Katie

The death of my former college classmate and friend has inspired me to write. I never saw Katie without a smile on her face. When I saw her get mad she even had a way of having a smile. I was fortunate enough to become a Gamma Phi Guy in the sorority which she belongs. When I visited Katie and Rachel in Chicago they introduced me to deep fried green beans. She was a part of our annual Thanksgiving Dinner at OCU and she always believed that my jello mold would turn out. It NEVER did and hearing her laugh would make it all okay.

I don't know why death happens to those that give of their time, passion, and energy. People that are changing the world by teaching kids to love the Arts, Dance, and to be better human beings. I believe in Prayer and I believe in God, but I don't understand nor do I have the faith that things will be alright. I have many things to be grateful for and many things that I understand and believe in. But when someone dies who affects so many people in a positive way, I don't have faith or understand that. People will say "It was her time" and "everything happens for a reason" but I don't believe that and I don't find comfort that her journey was over. Because she has and should still be changing the lives of the children of Chicago right now.

I will miss you Katie, and I can't even imagine how your family and your OCU sisters and close friends are taking this. All I can do is send prayers, energy, and positive thoughts to them. The world has lost a wonderful friend, teacher, and human being.