Our beautiful daughter would be turning 18 years old today
if she had not died of cancer at the age of 12 and a half.
Sometimes, I try to imagine what she would look like today:
She would have green eyes, golden skin, long legs and fingers, and beauty marks.
How would her features have developed?
What would her character be like?
She would still be funny, courageous, intuitive, sassy and creative - I know that for sure.
Would she be awaiting college acceptance letters, or would she already know her plans for next year?
There are no answers to these questions.
What we have
is the gift
of 12 and a half years
of knowing Katie,
and the hope of a reunion in the future.
There are no answers to these questions.
What we have
is the gift
of 12 and a half years
of knowing Katie,
and the hope of a reunion in the future.
We love you and miss you every.single.day.
We are grateful that you are our daughter forever.
We will honor your memory together and
celebrate your birth today!
celebrate your birth today!
"All sorrows can be borne if you tell a story about them."
- Karen Blixen (a.k.a. Isak Dinesen)
My husband is Dutch and I love their tradition of congratulating the whole family on birthdays. So congratulations Karen and family on your beautiful girl's birthday. And happy birthday Katie. I love these photos, they show such love between you all, which is never lost. Take care Karen, thinking of you all xx
ReplyDeleteWrapping you in love and comfort today Karen.
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A beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. That reunion will be as sweet as the day she was born. Love to you all!
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Yes, Happy Birthday to Katie and to all of you!! The pictures you posted show a girl who truly enjoyed her time on earth. I hope you can wrap the memories around you on this very special day. Sending lots of love to you Karen.
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Robin
(((((((((((Karen))))))))))))) Quite obviously gorgeous inside and out. You will most definitely be in my thoughts and my prayers all day, dear Karen.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen. 18! So hard for a mother to love that precious girl and not have her here for this big day. I know she IS here, in another way--in the hearts of all who love her, including me; and in the heart of the Father who created such a spectacular specimen of a girl; and in spirit, alive and well and vibrant. We do indeed await that reunion.
ReplyDeleteAll my love to you on this tender day, and big hugs. You are a brave and beautiful lady.
Happy Birthday to all of you as you remember that joyous day 18 years ago. It's so easy to see in your photos what a stunningly beautiful 18yo and high school senior she would have been. What a loss to all of us that your funny and lovely and loving girl is not here. May you find smiles and laughter amid the tears today. Love you.
ReplyDeleteWords seem small and unable to share the depth of my heart to you this day. Much love and hug a come across the miles to you and your whole family today. Somehow I think all our kids may be celebrating somehow in thel widest way...a toast to your sweet girl today....much, much love to you.
ReplyDeleteSaying a special prayer for you, your family, and Katie today. I hope you are surrounded by love today and find some solace there.
ReplyDeleteI agree that words feel small in the face of the enormity of your loss. Katie was so beautiful! And so, so loved. What a great joy, parallel to the loss. Happy Birthday to your girl, and to your family, happy birthday as you remember the beautiful day of her birth.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your girl. I am so grateful to have known her heart through yours, Karen. I am sending you love and blessings today espcially and onward.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you on this monumental day. Yes ~ celebration is in order. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your uniquely precious and vibrant Katie. Prayers for comfort, deep joy and peace for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteKaren B.
Just so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe think of you all often, but especially in March and August. I am grateful for how deeply she was loved and cherished in her short life. Every child should be so blessed.
ReplyDeleteI have a sister who is going through some things and for a few years now she has been estranged from our family. I miss her all the time. Her birthday is March 10th, two days after Katie's. I've actually expressed to her the fragility of life and how there is a boy who no longer has his sister. I still have my sister, and I always pray that she will come around to us one day. I remind how short our time is here and not to waste any of it...here's to her finally getting the message one day.
Katie, happiest of birthdays to you in heaven, beautiful little lady. I hope you can see how much you are loved, missed, and admired down here.
We love you, Karen.
Hugs to you and your family. Happy Birthday Katie.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to Katie, and to you. There is so much love in these pictures, and that love will stay with you always. xoxox
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