Remembering Katie at 21

11/11/11 will be "what would have been" our daughter Katie's 21st birthday.
I spent all of October dreading November because it is the beginning of "sad dates" for me. So, when we found out on Monday that my husband has pneumonia, it did not sit well. Pneumonia is what killed Katie, at the young age of 7 years and 3 months.

So, tonight I was talking on the phone with my sister and mentioned the "11/11/11" fact. Her reply was, "Really? Oh, my God! That makes me feel so old!" Silence...disbelief...other thoughts unmentionable...

Then she said, "What do you think she would have been doing?" I responded, "Well, I'm not sure, but it would have been something and I would have loved to watch."

But then it was time for the Rachel Maddow Show, so my sister had to go because she could not miss the interview with Michael Moore from Denver. Whatever.

And my family wonders why I feel forgotten out here...will they remember on 11/11/11 that it is an important date - an especially difficult date - for me? Probably not. They haven't in the past. They probably just think we're over it.

Well, I'm here to say - once again - that YOU GET THROUGH IT, BUT YOU NEVER GET OVER IT.

And that is the truth. Remember your friends, and keep track of important dates and send them love. Especially if they are far away, without family support. They get tired of telling the story, and since you already know it, remind them that you do...and that you remember...and that you love them.
I'm just sayin'.

Happy Birthday, sweet Katie. I'm posting this early, because you deserve all the greetings I can muster for you on your special day. I miss you, and I love you, and know you are just fine.
Love, Mama