if I could turn back time.........

Kelly, Tyrone, Nathan, Bethany, Katelyn, Roger & Anita
Katelyn, Nathan, Kelly, Tyrone, Bethany
Katelyn at her summer job at Hecla Provincial Park

Thursday night we settled into our campsite. Friday morning the phone rang and my brother Roland informed me that my niece, Katelyn, Roger's oldest daughter, had passed away in a car accident that morning. A quick pack up and we were on our 4 hr ride home. Feels like forever when you'd like to be there with your family.

What can we say at a time like this? Words cannot describe the deep loss of a child. For my brother and his wife, there will never be a way to make up for the loss of their oldest daughter. For her brothers Tyrone and Nathan, and her sister, Bethany, this will be such a huge loss. They were such a close knit family. Katelyn was the easy going, vivacious, smiling young woman, who touched everyones lives she had contact with. She made you feel like you were the most special person in the world. Her eyes connected with yours, she had a genuine smile, and she really cared about how you were, and what you said. At her young age of 18, she has impacted the people she connected with. Kelly, her sister-in-law to be, will miss out on the upcoming 'sister' moments. What a blessing to have made the most of the time had together.

An informal viewing service will be held on Tuesday evening, with the funeral to be held on Wednesday afternoon, in the local town hall.

Can you ever prepare yourself for coping with a loss such as this?? I don't think so. Yes, a very tragic loss. It's so difficult to say good-bye. Yes, she's in a much better place-we wouldn't want to take her away from Jesus' side. But, we loved her so much-we don't willingly give up a loved one. Our tears are for our loss, our inability to see us live without our loved one. We grieve for the loss of a special life, full of promise and potential. Yet, we have joy in the knowledge she is with Jesus, smiling, being with other loved ones.

Oh, to be able to turn back the clock and start over. Thursday night could be done again. If only..................

Remember the blessings we have........... remember and focus on the times together.................... be so grateful for the family time together 10 days ago....................... thankful for the pictures and video taken on our family weekend.....................

Hug the people around you. Be grateful for friends and family. Appreciate and value family and friends.

Hold your kids extra tight tonight!!