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