Remembrance

23 years ago today I was involved in a terrible car accident. I have written about it here. It’s a time of my life that I no longer dwell on (not too much anyway) but it is always with me. The accident claimed the life of my 6 1/2 year old daughter, Katie.

As I put together this montage of her pictures, I noted with great sadness that there are no more new pictures of Katie. Amanda and I have grown and changed over the last 23 years. Life has gone on for us, but sadly, not for her.

I live in the present now. I allow myself two days a year (the anniversary of the accident and the day of Katie’s birthday) to remember, to grieve and to wallow just a bit, but it is hard.

She had the most beautiful red curls and dancing green eyes and a little voice that made one think of Leprechauns. She wasn’t perfect, but she was special and sweet and she was my daughter.

The accident forever changed me, and Amanda, but from the ashes of our previous lives, like a Phoenix, we have risen to make a good, happy life in the present.

But you just never forget that time, those events…

or that beautiful little girl!

Kathleen Alynne

17 thoughts on “Remembrance”

  1. I was so hoping to be first… So I have not watched the slide show yet, but I know it will be beautiful because there will be pictures of Katie, Amanda and you. All people I love dearly and with my whole heart. I know too it will bring tears to my eyes.
    Katie would light up a room and that little voice of hers, delightful! I can hear it still. What a wonder she was, so good to animals and your little buddy.
    My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and Amanda today! LOVE YOU, Mel

  2. She was a beautiful little girl for sure. 🙁 It is too bad we don’t get to see more her as a beautiful young woman, but at least we know she is looking down at us. 🙂

  3. I just saw these pictures, you put them so nicely together. I remember I read about this last year, but I have never seen so many pictures. What a beautiful little red head she was, I don’t know if I would be able to do what you have done today. It must hurt so much ! But on the other side you are right, life must go on.
    I think loosing a child must be the most horrible thing which can happen to a woman.
    She also looked very much like you !

  4. Your montage is beautiful, inspiring and a precious dedication to such a lovely, and special spirit.

    I lost my son 13 years ago, and still consider it one of the most horrific events I have had to endure. It changed me. It defined me. Strangely enough, I too am reminded of the phoenix.

    You are in my thoughts this day.

  6. My heart goes out to you – it must be such a hard thing. I will watch the video in rememberance of Katie and I just know she is around and with you always.

  7. Oh my gosh, Maribeth! I had no idea you had lost a daughter! And what a little doll she was! Her infant photo’s looked so much like MY Amanda that it really did bring tears to my eyes… just thinking how blessed I am. I don’t know how you ever got through that time… I really don’t know how ANY parent goes through the torment of losing a child. I’m SO sorry. My heart just aches for you today… and yet, I have a new respect – knowing what a strong STRONG woman you are. I hope that you & Amanda will be celebrating her LIFE today. God bless you.

  8. MariBeth: Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures of Katie for all of us who never had the opportunity to meet her. Melodie talks about her often always expressing the joyfulness she embodied. You can see that in the pictures. You and your family remain in my prayers as you make it through yet another anniversary of Katie’s death. My heart goes out to you and Amanda ~ May you find comfort knowing that the God of peace and love is with you during this difficult time.

    With Love and Hugs from a Distance,

    Katy Kopetz

  9. ((hugs)) Katie was a beautiful girl. I’m sure she brought much joy into your life while she was here. Sometimes these things make no sense. But all things work together for good for those who love God.

  10. Dearst Maribeth,
    thank you so much for sharing all the wonderful pictures of Katie! I am with you all the time in my heart and soul! I know Katie looks down from heaven and she is your little gardian angel!
    I love you my dearst sister and friend,
    Uschi

  11. How beautiful, Maribeth. All of those pictures that we are forever snapping of our children are so important. Both of your girls were just adorable as kids, and I remember my mom calling me to tell me about Katie (don’t remember now how she knew, but Falmouth is a small town) and ow sad I felt for you. I met Katie when she was a baby, very feisty and full of spirit. As hard as it is, having her in your heart the way you do, makes you who you are today. Love, Michele

  12. Everytime I remember this, it kills me. I literally do not know how you can keep going after something like this.

    Katie was so beautiful, and life can be so unfair sometimes.

    I’m thinking about you and Amanda today and sending lots of love your way.

  14. I feel your pain. It’s so hard to believe that she is gone, she looks so full of life in those photos. Oh, how you must cherish those photos and memories…. It’s breaking my heart just to think about it.

    ((Hugs))

  17. She’s beautiful. I can hardly imagine what it must have been like for you to experience the tragedy of losing your daughter.

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