Beanie wrote: 
Beth, I've had a hard time finding words to tell you how sorry we are. I think of our four grandchildren and how Linda and I would react if we had lost one of them. I would hope that we would be able to exhibit the grace and understanding that you have shown. Kiersten was such a little gem of a person, and I always enjoyed the K stories you told. May you and Steve find healing in her memories.

Hugs and blessings from both of us.

 ScottFromWyoming wrote: 
Yes please. You are an awesome, inspiring person but when the Tsunami hits and the tide of grief overwhelms you, take the time  you need.

      Give Max an extra ear scratch when you get sad.

 Beanie wrote: 


Lots of love for you and yours. 

 Beanie wrote: 
I was trying to picture this in my mind (without completely breaking down again). I am glad you found peace in this moment.

 Beanie wrote: 
Marathon strength for you for tomorrow!!

       

 Beanie wrote: 
I know it can be cathartic to write a few notes but when you're ready to stop, please don't keep going. I know. We all know.
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Augusta wanted to send flowers. "Paper flowers." I told her Kes wanted her to go pet kitties at the shelter. She said "I can do that."

 Beanie wrote: 
Awww...that's great.

 Beanie wrote: 
Words still pretty much fail so times infinity.

 Beanie wrote:

Thanks for being here with us, even in this way, K.

Trust us that we'll take care of your family. We love them so much. Never doubt it!

 kysmet wrote: 
Love-a-stray posted a dedication to her today on their web site.
Love-a-stray

 

 Beanie wrote: 
x a billion

 Beanie wrote: 
We love y'all B! Praying for strength for each of you.

Stopping in for just a brief moment after a very long day.  Today is Tuesday.  The news people stayed away today, although we were told that Thursday might be a bit tough in that regard.  Visitation this evening.  Three hours felt like a lifetime, but we got through it. 

Seeing her in the casket was not as terrible as I thought, and she was surrounded by her stuffed animals at the beginning of the evening, supplemented by tiny toys and thoughts from her friends by the end.  She looked beautiful, even if she wasn't in that body anymore. 

I didn't cry tonight.  Oddly, I didn't even want to.  My job was to comfort all the hundreds of people who came through, and that job, in itself, gave me comfort.  There were quite a few of her classmates who came through, most of them wondering what happened to her.  We were lucky enough to have a cardiologist friend explain her death to us in a way that makes sense to tell a fourth grader.  We will plant a tree at the school in the spring, to help them have a place to go to talk with her. It was good to have that to tell them.  I think it helped, in a small way.

Services are all planned for Thursday; everything is arranged.  All that is left is tomorrow's marathon.  Gosh, tonight we had more than 200 people in 3 hours.  Tomorrow night will be twice that.  I'm going to need a conveyor belt.

I talked with Kes tonight after everyone left.  I told her she'd be touched by all the people who were here tonight.  Her friends were very brave and her family focused on her incredibly bright spirit.  Phin told me the other night that firecrackers can't burn forever, and he's right.  But the bang Kiersten is leaving behind will last a long time I think.

It's late; I'm rambling.  But S and I are still so very touched by your love and caring.  It will still take a long time to reach back to each of you.  But we will. And know until then that we are both very grateful for each and every one of you.

xox

B

 

Kes, you are now part of every thing, every breath, every day.  We see you in everything that makes us smile, that makes us cry, makes us stop to wonder. Life does not end, it merely changes. And though we can't control those changes, we know that life goes on.  You did so much for your family in such a short time - taught them how to deal with struggles, how to welcome someone in, and how to let go.  You left a mark on this world that stretches all the way around it, and we won't ever forget that.

 Alexandra wrote: 
Same here.  I had tears in my eyes as well and I, too, will always think of her now when I visit them.

 kysmet wrote: 
I did that too, on Sunday. I had to stay there, though, until there weren't tears in my eyes anymore—-before heading to the checkout.

I've always done that, but now I'll always think of KES when I do.

 Mr_Beanie wrote: 
I believe the honor is all ours. And I believe it would be a further honor to get to know you better.
My best to and your family, always.

John 

For raising such wonderful parents. Your time on this earth was way too short, but you made the most of it. You did a great  job.

A million  and  for all of you.

 

Dear Bug,
I know what it is like to want to save the world one stray, unloved, unwanted animal at a time.  I know what it is like to look in an animal's eyes that has no home and want to give them the love you have to share.  When I was your age I would bring every injured and stray home to be cared for.  That love and compassion is what led me to the field I am in today, and am sure that your path would have led you the same way.  For you Bug, there is a jar on my desk at work for donations to your wonderful causes and an explanation of the remarkable girl behind them.  So no worries for you dear heart, even from afar your work continues through all of us that keep your memory alive.

Much love from one Kirsten to another.