2/23/19

How Lucky I Am


Kathleen Mary "Kate" Kelly
Thank your for your prayers-my beautiful, holy, Saint-like friend Kate went to heaven (straight there I know it) on February 12 after a short battle with ovarian cancer.  Kate was the kind of person everyone walked away feeling like they just met someone special.  I met her years ago at a soccer game and we reconnected when we were both diagnosed with cancer and she supported me through all of chemo.  She was the first person I hugged after my last treatment, which was a cry-fest for me.  I could call her and say "I need you" and she would be anywhere I was in a minute.  She was going through her own chemo at the time, and we cried together but she was a never-ending well of hope and strength to me.  She is the one who shaved my head, she is the one who gave me the strength to take off my itchy hat and be bald in public.  (She could pull it off, she was strikingly beautiful.)  She has raised or was in the process of raising (she has 8, with far apart ages like me, that's how we connected) incredible children along with her husband-just one of those amazing families, that humbly set a beautiful example of a Christian family.  I will miss her but I feel her presence always.  I know she is joyful,  I know she sees the plan in it's entirety and is at peace with it all.  The feeling that I 'know' this is so strong I never doubt it.   I think of the quote from one of my favorite people who passed last year- "How lucky we are to feel this way."  How lucky, blessed, filled with gratitude I am that Kate has touched my life for all of our eternity.  I am sure every single person who knew her is saying the same and her life will serve as an inspiration to us all.


19 comments:

  1. Such sad news, cancer is a b***h and takes far too many far too soon.

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    1. I agree-hate it with every ounce of my being. Not fair, for anyone, ever.

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  2. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. ❤️

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  3. I’m sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and her loved ones. It’s so unfair. ❤️

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  4. Oh, the paradox of suffering. So good that you had a friend like that. You wrote such a touching tribute for her.

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  5. This is so beautiful. How blessed you both were to have each other. I'm very sorry.

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  6. Sorry for the loss of your friend. She sounds like a wonderful woman. Thoughts and prayers to her family.

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  7. I am so very sorry for you loss. I whispered a prayer for your friends after reading your last post. My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer when I was 23 and I lost her when I was 27. Though it was 13 years ago, the loss still feels so very profound...

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  8. So very sorry, Sarah.
    I prayed for her and her family at mass tonight.
    From your words, I can tell she was a lovely soul who will live on in those she left behind.
    Hugs.

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  9. I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend - may her light shine bright in heaven. I am very thankful she was such a source of strength for you during a time you needed that support from someone walking your path. What a beautiful gift she was for you and continues to be. Prayers for you and for her family and those mourning her loss.

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  10. Oh Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friend. She sounds like she was an amazing woman while on earth. I'm sure she will continue to be an inspiration and guardian from heaven. xo

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  11. Sarah, I am so sorry for the loss of this special friend and dear woman. That she supported you and you still feel her presence is a blessing to you. I will pray for her family.

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  12. Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your amazing friend with us. Just reading this makes me want to be stronger for those around me.

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  13. I'm so sorry that your friend has gone on before you. She must have been such a help to you, and you to her, as you both battled cancer. Our bodies do wear out, but our souls don't, and I'm sure she is still watching over her own family and friends. God knows what He is doing, and we all hope to see our dear ones in heaven once again. May you continue to be a light to others, as your friend was a light to you. All the best!

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  14. I'm so sorry for the loss of your very special friend, and now, your angel to watch out for you everyday. I have no doubt that you will be the same kind of pillar of support for someone else someday. Take care and cherish your memories in the coming days.

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  15. So many condolences, Sarah. Your strength and wisdom are a gift.

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  16. oh Sarah...something brought me here tonight. I've been thinking of you. I am so so sorry for your friend. What a beautiful woman inside and out. She and her family will be in my prayers. Sending you love..xx pam

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  17. She sounds like a wonderful lady. I will pray for her family.

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