Kate received a school assignment earlier this year: write an autobiographical story about a significant moment in her life. Her prose gives a glimpse into the pain she is just now starting to process from the day my friends Gene and Cathy swooped in to take the kids away as we figured out what we were going to do and say...
"And I thought my life was perfect. Well, it wasn't. I was wearing a pink leotard, purple tutu and white new tennis shoes when we pulled up to Gene and Cathy's house. Cathy gave me orange sparkly wings and we played fairies for an hour or so. That's when I got a call from dad. I had to stay the night! I was so excited until I wondered why...
We decided we would play mermaids and princesses until 9:00. Cathy fell asleep at 9:05. As for me, I stayed up to worry.
When we woke up, we played knights and princesses. Finally, Gene said he was going to take me to daddy.
I saw daddy's car at the park. Daddy motioned me over and waved at Gene. Daddy told me mommy died. Automatically, I thought he was kidding. When he told me he wasn't, I cried.
Wen I got home, everyone was crying. When I asked Uncle Bud why? The baby was born, wasn't she?
Uncle Bud said, "Kate they're not crying sad tears, they're crying tears of joy."
So, as you can see, my life isn't perfect. But, it's better than most."
--Kate.
My sweet Katie,
I am proud of you for recording this memory. It may not have been easy, but at least it is recorded so you don't forget it. I'm here if you need me for anything.
All my love,
Mere
Posted by: Meredith | May 16, 2007 at 04:13 PM