Happy Memory

Katie hosted dinner at her house, like she did so often. Chicken spaghetti and wine were consumed. After we ate she wanted us to see her new bed. She also wanted us to feel how soft and comfortable it was. Next thing we knew, six grown women were all cuddled up on Katie's Vera Wang mattress. As this wasn't the most common occurrence it seemed appropriate that a photo be taken. I look at the happy smiles on our faces and remember what a fun night this was. Katie had such a talent for bringing people together. It was important to her that we take time out of our busy lives to gather, laugh, eat, talk, and enjoy each others' company. I'm glad she did this for us. It leaves so many good memories to help us through the sadness we feel now. She was our "cruise director" and we are so thankful. -Kay

Dear Katie,
I will try my best to sum up how much you meant to me. You were not just my aunt- you were my godmother, my nanny, my "mom", and mostly my friend. You were my comfort and the first person I would call when something good or bad was going on in my life. You were always there when I needed you... and you filled my life with experiences. Whether it was hitting up every sushi place in the cities or movie nights/sleepover parties, every moment with you was an adventure. You blessed my life with so many great memories, that I will never let go of. And I will continue to live as if you were still here guiding me through... I hope I make you proud.

Love Tiffany

Happy Birthday Katie,
You are constantly in my thoughts. Young people are not supposed to leave this world before their elders. I miss you and have been thinking about you and the life you have lived in just a short period of time. You have accomplished more in those years well lived than most "older" people I know. You knew life, you embraced it, you lived it to the fullest. You had an understanding of family and friends and you cherished them all. Not many can claim achieving that understanding in their lifetime.
I watched you as you grew throughout all stages of your life. I knew you were someone special at a very early age. I saw you struggle as an infant, overcome difficulties, accept them, understand them and move forward with strength to deal with what life handed you. You made the most of it and all those experiences made you stronger and the person you became as you matured.
Know that you are missed by many. That is a legacy in and of itself. I love you Katie and I want you to know that you are missed. I also know that you are in a better place and know that you have achieved your goal of finding happiness. This is faith in its fullest aspect.
If there is a happy hour in heaven, Desiree and Aunt Betty will be there.

Aunt Donna

Happy Birthday Katie! I miss you so much. I never realized what a comfort it was knowing you were here, because now that you're not, the desire to see and talk to you is almost too much to bear. All the memories we share are not enough. I want to have more with you. I do cherish the ones I have. Some so vivid I can see and hear every detail with you, and the ones that aren't, I try so hard to search for those details, I long to talk with you because you would remember...This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for you. I love you and admire you, I don't know if I ever told you that. Those feelings only grow stronger with every story shared and memory told by all who loved you. Happy Birthday Katie.
Love always,
Annie

I miss you...

My Katie....
My mind swims with wonderful and colorful memories of you and how you lived your life. Everything, no matter how small or insignificant, was grander because you were part of it. It was such an adventure to be around you. 34 years was not enough - but what you packed into that short spanse of time was more than anyone could imagine.

Any one touched by you was loved unconditionally. You had a special talent for making everyone in your life feel special. In truth, you were the one who was so very, very special. Those of us who had the privelege of going along for the ride are much better people for it.

You lived life so big and so bold! The world is so much smaller without you in it....
Happy Birthday Katie. I miss you and love you.
Mary

What Is Dying

Thank you to all who gave there heartfelt sentiments through your expressions of love and cards. Out of the hundreds we received, this particular card stood out.
- Matt Guzik

A ship sails and I stand **

watching till she fades on

the horizon and someone at my

side says, "she is gone."

Gone where?

Gone from my sight, that is all;

she is just as large as when I

saw her.

The diminished size,

and total loss of sight is in me,

not in her, and just at the moment

when someone at my side says

"She is gone," there are others who are

watching her coming, and

other voices take up a glad shout,

"There she comes!" and that is,

dying

Happy Birthday, my friend

I still can't believe my birthday wishes are being delivered to you in this way. The urge to pick up the phone and call you remains so strong, particularly with tomorrow being your birthday.
I know you will be experiencing a birthday celebration unmatched by anything possible on earth. I picture angels singing and unimaginable beauty surrounding you...and of course Wally and Carole right by your side. I certainly hope there is cake! We wouldn't dream of taking you away from all of that but selfishly we want you here with us. I will be thinking of you tomorrow, even more than I do all the time already. If I could have one wish it would be to hug you again. I will try to smile and remember the good times and the birthdays past. The night with the big green bus and the North East bars comes to mind. Nobody celebrated a birthday quite like you :) Happy twenty fifteen Katie! Perhaps you can feel my hug in heaven. -Kay

When I think of Katie, there are so many memories. Her red velvet boots, Mickey Mouse sweatshirt - complete with Mickey Mouse ears, enticing her to be good when babysitting by rewarding her with M&Ms, the many vacations she took as a child, with cousin Annie right by her side, and so much more. My head is filled with bright visions of Katie. Our parents would tell "the girls" to bring Katie with us to the horse barn - she was terrified of all of the animals and Mary and I would take turns having her ride piggyback on our shoulders the whole time. I can see the light in her eyes as if she is still here. Katie and I had many evenings of playing bar bingo together. She was the luckiest bingo player I have ever met. She would yell "Bingo" at the top of her lungs and just laugh and laugh. One night she won 4 bingos in a row, looked around at the crowd who were beginning to be annoyed at her luck, and with a twinkle in her eye said, "Do you think I can get one more?"

I long to pick up the phone and hear her say, "Jeeeeaannnieee, whatcha doing?" I always meant that she was planning an evening of fun. Every moment spent with her was a joy from our long talks about life, chatting about her next adventure, or just laying on the couch watching Top Chef.

A week before she died, Katie told me that she was ready to have some adventure in her life. She had spent the last 4 years taking care of our parents, which she did with as much love as any child could ever have done. She felt that she had been taking care of several people and now it was time for "Katie". I was so excited. Katie was going to climb Machu Pichu, go to the Galapagos Islands, and take a vacation to vist my brother in Montana. She was so excited and there was such a sparkle in her eyes.

It seems impossible to me that she is gone. The hole that has been ripped in my heart will never heal, but I can't help and smile everytime I think of her. I thank God every day for each moment Katie was in my life, for those moments are some of the most special I have ever experienced.

Happy Birthday Katie. I love you.

Jean

A little Neil for you...

It feels appropriate to lead off with a little Neil Diamond. I know how much she loved him, yet I don't know for sure what all of her favorite Neil songs were. Thoughts, memories, from all of you who rocked with her to Neil either live or recorded? For inspiration, here is some vintage Neil compliments of YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmP43qsAXvk

-Kay

Someplace to Start

When we don't know what else to do, sometimes it helps to write. While we try to deal with the loss of our beloved Katie, it might make us feel a little better to share stories, memories, and photos of this girl who meant so much to so many. If you would like to post here and don't have the info, please send an email to kbruni22@frontiernet.net. I will give you what you need. Hopefully people will check in often to remember, reminisce, and help each other get through each new day without her here. -Kay