I thought of you today when I looked at the calendar and realized it was your birthday. At first, I was sad that I couldn't call you and wish you Happy Birthday, but then I realized that your party with the big man and the angels singing a happy birthday chorus is much better!
It's hard to believe you've been gone 13 years. You wouldn't believe all that has changed!
First off, all the good TV shows you taught me to love have been replaced by trash. That's right, no more Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote. But, you will be excited to know that QVC is still thriving. (And Mom secretly loves watching it just like you did! She doesn't have their number in speed dial yet, but I'm sure that day will come!)
Mom is beautiful as she has always been and one day she is going to be a wonderful grandma, just like you. But for now, she stays rather busy with the OTHER Katie. Yes, she was silly enough to give her third child the same name as her brother's third child. (Hey, they are your kids!) Our Katie is a big goofball, just like the rest of your grandchildren. :) She loves to read and her favorite place to go is the library. She would've loved you :)
Khris never grew into loving reading or shopping like you tried to get him to. But, he has learned how to cook. A little. Just don't ask him to cook brownies.... or mashed potatoes. He's still working on it. He is still wild and crazy though!
Remember when you took me to work for "Take your Daughter to Work Day"? Well, I thought working in a big office was so cool that I decided to go to college and get a degree in business so I could work in a big office and eventually own my own office. My first job was with yours truly, the FDA. The Parklawn building wasn't as happy as the building you worked in. And there wasn't a Dunkin Donuts next door where I could order Cranberry Orange muffins every morning. But you know what was the same? You can't tell anyone.... but, I use the same password you used on your computer. SHHHHH! Anyway, I think I've had my share of working in offices and I'm ready to run my own office! Just one problem... I'm not sure what TYPE of office. Maybe you could work your connections with the Big Man and ask Him to send some guidance my way. Remind Him that I'm very indecisive and I need it spelled out rather clearly.
I met an amazing man in college who I married two years ago. I really missed your shopping expertise when we were shopping for wedding dresses! Russ and I had a lot of grandparents who we missed that day, but that beautiful double rainbow right before our reception began let us know that you were all in heaven smiling down on us and blessing our marriage!
Life is crazy, but we are doing our work and when we are finished, we are going to have the biggest family reunion ever! Hey, is that lady from Cinnamon Run who ALWAYS called the cops up there? If so, you better tell her to get ready, because we are going to party hard! Do you think you could start working on a big plate of Salmon Pate? And maybe a big bowl of German Potato Salad? For dessert, how about some Black Walnut cookies? And dig out the Scrabble board, because we are going to play a round, or ten. (Can you believe no one will play with me?! I tell them I learned from the best!)
I wish heaven wasn't so far away....Love you and miss you!
