Loved By An “ANGEL”

Kristin constantly blessed us with her gifts the whole time she was here. The short time I got to spend with her, I am forever grateful for. One of the most lasting gifts, that to this day never stops, is the abundance of wonderful people that she has brought into our life. I told you of the vast amount of cards and things Kristin would get in the mail on a daily basis. I explained how her photo was posted all over the world. All because of that smile, and her wonderful attitude towards life.

Everybody we met and know, is almost all because of Kristin alone. Sure Heather and I knew a lot of people before, but

Kristin took that to a whole new level. The effect she had on all of us, is something we will keep with us until the day we die. There are so many people that put their lives on hold for

Kristin, I don't know how to thank them all. Every single prayer, every ounce of help, and every bit of support is the only way we were able to make it through this with our sanity. These people, and you all know who you are, have instantly become part of our family. We will be there for them until the day we die, as they were for us when we needed it the most.

It was amazing to watch Kristin's traits rub off onto others. Sometimes they were totally unaware of what was taking place. People that were always takers, were quickly transformed into givers. Some of the people that always had nothing nice to say, quickly didn't have anything to say at all. Do I think Kristin realized this? I think she planned it!

You know, I can "relate" to how people feel when a tragedy comes bursting into their lives. I know it is physically impossible to understand how an individual feels though, because we are all so different. But being able to relate is a gift all in itself. I understand the rollercoaster of emotions that flow through ones body. One moment being able to smile with tears of joy, and the next being filled with extreme sadness and emptiness. Never being able to fully grasp the concept of what was happening in my life. Not having any control over the outcome, or even a simple event. These things have torn me apart mentally and physically. It doesn't stop just because I can't physically see her in pain and suffering anymore. But the memories of watching Kristin go through each and every step, will stay with me forever. The only thing I can do to help keep my sanity, is exactly what Kristin taught me. Put my faith where it needs to be, help others who need to be helped, and love everyone like she did. Though the things she taught me may seem very simple, the impact of them all will be astounding.

It is the rough days that seem to be toughest to deal with though. This is only natural, for all of us. Sometimes I get in this mode where all I can think about is what I am going to miss out on with her. No more simple things like singing in the truck, coloring together, watching a movie and having popcorn, playing outside, and most of all cooking together. Every single moment of every single day, Kristin is on my mind. Sometimes I can smile, and sometimes I will cry. It hurts to know that I

will never be able to teach her to drive, see her get dressed up for prom, watch her get married, and see her start a family of her own. Parents should not have to worry about things like

this, it just doesn't seem right. But the fact of the matter is, there are a lot of us who do. Many people have dealt with things more difficult than I could ever imagine. Some who are going to go through something similar to what we went through. Then there are those people who won't have it quite so bad. Regardless of what category you are going to fall in, it "WILL" be difficult. For you, and those who are involved. Just know that you are not alone, and there are plenty of people out there willing to be there for you and help you every step of the way. You will never be alone, no matter what!

Getting out of that mentality is very hard to do, and sometimes takes a while to do so. Not that I like feeling that way, it is just extremely difficult to change my frame of mind. Eventually I start to think about all the wonderful things that we did do while she was here. Remembering all the fun and all the laughs we shared, and all of the perfect memories that will last a lifetime. It helps to think that what I did experience through Kristin, is also something that many people don't ever get the chance to. To know that even though my time here with her was cut short, the time I will spend with her when I am gone will be much greater.