It’s a tough day today for me. Today my youngest daughter, Katie would have been 30 years old. As you know from a past post , the story of how Katie died,
Katie is no longer with me and I can’t even begin to explain it to you, these feelings of loss and sadness. I don’t allow myself to get caught up in that too often, but on big days, like today, her 30th birthday, I feel so angry, so sad and so totally ripped off at not having had her these last 23 and a half years.
You can shed tears that she is gone,
Or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left behind.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
Or you can be full of the love you’ve shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live only for yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she’s gone,
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back on the world.
Or you can do what she would want-smile,
open your eyes, love and go on.
–Anonymous
I’m thinking that no matter how lonely I am for her, how sad or angry I feel, that Katie would want me to go forward, to smile, to love, to laugh and most of all to live and be happy!
I am sure she prefers a happy mother to a sad one !
I am so, so sorry. This must be a very emotional day, but Katie is with you ALWAYS in your heart!!
((hugs))
I understand that this is an incredibly tough day for you, although no one who hasn’t lost a child can really understand how difficult that is. She was a gift from God to your family, and sadly we never know how long we will have his gifts. My thoughts are with you.
What a lovely poem to honor a very wonderful, special little girl! The pictures brought a tear and a smile! I miss her so much, her laugh, her smile, her sweet voice and charming ways. I know she will be with you in a special way today sending her love to you! Happy Birthday Katie! Love YOU so much, Mel
Maribeth, this is from Ron.
I just wanted you to know that I think about Katie often, and miss all of the times we should have shared together with our kids. If there was ever an example of “Life Isn’t Fair”, this would be it. I’ll give the grandkids and extra hug for Katie today.
Ron
(((hugs)))
I’m thinking about you today….
Sending hugs and sunshine your way, Maribeth. That cute little angel is sure smiling down at you! and she sure wishes for you to be happy, to remember her with your loved ones but without sadness (which I suppose is very, very hard, we are only humans)
Beautiful photos, as always Maribeth. Katie’s amazing smile shines on. And you don’t look much different now than you did all those years ago! I get teary eyed, just watching the slide show and listening to the song, I can’t even imagine how you must feel. It’s good to take special days to remember, laugh, cry, be angry, and then keep on keeping on, your baby girl is smiling down on you, that’s for sure. Love Michele
Yes, so totally unfair, when the kids go before their parents and such an unbearable sorrow, impossible to grasp for us others, I’m sure. We do feel a huge sadness just at the thought though.
She is so wonderful, just like her mother, and as you say, I’m sure she want for you to be happy.
((hugs x millions))
I do understand and send love and hugs. The poem is beautiful-helped me. Carol
Yea… this must be a very difficult day to get through each year. (((Hugs & prayers))) dear friend.
I was thinking about you all day today…she was such a cool little girl; that poem is just perfect.
Hugs and love to you, MB.
I know it is hard day, but also remember the good memories. You know you are in both Diane’s and my thoughts dear blog friend!
🙁 Hugs. The poem is just beautiful.
Hugs to you, Maribeth.
I am sure that she is there with you both… Hugs to you all…
The first blog post of yours that I read was of your accident. The way you honor her life is heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your sadness so publicly.