A TIME OF LOSS

Hello Kast Family

It’s been a while again since we have posted. Things have been busy and hectic for us all, as I am sure it is for you as well. We all get wrapped up in our daily routine and time goes by so fast. Many things have been happening the last few weeks.

Jenn and Fuat flew to Istanbul for a surprise visit with Fuat’s family. It is a time of celebration for them, a holiday. I would tell you which one, but I don’t know it and can only spell it phonetically…..Byrum. They have done a lot of visiting with different family members and I am anxious to hear about the trip.

Just a short time ago, just before or after they left, Jenn’s cousin Michael (a very special cousin to Kerrie) and his wife Wendy lost their little boy Cooper. He was born prematurely and after many months of living in the hospital and numerous surgeries and treatments he gave up his battle and left us. When I talked to them last night we all had the same thought. He’s with Kerrie. They feel strongly that she has taken him as her own and is keeping him until his parents can join him. It has given them peace.

However, Kerrie now has competition for this littlest angel. Grandma Andree joined them this week. She died suddenly Thursday morning. Her daughter in law, Karol, found her when she went to the house to pick her up for a doctor’s appointment. When everyone talked together they found she had been complaining of not feeling well and told several little details to each, but not all to anyone. I had even talked to her at least twice, and besides sounding very tired and weak, she never mentioned any of her problems to me. A consolation is that she went suddenly and was not alone for a long period of time. I’m sure there was a plan that she was taken just before Karol was to arrive. And we’re convinced that Grandpa came and got her. Karol says on the way to the house she saw Grandpa as if he were there in front of her. I think he was letting her know that he was taking care of things.

Jenn and Fuat made an emergency change of their itinerary and arrived back in Washington yesterday afternoon. They are now on the road to Michigan and should be here this afternoon. All the family is here, all twelve brothers and sisters and their families have arrived or on the road.

There were many tears and also laughter yesterday as they gathered to say goodbye and to remember. I know I will feel a special loss. Mom became my only Mom after my parents were gone. We drifted apart for a while, but different things would bring us together. We had ties that we shared for over 40 years, even raising our children at the same time. Whenever I visit Kerrie at the cemetery, I would drive over to Grandma’s and visit with her. Today was the day Ron and I were going to take the winter wreaths to her house to decorate while she watched and then take them to the cemetery to put in place. Now we will wait until she is lying next to Kerrie and put one on her grave too.

How little we know what will happen day to day. I can’t help but remind all of you, cherish every day and every moment with your family and friends. Things can change so rapidly and there are always so many things you wish you had said or done. There is comfort in knowing Mom is with Dad and Kerrie and Cooper, and sorrow that I won’t hear that “Hello Dear” again except in my memory.

Keep the Andrees in your thoughts and prayers this week. And hug everyone you can and tell them you love them.

Take care, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

We will try and post again soon

Love to all

Joan