Even typing that makes me cry. I miss her that much. You would think that over six years the pain would be less, but it's not. I still remember getting that call. I was having dinner after my own grandfather's funeral when one of my friends called to get my reaction, not knowing I hadn't heard yet. I was devastated. I don't remember anything else that night until we got back to where we were staying - incidentally enough we we staying with Lauren, another of Katie's good college friends.
If you were not blessed to know Katie, I'll tell you just a little about Katie in my life.
We met our freshman year of college at Clemson. We were both in the band, but I didn't know her until we both auditioned for drum major...neither of us made it. Then we both joined the band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. She was one of my best friends from then on.
Our junior year we were roommates along with our dear Ellie. We were Ellie, Alli & Katie - a trio, a set.
We were all so different. I was the flighty romantic one. Ellie was the individualist & skeptic and Katie was the brain. I distinctly recall her being the skinniest of the three of us and taping a picture of herself in a bikini to the fridge as "inspiration" for Ellie and I. If I hadn't loved her so much I would have been offended, but it was funny.
Katie was so smart - she studied biosystems engineering. I don't even know what that is. Seriously... But she went on to get a masters in Environmental Engineering from Rice University. She passed away not quite a year later. She was quick to laugh and we loved joking around. We loved going to movies.
If you needed anything Katie was there. She was loyal, friendly and quick to lend a hand. She was also very honest - something I appreciated and probably how we were the most alike. She did not hesitate to tell you how she felt or how things really were and that was something I appreciated.
Katie had leukemia. I don't know why God chose this for her, but I don't question it. She seemed to have accepted it at the time. The last time I talked to her she was improving. In fact - I have every email she sent to me while she was sick still saved in my inbox. Her email address is still in my address book. It's something small I just can't seem to let go of and that's okay by me.
I just don't know what else to say. I miss her. I know many of you out there miss her, too. I'm just going to share some pictures and be done for today.
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| Me with Katie and Ellie in our apartment 2000 |
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| The Clemson representatives at Katie's memorial in OH |
RIP Katie. I miss you daily.
PS - for those of you who don't know, SB's middle name is Ellen, as it was Katie's middle name as well.
1 comment:
I miss her too.
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