Remembering my Sister, Kathryn

A hug from big sister Laura before heading to Barcelona, Spain to represent Canada in backstroke and freestyle swimming at the 1992 ParOlympic Games.

Kathryn turns 21 years old

A birthday celebration

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14 years ago today, my life changed forever. February 3, 1994 I lost my sister Kathryn. It is funny when you put a number in front of the years, it seems so long ago but at times it seems like yesterday that I had to come to gripes my sister was gone.

For 21 years, she was a wonderful example to me of just by believing in yourself and your faith in God, you can face the challenges that life throws your way. Surrounding yourself with family and friends who gives you those encouraging words to help you over that hump; who are there with you at the finish line celebrating your accomplishments - big or small; to realize the inner strength you have within you to reach those goals you have set for yourself. In the end, loving you for just being you.

My relationship with Kathryn was more than just being sisters - she was my confident, she was one of my best friends. Since her passing, so much has happened with my own life - good and bad - and I missed those long midnight talks we used to have to work out our feelings or problems, or to let the other person know how proud they were of them. I know that Kathryn will always be with me, in my memories and in my heart - a song I might hear or sharing stories with friends we both shared.

Today, I remembered Kathryn by sharing her poetry with you. It is amazing how putting words together can make you sit back and ponder what the words mean to you. I went up to Three Hills to share a special afternoon with Amy and her daughter Journey at the Tea House. I shared with Journey that when I was around her age, my sister and I would play house and have tea time like we had this afternoon. They had a little kids table at the Tea House, so while Journey enjoyed colouring and looking at books, Amy and I shared stories and memories we had of Kathryn. Thank you Amy and Journey for making this afternoon so special for me. Thank you for letting me share with you through this blog, someone who I loved very much.