Katie

I had debated posting about this in my own mind for a few days, but I decided that because life is about both the ups and downs, and I decided that sharing a down time in our life is important too.

Last week we unexpectedly and tragically lost a family member. My Aunt Katie, my mom's sister, suddenly collapsed after a Christmas party with her friends. And after a few days of the best medical care possible, she never recovered.

It feels like I have had something stolen from me that I can't find or understand why it is gone. Katie was 49 years old and there was no indication of any serious health issues. She was (and still is) a mainstay of our family. She had a huge wonderful personality and was just about the most fun person you could ever be around. Katie wasn't just the life of the party, she was THE party and was someone who was everyone's friend. She had so many friends- probably around 500,000. I'm not even kidding... when she was in the hospital there were people flying in from around the world to see her.

She lived life to the fullest, harder than anyone I know. She managed major hotel operations in Washington D.C. and hung out with celebrities on a regular basis. She owned more shoes and purses than I could ever dream of and would honestly do anything for you.

Some families have Aunt's that are known, but distant. Katie was never distant. My memories of her during my childhood are numerous and she would play with me and my brother and sister on the floor for hours...just wrestling, tickling and loving on us. As we grew up a little she became the "cool aunt" who would let us do things that our mom and dad wouldn't...like give us candy in the morning or stay up really late. I don't think I'll ever forget the time we visited and she was dog sitting a little white fluffy dog named Bo. She let my sister have Bo sleep in bed with her!!!! Dogs in beds were NOT allowed in our house, and we thought her rules were the best ever. MaryKate (now just about age 20) still talks about sharing her blankie with Bo!

When an unexplainable tragedy happens to a family, the mystery and "whys?" seem to cut extra deep. I'm sad that Katie didn't get to have more years in her world-traveling, exciting life, but she is definitely in a much better place than we are right now. God was so merciful with the fact that there was no suffering, no pain. If you are going to leave earth, it might as well be after a fantastic party with all your friends right???

Now, we are the one's left to live without her. I am grieving over the loss of her in our lives, and that she won't ever tickle and love our children. My grandparents are working through the loss of a child in their 70's and my parents and other Aunts and Uncles are trying to get through what it means to lose a sister. I can't yet comprehend what our family is like without one of our mainstay members. I am reassured that over time, we will learn life without Katie, though it will never be the same and we will always miss her.

The funeral mass will be this coming Saturday and we will travel to Annapolis to be with everyone and remember Katie. Please pray that we will know God's love and grace as we walk through this sad time.