Thursday, July 2, 2015

MY Katherine Ann

This past month has been one of the most difficult times in my life. Just over a month ago both of my darling daughters called me on my birthday and sang happy birthday to me. I did not know at the time that it would be the last time I would hear my Katherine Ann speak to me and now that conversation haunts my mind and my heart.

Katherine was borne on July 24, 1969 at one minute after midnight. She came into this world wailing at the top of her little lungs. A very healthy baby but they could not get her quiet. The nurse cleaned her up and placed her in my arms saying daddy you try to comfort your daughter. I held her and looked into her eyes and said, "Katherine your daddy loves you." Her eyes locked on mine and she became quiet and imprinted on me. She was daddy's girl from then on.

Almost two years ago Katherine developed a lesion on her spinal cord along her neck. It caused horrible pain in many ways. We were told that it was a possible life threatening condition. I sat beside her hospital bed and prayed for her. Her pain was only just controlled by powerful medicine that put her on the edge of overdose all the time.

When she called to wish me happy birthday she was having a "good day" and I was happy for her. As I always did I ended our talk with "Katherine your daddy loves you." Sometime after that conversation she went to sleep and never woke up. Her pain is over and she is at peace. That is my only consolation for my heart is heavy and tears fill my eyes when ever I think of her. I have heard that the loss of a child is the hardest thing a parent can feel and now I know how true it is.

Katherine your daddy loves you.

3 comments:

  1. A beautiful story, Pastor Larry. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so happy her pain has ended. I think losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare. I'm sorry you had to experience it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pastor Larry, I am terribly sorry for your deep loss. May God bring you and your family peace during this time.

    ReplyDelete