Many of you know that besides Mandy, I had another daughter, Katie, who was killed at the age of 6 1/2 by an impaired driver. Most days I get along very well, however there are certain days that I find myself missing her and longing for her. Today is one of those days.
Today Katie would have celebrated her 31st birthday.
Kathleen Alynne was born at 5:29 AM on November 8th 1978. She was two weeks late and I had begun to feel as if I were part elephant. In the delivery room I remember asking the nurse to clean off her hair because the blood made it look red. She laughed at me (She also had red hair) and told me that this was it! My child was a redhead!
Katie was a neat kid and we all loved her. She had a wicked sense of humor, yet was also sensitive and empathetic, which was strange in one so young.
Her loss is bothering me a bit more this year probably due to the fact that I have been feeling angry that we were robbed of so much of her life.
Here is a montage of some of the pictures that I like the best. She was a real joker in front of the camera, almost always had a smile on her little face.
I know one day Katie and I will be together again, and that we will share an eternity, but for today I miss her something fierce!
(((Hugs, my dear…)))
HUGE hugs are coming your way today, and every day…
Stay strong my friend, and I loved the slide show…
I feel that any words I have are inadequate here, but sending my good thoughts your way.
I´m so sorry Maribeth! I didn´t know this and it hurts me deep in my heart seeing these pictures. I can´t imagine what it must have been like to loose your child. She has such a sweet smile and looks so adorable!
I am sending you big cyber hugs your way! And hope you find comfort and strength again to bear this burden!
So precious. You have such good memories, and God’s promise that you will be together again…….”in your forever home” Loved the music. I don’t really know you, but love and hugs to you today. Peace!
Tears fell as I watched, as yours probably did when you prepared this lovely tribute to Katie. You know I understand-love and hugs to you.
I am missing her so much too! Happy Birthday Dear Katie! I love you, you remain in my heart!
Sending hugs! Love YOU forever, Mel
I can only imagine your pain… (((Hugs))) She sure was a doll baby!
Sending much love to you, and to Katie.
Nothing ever really fills the wholes in our heart that love ones leave behind when they leave us. Time doesn’t really heal all wounds, it just makes them a little more bareable I think. You are doing the right think, remembering the blessing she was for your family in the time you were blessed with her.
I can only imagine…much love to you and darling Katie on her Birthday and always. What a beautiful tribute:}
I remember meeting Katie. You and Bob brought the girls to my parents’ house in Falmouth, so I could meet them. If I remember right, Katie was wearing casts on her legs and I was holding her. You guys said to be careful because she was feisty. She had a huge smile on her face as she tried to whack me with her casts! And Mandy was sweet and patient. Love, Michele
Diane and I was reading this post together – both with tears in our eyes. Loss of a child is not fare and I do understand your feelings. Then I am glad you are able to write about it and remember the good things about Katie.
The vid was adorable – thanks for sharing!
We are keeping you in our thoughts today – love and hugs!
I am a loss for words but am very saddened by your loss. She did indeed look like a sweet little imp. You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Hugs to you.
Maribeth I cannot believe another year has passed already. The sun is shining today in remembrance of Katie. I am so sorry for the sadness today. I am thinking of you (and glad that I got your blog to work on my bloglines again!)
I am thinking of you and Katie! Hugs!
I feel for you, Maribeth. I can only imagine what pain you must feel to miss your lovely daughter.
No, it’s definitely not fair… and should never happen… Sometime life is so harsh. That is such a wonderful vid. She was so full of life. *sigh*
((Warm hugs))
I remember her, and always will. You’e in my thoughts. Love,
Mike
Of course you do; and we are thinking of you today. Love, Ted
Hi Mom,
I miss her too, and have been thinking of her lots lately in general, and today.
I love you very much!
xo
Mandy
So sorry for your loss!
Maribeth,
It is so hard to lose an adult, but losing a child would be more than I could bear. My guess is there were times you thought you couldn’t either. You have more strength than anyone I know. *gentle hugs*
sweetie…my thoughts are with you today. Your little girl looked like a miniature of you, that adorable smile could light up a room! God’s holding her hand until you are reunited Love to you girlfriend
MB, i remember her face like it was yesterday that I saw her. Praise God that He has her safe in His arms and will keep her until you can be reunited with her in glory some day. I heard a song on the radio today that made me think of her. It is by Steven Curtis Chapman and it is called “Heaven is the face.” Try not to be angry about her home going although I imagine that it is nearly impossible, remember when she looks down at you she only wants to see your beautiful smile!! I love you very much. Dawn
I am so soory for your loss.
I can’t even think of loosing someone so close to me and I start freaking out.
You are such a strong person. I am sending you hugs over to the US.
It’s my Mom’s Birthday as well on the 8th.