Katie was born on Wednesday, November 8, 1978, at 5:30 in the morning. She was our second daughter, who came into our life with tiny red curls and blue-green eyes. She was a happy baby, and even when she had to have her feet broken as a corrective measure, she was still happy.
She loved her family, and she loved all animals. Her heart was a big one.
She enjoyed climbing trees, dancing, playing with Barbie dolls, and dressing up. One year her father made her and her sister a Barbie doll house and Mandy and Katie just loved it.
We went to County Fairs and rode on Merry-go-Rounds and ate popcorn and ice cream.
When asked by an old lady where she had gotten her red curls, Katie smiled and told her “One day Mommy was cutting my Daddy’s beard and it fell on my head and started to grow!”
She had a wicked good laugh and loved to sing everything from songs she heard on the radio, to songs she made up in her head.
I didn’t know that I would only have 2415 days, or 6 years, 7 months, and 11 days with her.
Had I known, I would have laughed more and appreciated every single hour of every single day.
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The accident happened. I’m grateful that I do not recall too much of it. I am also grateful that even though Katie never woke up from the coma she was in, at least we were able to hold her and kiss her before she passed away.
This year she would have been forty-four years old. She might have had a family of her very own.
Instead, from June 19, 1985, when she passed away until November eighth, 2022, I look back and see that she has been gone from us for 13,657 days, or 37 years, 4 months, 21 days. When I saw that I felt quite overwhelmed.
Most days I do well. But some days I am not sure how I have managed to cope.
We all miss you, Katie. I wish you were still with us. You were and still are greatly loved.
Kathleen Alynne
So beautiful maribeth. Thank u for sharing all of the wonderful pics. Sorry u r hurting. Take care Mary Castaldi ❤️ ♥️
Every time you write about Katie I cry for you. She was a beautiful little girl.
You are so strong and I can feel your love for her through your posts. Big virtual hugs.
I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet little girl and her mama only once. Losing a family member is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to go through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dad as you get through each day. It never gets easy
I am so grateful to be able to say that I knew Katie and loved her and she knew my love for her. It’s hard to imagine how many years have flown by. Seems like only yesterday she was climbing trees in your yard.
I remember hearing about the accident & clinging to my children.
It seems to me that there are à lot more photos of Katie this year. I can imagine how you feel this day. For the moment I feel terrible each 29th of à month. The day Rick passed away and that’s already 6 month now. I never thought I would miss him so much.
Sending you much love Maribeth. I’m sure it’s not something you can ever truly process completely no matter how much time passes. I hope you take comfort in your memories and in the knowledge she knew the love of family. May God comfort you on this day each year especially xo