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

Kathleen Alynne 11/8/78 – 6/19/85

Today would have been my youngest daughter, Katie’s 29th birthday. She has been gone from us for 22 1/2 years, but it still feels like yesterday. I chose to celebrate this day because it was one of the happiest days of my life.

No, you never do get over losing your child, but somehow you go on. And I know more than anything that this is what she would want for Mandy and me.

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Photographs and memories
Christmas cards you sent to me
All that I have are these
To remember you

Memories that come at night
Take me to another time
Back to a happier day
When I called you mine

Photographs and memories
All the love you gave to me
Somehow it just cant be true
Thats all I’ve left of you