We did it - we fulfilled her wish, and scattered Katie's ashes at Camp Goodtimes West today.
David, Gregg and I took the ferry to the island and helped with camp set-up. More staff began to arrive in the afternoon, and the excitement was building. Tonight is the beginning of staff training, and it will continue tomorrow. I will go back again on Sunday, to help with registration when the campers arrive. It made me happy to be at camp today, to feel the love in the preparations, as everything is made ready for children with cancer, and those in remission (and their siblings) to have a wonderful week of fun.
Flowers from Paul & Heidi's garden.
There are many, many photographs of us scattering Katie's ashes. Here are a few of them, taken by our friend Ann Marie, who stayed on shore at the camp's beach to photograph this for us. Paul ("Mooselips") went with us in the double canoe, and took more photos. He will share the ones he took, soon.
I am profoundly grateful for Camp Goodtimes, because Katie had such a good time there that she asked us to scatter her ashes on the premises. And I'm profoundly grateful that the staff has been so supportive of our family's need to fulfill our promise to Katie, and has been patient until we were emotionally able to do so. It has been three years since we took David and Katie to Camp Goodtimes for their week of fun. It was a privilege to be able to help with camp set-up today, and then to have the space and time to honor Katie's desire. It feels good to have done this for her.
28 comments:
Karen, there aren't words enough to describe how I feel after reading this. The tears rolling down my cheeks say it best. I'm glad that you got the opportunity to scatter her ashes at camp, and that Melon and Moose were there for you. Holding you close in prayer, always. xoxoNeon
What words can I choose that can adequately say what a special thing you've done as a family to not only grant Katie's wish, but also let campers feel her spirit at Camp Goodtimes where she and David had such...well, good times! I still marvel in her wisdom at such a young age to know what she wanted ~ from her Goodwill donation to where she wanted her ashes. XOXOXO L
Oh my sweet friend...I prayed with you all day...heard it was today...sending you lots of love tonight...
Karen, what a wonderful mother you are. You honor Katie (and David too) with everything you do and everything you are. And what a precious gift Katie left you by asking you to honor her memory in a way that allowed you to embrace the love and delight she expressed and embodied in some of her happiest moments. You are a special family, indeed. Much, much love to you all.
Oh, Karen. Love to you.
yes, words fail, so i send love.
Karen, what a special day and I'm sure Katie is smiling at the beautiful style with which you fulfilled this very special wish. I can't even imagine the emotions attached to all of this - it's too huge for me to even pretend to understand what the proper words would be. "Much too much emotion, to hold in your hands." as our friend James Taylor wrote and sang. As with everything you do to honor your sweet Katie, the commitment and creativity with which you manage these milestones is nothing short of inspiring. Hugs to you all and lots of love. Susie
I have no words, but I am thinking of your family.
I am crying, but crying in a good way. Glad it was such a lovely day for you all.
How momentous and how lovely, just like you, just like your daughter. She is forever part of that place and all of our hearts whose lives she has touched. I am so glad you found peace as you carried out her wishes. I wish you more of that completion, my friend.
karen- i am so touched by what you all did with Katie's ashes....i'm sure she was there, helping you all along to be able to do so. At, least i'd like to think. Your family is wonderful....I wish I had known Katie...but i feel like I do, when i hear you lol or make a smart-a$$ comment:) or tell a magnificent story about something, i IMAGINE katie....i cannot wait for the pics.....from mooselips.
love you guys
mother tucker
With much love to you as you honor your so beautiful daughter. I know you are missing her terribly on your birthday, but somehow I can see her smile and hear her giggle through the love you pour out for her.
Karen, I understand the deep gratitude and appreciation for those others you've joined in the cancer world - the family that all of a sudden becomes your family, an extension of the arms that embrace your child and allow her to experience life to its fullest. Camp Goodtimes sounds like a magical place, obviously one Katie adored, and so a very-fitting place for you to "let her go". I also understand the depth of love it takes to honor your child's wishes, as I walk in those shoes as well. That's what it is, bottom line - LOVE for your darling girl that continues to enable you to do whatever it takes to make her happy, and therefore allows you peace in your heart.
(((((((Karen, Gregg and David))))))))
Mich
Oh Karen...how difficult it must be to follow through with those wishes when everything in us wants to hold on for a little longer. The pictures are beautiful, my friend.
Hugs,
~kay
This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. I am sure she is pleased with what you have done. Your strenght is just amazing.
xoxoxox
Love to your family.
Suz
Big hugs to you all. What a precious bittersweet moment fulfilling Katie's wish without her presence--or maybe not. So glad you were together and surrounded by love. Hugs and love on this special day.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
love and prayers to you and yours, Karen.
Hugs and kisses to all of you! xoxoxo
May God continue to bless you and others with precious memories!!
Your pain and joy are shared by those of us who read your inspiring words and study the maginficent photos you share.
Thank you many times over for taking me on this healing journey; I am touched and encouraged to fight against my challenges by your strength.
Warmly, Ferret
Thank you for sharing. Peace.
I'm so glad you were able to do this. I can feel the sense of calm, I can see the sense of closure, at least of this chapter of mourning and memory.
So beautiful.
Beautiful and terrible. Such a tension.
Thinking of you,
Carin
Karen- I hope you had a wonderful bithday yesterday. Thoughts are with you, David and Gregg.
Shannon Coleman (Scottsdale, AZ)
Beautiful and profound. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending you love and peace.
oh karen that is beautiful. it gives my heart HOPE for a great week for my kids. that is awesome.
what a sweet place in your heart.
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