Thursday, May 19, 2011

Happy 3rd Birthday, Kate.

Dear Kate,


We always joked about the first time we met. I was showing off, doing cartwheels in my front yard at 111 Clearfield Lane. I thought you were so cool. Two years older than me, and you and Kelvie had this friendship that I wanted so badly to be a part of. Little did I know, I would soon have that friendship without having to show off. We had an immediate connection. I'm not sure if it was because our big sisters were best friends and practically the same person in high school, or because we have the same name...but right away we knew how to have fun with each other.


I'll never forget our adventures to KKC Island, or sitting your car for hours talking at Starbucks, or the many Clark/Hunt/Kruse/Versteeg gatherings, traveling to Mexico, the sleepovers in your basement, Creation, popping two of your tires, The Great Wall, the high school football games and dances, Slalom trips to Vermont, our Chinese brothers and sisters, New Year's Eve dinner with our boys, or the last day we spent together at our favorite restaurant, Cosi. Our friendship only grew as we grew older...


Today is your 3rd birthday in heaven.


I cannot thank you enough for what you have taught me. Not only how to be a faithful friend, but how to truly live for the Lord in everything that I do in life. You did that. You respected your parents, loved your siblings, were faithful to your friends, cared for the elderly, took care of God's creation and had a heart for missions. I can only hope to live a life as full and abundant as you did. While many friendships go through phases, ours never did...we were always consistent. You are still alive, I know that. I find rest in that. I cannot wait to spend eternity with you and laugh with you again like we did as little girls at our sleepovers. I'll meet you at the table, Kate....







Kate passed away in a car accident on February 7, 2009. She is now home with her Lord. Although nothing can be done to bring Kate back to earth, I can continue to participate with God and humanity through prayer. Similarly, although we can do nothing to bring back the children who die of starvation or those that pass away due to addiction, we can participate with God in fulfilling His goal on earth. While God cannot prevent all of the catastrophes that occur throughout out world, He continues to redeem humanity through these tragedies. Because Kate was not only a friend, but a sister in Christ, I continue the work she participated in her short time on earth, and join with God in redeeming His Kingdom here. Finally, although I still do not hold all of the answers concerning my dear friend's tragic and unfair death, I find peace in knowing that if I were to go up to heaven asking Kate to return to earth, she would with her beautiful smile, politely decline the offer.


Happy birthday, Kate...I love you.

9 comments:

Selina. said... Best Blogger Tips

this properly made me cry! such a beautiful heartfelt post *hug*

Lisa said... Best Blogger Tips

This was beautiful. May I ask where you got the charm made? My dad passed away a few months ago, and I would love to have one made. Feel free to email me if it is easier... I_kissrockstars@yahoo.com

Meaghan O'Connor said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow. This post was incredible. She was such a beautiful woman and I am sure she is smiling down at you every day.

Cindy said... Best Blogger Tips

Smiling, laughing, and crying, holding on to such dear memories :)

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us. She was a special person! Cheryl

avaniawriter said... Best Blogger Tips

This is very beautiful and emotional. I can't even imagine a day without my best friend. You have courage that I don't. God bless.

Jenn said... Best Blogger Tips

What a beautiful memory to your friend! I hope that there is joy in knowing she is with Jesus! It's awesome knowing that our God is Sovereign (Isaiah 43) and near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). I pray her loved ones find comfort knowing that God is using Kate's short life for His glory!

K said... Best Blogger Tips

What a touching and beautiful tribute to your best friend, she will be waiting and rejoice when you are reunited! Big {hug} to you today.

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

How beautiful. I look forward to meet you someday on the other side, Kate.

 
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