When I woke up this morning, I went and swam. It is the first time I have swam since my Chelan swim for Katelyn. It was laughable how long one mile seemed given the fact that my last swim was 50 times that much, but I needed to swim today, as swimming usually helps me sort things out in my head. As I was swimming, I couldn't help but think what an extraordinary person Katelyn was, not just extraordinary for a child, but even in comparison to adults. I feel lucky to have been able to know her and her wonderful family. I think we can all learn a few things from Katelyn and how she lived her life.
1) Smile every opportunity you have. I remember the slide show that was playing at KK's Kupcake fundraiser this spring. I specifically recall how every single photo of her had her smiling. It didn't matter if it was a hospital photo or not, she had a million dollar grin. And every time I saw her in person, she was one of the happiest kids I have ever met. As I told many people after I met Katelyn, you'd never know she had cancer if it wasn't told to you, she didn't behave like a sick kid; she was just an amazing little bundle of positive energy.
2) Live every minute to the fullest. I cannot imagine the pain that Katelyn endured during the course of her treatment and her long battle with her disease, but she still was a happy little girl. Although I was not there during any of Katelyn's hospital stays, I followed Grandma Pat's caringbridge posts closely and it seemed that whenever she was able, Katelyn was on the move and having fun. She lit up every situation I saw her in. During the swim, Katelyn had come out to the support boat with Jaime right after a bit of a breakdown I had, and the moment she arrived the energy changed. She had everyone on the boat laughing and smiling. She correctly identified and called my brother-in-law, who was driving the boat, "trouble," she turned the boat into a makeshift beauty parlor and did my sister's hair and as I swam I watched her sitting with her little face peering over the side of the boat smiling at me as she watched me swim. Katelyn didn't just mope around and feel sorry for herself, which is something many adults going through far less significant hardships tend to do. No not Katelyn, she really lived her life.
3) Life is precious and fragile. I think we all from time to time tend to take life for granted. We have many things that fill our days with worry, and most of those things really don't matter. The truth is no one has any guarantees. None of us know when our last day will come. So let Katelyn remind you. Don't sweat the small stuff. Let the people you care about know how important they are to you. Smile. Be happy and grateful for the time that you do have.
Katelyn, you were such an amazing girl; I will never forget you. I loved getting to know you and your family. You are the toughest girl I've ever known and you will always be such an inspiration to me. Scope out Heaven for the biggest lake you can find and one day we can swim it together!
~Emily
What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Katelyn, Emily! Last week I lost a friend to cancer, and I remember my friend had an invitation to the Cupcakes for KK on her refrigerator. She was planning on attending the event despite her own battle. Cancer is not fair. There's no way to make it fair. But in this blog, you honor Katelyn's life. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling, corageous little girl. This is a beautiful post. Cancer is cruel and tragic yet she seemed like she refused to let her life be a tragedy. I sometimes wonder if kids that leave us young have a sixth sense that tells them they'll only be with us for a moment. They always seem so wise beyond their years and the way they love and embrace life can put us, who have lived many of their lifetimes, to shame.
ReplyDeleteOMG, tears just streaming! I remember hearing the news that you swam the lake for her, and then I promptly forget. You see, I am pretty scattered as I scramble to hold on to my own pieces(or let them go as needed)-because of my own battle. What an amazing little girl. The little ones always touch me the hardest. I always think, "let me walk this path for her, as I understand what is going on better." But do I really? In hindsite, what is it about being so young? The light bulb just came on. Children have such an amazing ability to just accept things as they are at that age, and not so much worry about the future, or the things that may be missing in life. At least that is how I remember it now. I have never thought I had any desire to be that age again, until right this instant. Emily, you did such a wonderful for that little girl and her family. Thank YOU for stopping and taking the time to take a peak at her world through her eyes. I know your gift of friendship and support mean the world to this family.
ReplyDeleteSo many tears have fallen down my face when I found out the news about katelyn. We had so much fun when I'd babysit her. She has the cutesy smile, an amazing personality and always made my day. I'm going too mis her but I'm glad she is not suffering anymore. I'd give anything too have her back here with us, I'm just glad that she is safe in gods arms. When you looked at her you saw hope, joy, and happiness. Everyone just needs to remember the little girl that made us laugh and smile with her cuteness. She was and always will be in my heart, and many others. Ily katelyn, forever and always
ReplyDelete--Melissa Lee