Katherine Anne Perry

Saturday, January 1, 2000

 

Happy New Year Mitch and Katie    From: Nanner2555@aol.com

I hope you had fun shooting off your fireworks. They don’t have to go so high for her to see them. I hope this New Year brings you lots of joy and contentment. Love Ya all Sis and Auntie Nancy God Bless You and watch over you always. And we already know your Angel is there. See ya soon Sis

 

[NewBug] Friends, gather 'round...   From: "John 'Cetacean' Steele" <cetacean@iname.com>

Usually, about this time of year, I send out an email to everyone in my address book wishing them a happy holiday. Then not much happens 'till the next year.

 

This year is a bit different.

 

I had a friend. I call her a friend, not as though I knew her well, but rather because, if things had been a little different, we very well may have been good friends. Her outlook on life has often been described as "enthusiastic", "energetic". It might have been an interesting complement to my rather mellow self.

 

In reality, I barely knew her. I met her in person only once, briefly. We traded a few emails, and even wound up in the same chat room on occassion. Anything else I saw through her loving father's eyes.

 

Our last conversation ended with a confirmation that we'd both be at a particular event in New Mexico next year. I guess I've been like many people. I thought, hey, I'm young, my friends are young, we have plenty of time... Like we'd all live to see 80.

 

I don't think that way anymore. She was 17 when she passed on Christmas Day. Suddenly, I don't feel so young.

 

Hindsight can be a cruel thing. I look back and see so many lost opportunities... Chances I missed because I was 'too busy' doing things that suddenly seem so trivial. But, of course, that's hindsight.

 

If I take anything from her passing, it is this: Never take your friends for granted. In this world where power corrupts, and money is no object, the only thing with any real value is friendship. I would give all my possessions, even my life, just to put her back in her father's arms. While she lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her, nothing can truly bring her back.

 

So, instead of "Happy Holidays" or some other overused phrase (I'm a little late anyway,) my frinds, I say this: Remember who your friends are. Cherish them. Honor those who have passed by living your life to the fullest (Think of all the stuff you'll have to talk about when you meet again in the next life :) And be safe.

 

        My friends, always,

        John 'Cetacean' Steele

 

PS. Katie, remind me when we meet again, that I still owe you a dinner. I'm sure by then we'll both have lots to talk about. I forget, do you like Italian?

 

Condolences    From: Mark O'Hare <markohare@yahoo.com>

Jeez...Mitch...I don't know what to say...

 

I go to beetlebuzz.com looking for news and new stuff for the NB and I read that a neighbor lost his daughter on Christmas day.  I don't have any children,

So I can't imagine how bad that hurts, but I'm having a real good cry about it anyway.

 

I'm in the yellow 99 with 17" Konig "Flight" wheels going up and down Roswell Rd, 400 and around the top of the Perimeter in the Roswell / Sandy Springs / Buckhead area - GA 105-RCJ.  If you see me on the road, give me Meep-meep and we'll get a beverage or something.

 

With my most sincere condolences,

Mark O'Hare

Glenridge Drive

Sandy Springs ATL

[NewBug] katie    From: Renee Schwager <renee_npr@yahoo.com>

To Mitch and all others in Katie's "family"--

 

I just read the very sad and shocking news.  I was unable to meet Mitch and Katie this past summer when they swung by Washington, DC, but I followed the trip through the web site and heard a lot from my fellow DCNB'ers.  Katie was part of our family, there is no question.  And as others have said, I cannot imagine the sense of loss for those closest to Katie.

 

I, too, Mitch want you to think of all the "virtual" hugs you are getting from us.

 

I am glad I got to know Katie through cyberspace and will miss her greatly.

 

Renee Schwager

 

Katie    From: "New Dimensions" <turbotim@newdimensions.com>

Mitch

 

I wanted to drop a note to express my sorrow at your lost of Katie. I posted a note on Katie’s Gift web site. I read your note right before I left for holiday with my family. For the last 5 days I have not been Able to get what happened out of my mind. I read the list and your post a few days ago and had to finally write you.

 

I know I only meet you two for a few hours but it is really strange how this event has touched me.  I have had relatives who I did not know well pass away and for some strange reason there deaths did not effect me like Katie’s. It must of hit a cord in me and made me realize what is really important in life.

 

This Christmas with my family and my In-laws has been one of the Most emotional and enjoyable I have ever had. I now really appreciate the time I have with my family and strive to embrace each minute. I only wish it did not take your lost for me to see it.

 

I pray I have the courage like you have had if I am ever faced with What you have gone through. My prayers and thoughts are with you, our Angel Katie and all of her family and friends.

 

Tim

 

Re: [NewBug] katie From: "Walt & Lynda Johnson" <waterbirds@tds.net>

"SnuggleBug" now sports her silver ribbon on the antenna...

 

Walt & Lynda Johnson

 

Re: [NewBug] Katie Tree    From: BROWERJR1@aol.com

Just one thought regarding the tree.  If the tree would be planted in Roswell we need to get some guidance as to what type would grow there. We just returned from a trip to El Paso, TX in which we saw many Italian Cypress trees which are an evergreen.

 

Rolland, Paris, Dart & Ghia

 

Just heard    From: amahan <amahan@bama.ua.edu>

I just heard the news about Katie and I cannot believe it!

 

Life seems so unfair and I'm so sorry for your loss.  Katie seemed like such a wonderful person!!

 

If you need anything, to talk or anything, let me know!

 

Angie

 

Sunday, January 2, 2000

 

Katie    From: Ktrscooter@aol.com

I just got back into town and went to re-subscribe and saw the memorial and got Judy to bring me up to speed . . . .

 

I am so sorry for you and your family - I have been crying everytime I think about it - I can't imagine what it has been like for you.

 

When Katie wanted to name her car Angel Dust, I thought of the alternative Stardust, from the Joni Mitchell song "Woodstock" that was popularized by CSNY.  Whenever I hear that song, I will think of Katie and you and NBs, and soon enough I will have joy to go along with my tears.  I will be praying for you and your family.

 

Karl Rivas/ Scooter

 

Re: [NewBug] Jack Balls    From: Ktrscooter@aol.com

In a message dated 1/2/00 7:47:09 PM Central Standard Time, ericvia@airmail.net writes:

<< Yeah the person I saw with the JITB antenna ball surely had no idea what was going on back there - s/he was in the fast lane cruising along nicely and poor Jack was getting whipped around like nobody's business! >>

 

I have had my Jack in the Ball antenna since before Scooter was born and he has worn it since day 1.  I have yet to notice any adverse effects.  My kids love watching him spin like crazy from the back seat.

 

Some of you may recall that last year I made a Santa Jack.  I emailed JITB, Inc. and suggested they do theme Jacks - Santa, Easter, Hawaiian for summer, etc.  They basically round-filed the idea then, but I see now they couldn't resist for the beginning of the end of the new millenium.

 

BTW, I just got back into town and Judy filled me in about Katie.  My Deepest condolences to Mitch and his family.  I guess Katie did make it back to the garden, albeit way too soon.

 

KTR and Scooter, TOK (Thinking of Katie)

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/NTNB