Saturday, October 17, 2009

Katie

Here is Katie, Jon, and their new baby Quinn.

Here we are saying goodbye to Katie, she's leaving for Korea...Kimi, me, and Katie...Antelope Elementary Teachers.

Here is Katie on her wedding day with Phillip and I...isn't she lovely.
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Yesterday I went to Katie's blog to see if she had her baby, I knew she was due any day now. To my shock and disbelief, it stated that she delivered a beautiful baby boy, but because of complications, she past away three hours later. Like I said, I was in shock. Then I started balling. I can't stop thinking about her, her family, her husband, and her two adorable boys. I'm still in shock. I fasted today for Katie's family and friends. I've said many prayers in their behalf and have hugged my little family a little more and a little tighter (and danced with Jane a little longer).

Katie and I taught together for several years and became good friends. While I taught first grade, she taught sixth. Our classes were buddy's for a few years (that means her students helped my students read). Katie was a rock star teacher that handled those sixth graders perfectly and with "respect me, I'll respect you" attitude. Then she got married and we went to her wedding in Colorado at the Air Force Acadamy. Because her husband is a pilot for the AF, she moved to Korea, and then Italy, the whole time staying in touch with me. Before she left...I gave her the "Essential Morman Cookbook" to remember Utah by. Katie loved to cook. We got pregnant about the same time with our first baby and emailed each other constantly throughout the pregnancy. That was a lot of fun. Then she beat me to the punch and got pregnant with number two this past February. She loved being a mom and just couldn't wait for another. While living abroad Katie would send me pictures of the beautiful places they'd visit. Talk about taking advantage of their surroundings...Katie and Jon were always off to another adventure. I think at one point I said I can't see her picture's anymore because I just get plain jealous, but that never happened, I couldn't resist opening the next email and being so happy for her.

We have emailed a lot lately, she always seemed to make me laugh (out loud) every time. Great sense of humor. She was always thoughtful and made sure to check in with me if we hadn't heard from each other for a while. She made me feel important. She brightened up my day. She always asked about former teachers and kept close tabs on everyone, making sure they are doing okay. She loved being a mom. We talked a lot about our kids (and how it would be so cool to marry one day). I am going to miss all of this. I miss her.

I have a close friend, Allison, that has also passed away a few years ago leaving behind a little girl. I can't help but think that Allison and Katie have a lot in common. They both lived a good life, always happy and content, and life seemed to come quite easy to them. They both had great parents that helped them take advantage of every moment and supported their dreams. Sometimes it takes 80-90 years to live a life, but for Katie, it only took 30. And she lived a great one. I'll miss you Katie. I'm praying for your family. I know you are in a beautiful and peaceful place with our Heavenly Father surrounded by people who love you. Jon is a faithful husband and is supported by so many that love him. The reunion one day will be powerful. Oh Katie, how you are loved and missed.


If you want to see more beautiful pictures of Katie and her family, click on her link in the buddy list.

14 comments:

Andrea said...

Tiff, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My sister died at the end of August during childbirth too. I wonder if it was the same thing--eclampsia? My prayers go out to her family, as I know first hand the pain they feeling. Hang in there!

Laurel said...

Tiffany, I am so sorry for this beautiful family. What a horrible event. She is so gorgeous on her blog photo's. We will keep you and especially this little family in our prayers.

Kaylynn said...

I am so in shock! I am heartbroken for her family. I just keep thinking about her husband and those little boys! Katie was an amazing person and so loved! That's neat that you kept in touch with her after she left Antelope. She was lucky to have such a great friend! It's times like this that I am so grateful for the gospel and that we know this life is not the end. I will definitely keep them in my prayers.

The Parks Fam said...

OHhh that is just soo heartbreaking!! I can't even begin to imagine what her poor family is going through. It was SOOO good to see you saturday!! Can't wait till you come up next month! LOVE YA!

Unknown said...

Tiff,
I couldn't even sleep last night. I swear I cried the whole night! What in the world! I am praying so hard for her husband and sweet little boys. I can't imagine the pain they are going through and also thinking of her poor parents and family. I really want to do something like send money, etc (anything). So if you hear of anything will you let me know! She was such a beautiful person and I definitely want to pay respect and love to a friend that will be missed. I'm a mess!!!!! I'll talk to you soon. Love you!

Andy and Kimi said...

Beautifully said Tiff...

lil megan said...

Tiff this just breaks my heart...and you said it beautifully, it made me want to hug my family a little tighter and a little longer. This is just so sad, but we are so lucky to know that our Heavenly Father knows what he's doing, sometimes it takes some humbling to see it. I hope you are doing ok, and I'm so sorry you had to find out that way. Miss you and love seeing new updates of cute Jane.

Kailing Krew said...

I'm so sorry sister! My heart breaks for her, her family, and you! I miss you tons! Can't wait to see you and your sweet family again!

Hayley said...

Tiff, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember looking at her wedding pictures on your blog and thinking how pretty she is. I have been thinking about my friend Derek who died last November lately. It's so hard to lose a friend. You're strong. I love you!

Megs said...

Hey my dear friend. I miss you. And a little more after reading this. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. She is beautiful. What would we do without the gospel in our lives? Especially at times like this? It is so comforting to know that she, along with other loved ones are back with our Father in Heaven in a perfect, perfect place.
I love you Tiff.

Kimberly said...

Tiff, I havent read blogs lately, but just got on and went to check in on you guys. I am bawling my eyes out and I don't even know your friend Katie. I am so sorry. I can't imagine what her husband is going through. I can't imagine not being here with my new baby and kids. I am just sick thinking about it. It is really helping me appreciate the "hard" moments with my kids. I am praying for her husband. Hope all is well in Las Vegas. Janie is such a doll!

The Byrd's said...

This is so sad...her family will be in my prayers as well

Jes said...

Oh Tiff, I'm so sorry. I just read your post. I can't even imagine. And it brought back everything with Allison too (like you said). Oh, I wish I was closer ... I'd run up and give you a big hug. Miss ya!
Jes.

Jessica said...

that is so sad! i am so sorry for your loss. your post made me cry. my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.