i’ve never properly introduced myself to you, or even really spoken to you. I am katelyn’s sister. I just wanted you to know how much what you wrote moved me, how much your son moves me. Sam comes over after school, for sleep overs, and hangs out with E a good portion of the time. Although most of their “heart to hearts” are done while in the midst of video gaming Sam truly has changed E’s life. I feel like my brother would not be able to make it through day to day living without people like Sam around. Sam has always been nothing but kind and loving toward E and our entire family. I almost feel like he is my additional little brother. Watching E go through so much trauma at such an early age crushes me, and yet seeing him fight through it with friends like Sam by his side makes me the most proud of all. I am so glad that Sam goes to youth group with E, i have watched them grow closer to christ through each others friendship. My Mom and Dad absolutely adore Sam as well and we couldn’t feel more blessed to have him in our lives.

We have never met. I am Katelyn’s aunt. I met Sam and Sam met me. My son, TF(E’s cousin), spent many hours with your son. Doing stuff which felt normal in abnormal circumstance. Strange…you and I are strangers, yet we have become tethered together in a storm. I, too, felt my young son step into the room of adulthood. I wish I could keep him somewhere innocent from pain. But, sadly, he was familiar with the flavor of tragedy. Just 2 years ago, his little brother died. T doesn’t talk about it, much. But, when I saw him with E., I knew he was familiar with what E needed. Moments to mourn his sister’s death (the man) and then moments to giggle in front of a fast moving playstation game (the child). You should be proud of Sam. I enjoyed Sam’s presence. He did not disappear when his friend needed him. Sam is a good person, too.

True, Katelyn was …WOW! talented. I mean really talented. I’d like to encourage you to ask Katie’s parent’s about Katie someday. Go ahead and say…”Tell me about your beautiful Katie”. Our whole family has an endless list of just how “good” Katie was. Allowing my brother and my sister-in-law to tell their “Katie Story” will offer great healing to their tremendous grief. So, please ask. After all, she’s still their Katie and talking about her keeps her close.

You are so correct when you mentioned Katie’s Mom example of Christianity. I agree. And so evident at Katie’s funderal. We are a fortunate family of great faith. My Mom (grandma who spoke at the funeral) has taught us to lean on the truths of scripture. And Scripture is clear where Katie is today. Katie’s other grandparents, parents and extented family are all united in the confident knowledge of Katie’s current freedom from her disease.

Yes, Katie is a good person. And today she is very good. I mean VERY good!
Hallelujah!