Donating Katie's Books

Today, I did something that I haven't been able to face until now: giving away Katie's books to the Bainbridge Island Public Library, according to her will.

I knew that I would do this eventually, because it was Katie's wish, but I couldn't face going through her books. I tried, but it made me too sad. Then, one day last week, I found that I could do it. I picked out only the books that we don't want to keep for sentimental reasons, or for David, or for the possibility of --dare I write this? -- grandchildren, some day. So I called Gail, who was Katie's mentor (when she was a volunteer at the library), and we made an appointment to meet. I took a large box of books with me, as well as some magazines that needed to be donated. (Here is a photo of Gail, with Katie's books.)


[Some of these will be given to other organizations, since the library didn't need all of them. I am going to take the rest of the books to the Hutch School, which I've written about before; they can use donations. If you live in the area and want to help, they have a wish list on their website.]

I feel good about carrying out Katie's wishes, and it was lovely to see Gail, who knew Katie (and appreciated her character). I am still amazed that Katie got to be a volunteer at such a young age. It was really the only "job" that she ever had, other than dog-sitting, or helping to greet guests and take care of coats at a neighbor's party. I thank God that she got to experience the joy and responsibility of volunteering at the public library. She liked it so much that she even discussed the possibility of working there, one day in the future.