A friend of 12 years, passed away last Saturday of breast cancer. She was only 34 years old. She left behind an adoring husband and three beautiful children, ages 5, 3 and 16 months. No form of chemo would kill this cancer. It mastitised and took her life in 13 months. It's nasty, it's ugly and it proved deadly. My friend Heather is gone from this earth.
I missed her funeral because we were on our cruise, but I was able to walk in her name as the cruise sponsored a "walk the deck for the cure" 5K the day after her funeral. I sobbed and sobbed as I walked and walked. It's all so tragic.
Although I don't understand why she had to leave this earth so soon, I do have faith in God and I know that He is all knowing and all powerful. I know that He has a plan for Heather, Eldon and their children. I know that this occurred just because. I know there is a purpose. I don't know that purpose, but I have faith in God.
I hope and pray for Eldon and their children as they are truly going through an awful period in their lives. I wish I could make it all better, yet I can not.
To Heather I say...Remember when we first met in the singles ward and we talked about social service kids and physical therapy kids? Remember when you were roomies with Julie Cox and we did some hanging out together? Remember when we celebrated your birthday at Old Chicago on at least two occasions? Remember all the boys that had crushes on you? Remember when Eldon was so lucky to snatch you up? Remember your beautiful wedding and the ever so funny wedding video? Remember skiing together? Remember camping together, in the rain? Remember going to the mountains to get away from the world and staying up all night talking? Remember teaching me how to roller-blade down Cherry Creek? Remember all the runs that you and Jen would go on and training for the 1/2 marathan? Remember meeting Travis for the first time and Eldon and I not giving either you or him one second to talk?! Remember Travis and I visiting you just after you had Elle and how happy you were to be a mother? Remember all the dinner groups and dinner gatherings with all the laughter and diet coke we could drink? Remember swapping Christmas gifts? Remember the Temple; specifically initiatory where we cried together?
Although marriage, children and time have distanced us over the years, I still count Heather as a very close friend. We experience so much together and have so many memories together. I'm grateful for her influence and impact in my life.
Heather will be missed by me. Her smile, her hair, her hugs, her hands. They will be missed. She is a care taker, a nurturer, a committed human being. She is wonderful. I'm grateful to have been in her circle over the last twleve years. I'm grateful for her influence in my life.
For her children, I hope they will always know how much she loved them and how much she served those she came in contact. She will be doing a great work for our Heavenly Father and her children will have the opportunity here on Earth to do a great work. I hope and pray and know that Eldon, Elle, Emma and Kai will be blessed by our Heavenly Father every step of the way as they learn to live without their sweet Heather.
God bless the Kartchner family. Watch over them, protect them, provide them with their needs. Please give Eldon the strength to raise his children in righteousness.
Heather is standing next to me at my wedding in 2002. My wonderful friends came to support Travis and I in our marriage. Jen, Connie, Keri, Tarra, Jill, Heather, Me, Tosha and Carol.
Heather and Eldon in 2004
Heather and Elle in 2005
Tarra, Heather, Me and Tosha with children in tow at one of our many play dates over the years.
Heather and I, (with her girls in the foreground) our last picture together, in October 2008 just after her diagnosis. She will be loved and missed.
4 comments:
Emily I am so sorry for your lose, certainly she was an amazing friend to be considered a friend by yourself. We are thinking of you.
That is so sad, just reading your story made me cry and I didn't even know her!! I don't know if I am getting old or what but a lot more of that DANG Cancer is around!!! I know way too many people that have had it in some sorts, some made it and others not!! Your in my thoughs, and thank goodness for the Gospel, I don't know how people do it without it!!
Emily, I am so sorry for the loss. We will keep her family in our prayers. I had a close friend of my family taken by breast cancer. I know what a hard disease it is. She is in a better place now and can watch over her family from Heaven. We love you.
Wow. I am speechless. What a nice tribute to a very special person.
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