taste and see that the Lord is good...

Today is a day for coffee-cake.

Kaitlin - everytime I think about you, I just remember the way you gave of yourself. You gave your time, your heart, and your friendship. I can't even write a tribute worthy of you, because you don't fit into the confines of any words - you're beyond them, because you lived free of any confinement for Christ. You were never chained or bound by this world; you were just a light to it. Even before you were ever diagnosed, you were so confident of God's plans for you, and that always astounded me, because my faith is so flimsy in that aspect. I loved all the mornings I spent with you on the cliffs overlooking the lake, because I can't count the times that you spoke hope into my life. The kind of beauty that God loves, you possessed, and it radiated out of you. You were gentle and kind, and you made every single person you met feel welcomed into Jesus' presence because you carried it with you. You were so special. And every single aspect of your character, your faith, your selflessness, your love, your joy... those were not things that came out of your illness, but rather characteristics you already possessed in overflow that were just intensified under the circumstances you faced. You impacted more than a corner of the planet. Your willingness to be given up for God's will changed the world.... it changed me.

I love you KTB. I can't wait to dance in heaven with you. Today you won't be eating a coffeecake that molded and hardened on the floor of the base staff guys room... no, your celebration is much greater than that. :) And there is no better way to imagine a birthday than knowing you are where you are, with the One you lived and gave your entire life for.

Kaitlin once wrote me a note, on pink paper nonetheless, that said this:

"In heaven, it doesn't matter if you are a teacher, or lawyer, or any other jobs. As long as you live your life for God, and show joy."

...she's a testament to that each day in action, not in words. She was faithful to the 'job' God gave her, and her life was a testament of faith and joy.Thank you for your friendship, Kaitlin. <3