Christmas Morn...

I opened Christmas gifts this morning with Kimmy. I gave Kim a purse she gave me photo frames, beautiful boxes for trinkets, and candles. It was fun, but Kell was missed.

Kim also gave my family a gift from Kell that she had found among her things. It was a beautiful glass Christmas ornament that Kell made before she died. I love it and will always treasure it. It was sweet of Kim to give us such a beautiful reminder of her sister.

Merry Christmas to you all. May God bless you and your families in the coming year.

University Graduate

Kelly-Anne recieved her Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Concordia University in November 2002. She loved studying and would often take courses outside her field "just for the heck of it." Some examples include the History of Quebec, Geology, Geography, and numerous others that I can't remember off the top of my head. Kell loved learning about diverse subjects and enjoyed being a student. While at Concordia, Kell produced a number of interesting radio and television documentaries, including one about the memories of the residents who had been living on her street in Pierrefonds for more than 50 years. In her studies and in every other aspect of her life, Kell demonstrated her creativity, intelligence, passion, and joie de vivre.

Reflections

Another Christmas is coming shortly... sadly 2005 is another year Kell can't celebrate with us.

We miss her so much each day, but somehow the loss is more acute when we all gather together at the holidays and it is plainly evident that she isn't with us. Birthdays are hard, holidays are hard, Sundays are hard... overall it's wretched to deal with this. In an instant Kell's 24 years of love, life, happiness, and vitality were stolen away from her and from her family.

It is amazing how far everyone has come this year. Honestly, at this time last year I wondered whether we would ever be able to go on. Doreen, John, and Kim are each doing their best to ensure that Kell is remembered and that other people facing similar situations will have the support they need. I know that Kell would be proud of her family. I think she would be delighted to know they are trying to help others who are facing the same situation.

But it doesn't change how much we miss her...

flashback

Here is a photo of Kell, me, and Kim on the first day of school in 1987. We wore matching outfits of jean skirts, turquoise sweaters, and white blouses. It was adorable.

Italy

This is a photo of Kelly-Anne in Italy. It was taken just a few weeks before her death when she was competing in the International lifesaving competition. I am so happy that she got the opportunity to take a trip overseas...

Another from the lifesaving competition in Italy in September 2004.

San Diego

Kell and her good friend, Caro.

They lived and trained for lifesaving competitions together in San Diego, California, in the summer of 2002. This was a wonderful time in Kell's life. She would write me long letters and e-mails detailing all the fantastic adventures she was having. She enjoyed living near the ocean in San Diego, and would love to recount the tales of all the different marine life she spotted while in the ocean.

Please feel free to send me e-mails and pictures with stories about Kell that you would like to see published on this blog.