A LITTLE SURPRISE

Hello Kast Family,
It’s been a while. So many days I’ve thought, time to write a post. But, what is there to say? Complain about the weather? Talk about how cold it is? Whine, cry, share my thoughts of gloom? No, didn’t want to do that, but when you work, eat, sleep and then work again there isn’t always a lot to talk about.

Then a couple of days ago something happened. I was on my way home from work and stopped at the mailbox to pick up the ‘bills’. I pulled out the usual, except there was a big envelope in the box. I looked at it, the name wasn’t familiar………uhmmm.

Got in the house and opened the mail and then came the package. I opened it and reached in and pulled out…..a little bear. The first thing I saw was the little white apron and the cap with the red cross. A nurse bear. How cute, and then I saw it. The little beaded necklace that spells K E R R I E with a little heart bead at the end. I just held it for a moment and stared at it. Then I opened the letter that was in the package. It was from a wonderful, thoughtful person. Also a nurse, also a mother who has lost a child. Her name is Geri. She is on the faculty at Oakland Community College in the School of Nursing. She was writing me because she knew of Kerrie from the Memorial Scholarship that had been established in Kerrie’s name. She wanted to acknowledge Kerrie and her place in the program. What a wonderful letter she wrote. Talking about how Kerrie was being honored and what an impact it would make on another student nurse. I was overwhelmed and so surprised. I couldn’t get over the feeling that it was Kerrie telling me ” Look Mom, I made it! I’m a nurse now!”.

I stll can’t believe how many people Kerrie has touched over her life. Even though she isn’t here with us, she is still touching others and I wonder how many are out there that we don’t even know about. I am overwhelmed and so grateful that she is remembered, even by people who never knew her. She was such a loving person and that love still reaches out to others. Geri wrote of her son Jason and how she feels he and Kerrie are in God’s hands. I also believe that and that they are together and are watching over all of us.

Kerrie’s nursing class will be graduating this spring. In a small way she will be part of that class, thanks to many of you who were so generous to KAST. This is one way we have been able to keep Kerrie’s memory alive and will do so as long as we are can. I will post a picture of Ker Bear the Nurse on the Gallery so you can all share her with me. She sits proudly in front of the honorary diploma the staff at Henry Ford Hospital gave Kerrie when she left for rehab. It’s complete now with Kerrie the nurse right in front.

Take care Kast Family,
I hope all is well with you. I will try and write again soon.
With Much Love!
Joan