In Lisa's words:
Today would have been Mary-Kathryn's 22 birthday. It is very hard for me not to be utterly sad and broken-hearted. At first this morning, all I was able to think about was that instead of writing a birthday note, I was writing a Victim's Impact Statement... harsh and awful.I miss hearing her say "Hey Ya'll" and "Love Ya'll". I am thankful I have the recording of her voicemail message. I've listened to over and over. I just listened to it again only moments ago. Hearing her voice on the recording made me think... There are some things that I must do today but to help me get through the day, I've decided to do what MK did: reach out and say "Hey Ya'll" by texting or calling somebody, most likely a few somebodies, out of the blue.
For Mary-Kathryn, so much joy could be found in the simplest of memories. And anyone who knows her, knows how she loved to text or call about things that didn't seem to be important. But she remembered something and wanted you to know she was thinking about you. Oh what joy an out-of-the-blue text can bring! It used to always make my day to be the recipient of one.
So why not pass it on? Make someone feel special today by sending an out-of-the blue text. Let someone know you thought about them and remembered something special. Call if you prefer. Do it just 'cause. Even better, tell them how much they mean to you. I've tagged family to let you know I love you, I'm thinking about you and I appreciate your continued love, support and prayers.
Will you join me?
I will! In honor of Mary-Kathryn, please let the people in your life know that you're thinking of them by texting them a little "Hey ya'll." It's so simple, and I know that I myself don't do it enough. And if you could, send a mental hug to my friend, Lisa! Thanks guys!
6 comments:
Thanks for posting this Mel. Mary-Kathryn loved everyone and everyone loved her. I can think of no better place for her to appear today than Operation Nice.
Mary-Kathryn and her boyfriend Jon were killed by a drunk driver on Father's Day last year. They were pedestrians at the time of the accident.
In her short 21 years, Mary-Kathryn touched a lot of people. Her friends were as diverse as our great nation. Over 500 people attended her funeral-- that's all the church would hold. The funeral home told us that she had the largest number folks they'd ever had for visitation. Her remembrance page on Facebook has almost 2 thousand members.
I was reminded of the line in the Beatles song, The End. The line is: And, in the end, the love you take/ Is equal to the love you make
So please, please always make responsible decisions when consuming alcohol. And be sure to tell people what they mean to you... today.
I'm so sad to hear the reason behind this day... but glad that her memory is being carried on in such a manner!
It is so very important to let people you love know it, EVERY DAY, and never part with angry feelings. You never know when that is the last time you will see them.
Lisa~ May the joy of her birth carry you through today and every day!
And may more people stop. think. and NOT drink before they drive. I lost a childhood friend to a repeat drunk driver 23 years ago. Not a day goes by that she missed by those who loved her.
And from deep in the heart of Texas "Hey Y'all! "!
Thanks for the suggestion! I opened up my email program, and randomly chose an address of someone I hadn't heard from in a few years, and gave her a "howdy".
This is such a sweet remembrance of a wonderful person.
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