|
Tuesday, December 28,
1999 |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
:-( From: "Ben Boyle" <pboyle@centurytel.net> |
|
To
Mitch, I
am sorry to hear about your recent loss. I myself have experienced pain in
my life and I am at a loss to explain how to deal with it. They say that
time heals all wounds, and they are very much correct. May you get through
these difficult times and continue to prosper. |
|
|
|
Re:
[NewBug] I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: Jujubskt@aol.com |
|
In
a message dated 12/27/1999 8:36:09 AM Pacific Standard Time, mitch@perrysys.com
writes: <<
She was so happy the last few days of her life, she was excited about
going to college, enjoyed being with me and life in general. She just
glowed with love and joy. >> Our
hearts are heavy today. Mitch's
description of Katie's last few days is a perfect description of how she
was the day we met her last June when they came through Oregon on the
Mitch and Katie Whirlwind Tour. Rolland
and I, in Paris, together with our sheltie puppy, Maggie, met up at a
nearby freeway exit with Mitch and Katie, in Blue Eyes, and Ester and her
son Ben, in OREO. We traveled
the freeway together about 45 miles to the north, where we met up with
other NB listers for a bite to eat (rolls, of course, for Katie), and then
attended a VW meet. I
searched out my photos this morning, as soon as I heard the news.
There was a great one of Katie sitting in the driver's seat of Blue
Eyes, thumbing through an envelope of NB list stickers, so she could give
each of us one. I've been
carrying that one around with me all day.
Another great one was of Blue Eyes and OREO as they were driving
the freeway ahead of us, with Katie sticking her head out the window so
she could look back and snap a photo of OREO and Paris, following Blue
Eyes. She
was so full of life, so full of energy.
I told Mitch earlier that I felt like she was 100% effervescent
bubbles. He was tired from
the trip, and needing a good long sleep.
But she was like the Energizer bunny, bubbling away about where
they had been, what they had done, what her life back home was like, and
all the while watching for Bugs (and there were a lot of them about,
heading to the VW meet), so she could pummel her father some more on the
arm. We
came away from that day in awe of such a wonderful father/daughter
relationship. They were so
bonded, so happy together. What
an adventure they were sharing, and you couldn't help but be a bit jealous
that you couldn't live it with them.
But then again, it did feel like we lived it with them, didn't it,
as we read every day their postings of the day's adventures, and looked at
Mitch's website for the day's photos. Last
month there was a tragedy here in Oregon, when a well known man from
Portland, Tiger Warren, died in a crash of his private plane, which he was
piloting. His three sons were
with him, and they all died too. Although
we didn't know him, he was well known in the state. From what little we knew of him, and what we learned
following his death, we felt that he lived life 110% full out every day.
He worked hard, and founded a restaurant chain, but he also played
hard, and most of all he loved his family.
He seemed like a shining star that burned out prematurely.
I felt that way today about Katie. Of
the young women her age that I have met, she was definitely a shining
star. She loved life, she
loved her family, and she loved everyone she came in contact with.
She definitely burned out too early.
I'd like to think, though, that she spread more love and happiness
in her 17 years than many of us will ever share in a lengthier lifetime.
Hopefully we'll all remember Katie and what she gave to us, and try
to honor her by loving each other. Live
with joy always. Judy and
Paris, in Oregon |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: tristan@gate.net |
|
Mitch....I
am so sorry. All I can say is
hang in there and time will ease the pain a bit and soon you'll remember all the happy times instead of what
happened. I have had the
misfortune of losing several loved ones very suddenly so I can definitely
understand your pain. I hope
you can find some solace in the fact that she did not suffer... Grace "Follow
your dreams, you too can achieve your goals.
I am living proof. BEEFCAKE!
BEEFCAKE!!"---Eric Cartman |
|
|
|
Re:
[NewBug] I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: lisa linn <spacegrrl@earthlink.net> |
|
Mitch, i
am also writing this through tears.
though i never met her in person, i did know katie through the
wonderful travelogues you both posted to this list. her sweet nature and energy were apparent in all of those
writings. i have always been in awe of the close relationship between the
two of you. i can't imagine what a terrible loss this is for you, and my
heart goes out to you and your family.
i know that the list will be lessened without her. Love,
lisa & spacepod |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Loss Of An Angel From: "stefanopolus" <stefan@opolus.com> |
|
I
was online when Mitch posted the sad news. When I read the title of his
E-mail, I first felt anger -- how could someone break into Mitch's Bug and
steal the angel from his bud vase on Christmas day?!?! If
it were only that simple. Mitch,
I've thought about you and Katie all day. Be strong. Through your E-mails,
her E-mails and your Web site, I feel a bond, as I'm sure we all do. Tina,
thanks very much for sharing that beautiful poem. It was touching and I'm
saving it. Please
take care, Stefan STEFANOPOLUS Editor-in-Chief,
Beetle Buzz News
Correspondent, New Beetle Club (NBC) Owner/Driver,
New Beetle 1.8T |
|
|
|
Katie From: "beetle BUZZ" <stefan@opolus.com> |
|
Hi
Mitch, Again,
so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I
would like to do a little news article, in very good taste, on Katie for
Beetle Buzz, if it's okay with you. Both of you have been prominent in the
online New Beetle community, with your participation on the NewBug
listserver and your vibrant Web site chronicling your travels. I
wanted to run the idea by you. What do you think? I could use the photo of
Katie taking delivery of her New Beetle. Please
take care, Stefan STEFANOPOLUS Editor-in-Chief,
Beetle Buzz News
Correspondent, New Beetle Club (NBC) |
|
|
|
Heavenly
Angel From: newbug@webtv.net (Herb Marshall) |
|
Oh
Mitch, How my heart goes out to you and your family. I just want to join
all those on our list in their prayers. I have always felt close to you,
if only in my own feelings. I have closely followed and enjoyed the
wonderful adventure you have had with your beloved daughter. No words from
anyone can be much comfort now, I know. You have more memories than many
of us do to cherish forever. Try to have the strength and courage that
your Angel would want you to have and feel the peace that is with her.
Your
friend, Herb |
|
|
|
Re:
[NewBug] I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: BROWERJR1@aol.com |
|
In
a message dated 12/27/1999 8:36:09 AM Pacific Standard Time, mitch@perrysys.com
writes: <<
She just glowed with love and joy. >> This
is how I will always remember Katie. Katie
really got it....the reason why there is a bud vase in our cars, the
reason there is a reason why some of us have snowflakes when it is 70
degrees, the reason why some of us wave to other people in New Beetles.
Life should be filled with Love and Joy. Judy
and I were fortunate to have met with Katie and Mitch last June when they
were in Oregon. It didn't
take long to notice the special bond this father and daughter had.
Not to many kids would want to spend 18 days in a little car
traveling the US with their father these days, but Katie was different.
When we met Mitch we could tell he was a bit tired from the trip as
they were approaching the halfway point of the journey.
His co-pilot, Katie was full of life.
"Punch Buggy", "Thud" was coming from Katie
with each
Old Beetle she say and Mitch would have this look of "not again"
on his face. We had picked a
restaurant in Woodburn, Oregon to have lunch with some from the list on
our way to a VW meet. This
was also the exit that many other VW's would be taking to go to the meet. Katie had the best seat for viewing cars as they came off
the freeway, Mitch could only winch in pain....."Punch Buggy,
Daddy"....... Katie's
presence has blessed many from this list in many ways whether it be from
meeting on a trip, or sharing thoughts in emails. I for one will always cherish the smile she had. I
know Katie will be watching over her Daddy as well as others she came to
love. Now there is an Angel
up there watching over New Beetle list people and her name is Katie. God
Bless, Rolland
& Paris |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Angel... From: "John 'Cetacean' Steele"
<cetacean@iname.com> |
|
...I
met Katie and Mitch briefly at Driversfest. Now I really wish I hadn't
gotten lost in CT on the way there... I
also had the opportunity to meet them for dinner a few days later.
Unfortunately, that wound up as little more than a game of phone tag.
Since Mitch was driving, I got to talk to Katie. I
think I ended our last conversation with "See you in Roswell,
then?" I'm pretty sure her reply was affirmative. I'll
be looking for you, Katie. -Cetacean |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Katie From:
"Nancy S. Breland" <nbreland@tcnj.edu> |
|
I
was stunned, then deeply saddened, when I read of Katie's death.
I never had the pleasure (and all who met her say that it was such
a pleasure) of meeting Mitch and Katie. Like many other list members I
enjoyed getting to know them through their descriptions and pictures of
their trips together. When I studied the snapshots of Mitch and Katie, I
thought that the camera had captured two people who clearly loved each
other very much. And now one
of them is gone. Mitch,
I hope that you can take comfort from the thoughts and prayers of the many
"faceless" members of this list as well as the people you have
met in person. You and Katie have done so much to create this
"family" and we share your grief. Nancy
Breland and Rosebug |
|
|
|
Re:[NewBug]I
lost my Angel on Christmas day From:
"Chuck Wildzunas"<chuckw@wrldnet.net> |
|
Mitch... I
can't add much to the genuine outpouring of emotion from the other members
of the list... I have read each post (many with tears in my eyes) and am
sad at your loss. I have
tried to imagine, but I can't. My
prayers are with you... Chuck
and Nancy Wildzunas |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Katie From: "Judy Kuhnle" <jkuhnle@globaldialog.com> |
|
I
just visited the site that Dan did for Katie and read some of the
messages. I think we should
all put our personal messages to Mitch in the questbook so they will all
be in one place for him to read in the future. (I just copied and pasted
the one that I had submitted to the list earlier.)
A wonderful memorial to Katie, the one he loved. Judy
and Ladybug List, I
have added a Herbie story that I'm sure you all will want to check out.
It's called Katie's Gift and may be viewed at http://www.newbug.org/fth/survivors.html
(click on "Katie's Gift") or directly at http://www.newbug.org/fth/katie.html.
Also, take time to sign the guestbook that I've set up, which is linked to
on that page. Thanks very much. Dan
dan@newbug.org |
|
|
|
My
heart goes out to you and your wife From:
Tammy Gibbons <tammy_gibbons@yahoo.com> |
|
Dear
Mitch, Words
are so inadequate at a time like this. I haven't been following the list
very closely lately, but I signed on this morning and began to cry upon
reading your note. Please
know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time, as are the
thoughts and prayers of your hundreds of friends you've made through the
list. It is obvious to everyone that you had a very special relationship
with Katie, and she knew at all times how much she was loved, she was
indeed a lucky girl. I've
never been a parent, but I did lose my sister when she was 15, and I have
some idea of what my parents went through. If I were able to be there in
Georgia, I'd give you a hug, but since I can't be, carry our friendship in
your heart to help you get through. I
know that you've already heard this a lot, but if there is anything at all
I can do, please don't hesitate to ask. Thinking
of you, Tammy
Gibbons Hillsboro,
OR |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Katie From: Buginon898@aol.com |
|
Mitch, Although
I was never fortunate enough to actually meet Katie, I felt as if I knew
her through the list & also by the affectionate way you always spoke
about her...my heart truly goes out to you...there is probably not
anything that anyone can do to ease this loss, but just keep in mind that
we all feel for you & our thoughts (& tears) are with you...God
bless Mary |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
A Tribute to Katie From: "Steve Meister" <the.meisters@erols.com> |
|
Hi
folks, ElecMoHawk
came up with a great idea for a tribute for Katie. Get some silver ribbon
(the color of Katie's NB) and tie it to your NB's antenna. Let's also do
this at R2K, for Katie. --
Steve & Christiane DARTH
VW |
|
|
|
Re:
[NewBug] A Tribute to Katie From:
"Howie Lipton" <isetahow@idirect.com> |
|
Great
idea! I was going to suggest
that the Roswell meet be dedicated in her memory (and had already
suggested it to David); a person that so much wanted to attend Roswell.
Without turning morbid, or letting the hurt go on, if it's okay
with Mitch and David, we could do this. Howie |
|
|
|
Christmas
Day Angel From: Kim Fryer <redbug2@mindspring.com> |
|
Mitch, I
spoke with you in e-mail earlier this year, I was planning on being at the
show in Villa Park with the other NB owners but due to the rain and
flooding never made it to meet you and Katie. I thought certainly there
would be another chance. Well, I guess you should never count on chances. I
am very upset to hear about your Christmas Day, it is without a doubt The
saddest thing I have read all year. But it does make me feel much better
to know that you had such a wonderful time with Katie traveling around in
your New Beetle and taking photos everywhere you went this year. It is
wonderful to see and father and daughter who liked to spend so much time
together. I'm glad you have the photos from this year's trip to remind you
of her, it seems as though you will have nothing but the happiest
memories. I
don't believe you have truly lost your angel, I think she will always be
there with her new wings, watching over her dad. Kim |
|
|
|
Farewell...
From: "ElecMoHwk" <elecmohwk@dashin.org> |
|
Katie, Even
though I know you will not read this, I still want to just let you know
how wonderful of a person you were in life, and beyond I'm sure. Ever
since the day that we met, I've had a new interest in life, and I don’t
ever want to go back to anything less than what you gave me. I
hardly knew you, but I feel like I've lost my best friend.
Your father is not the only one who cries for you now.
You will be missed by so many people. Thank
you for the smiles. Thank you
for the wonderful smiles. Farewell
'lil angel. @}--`--,--------------------------- ::
ElecMoHwk (elecmohwk@dashin.org) ::
http://bug.dashin.org ('99 GL DkBl + Silver Ribbon) |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Loss of an Angel From: Cbjszoo@aol.com |
|
Mitch...
my thoughts and prayers are with you and Katie. As a father with two
teenage children I could not imagine the loss you must feel. Chuck
and Halfmoon. White
98 TDI |
|
|
|
Re:
I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: Rusty <rustle@bellsouth.net> |
|
Mitch, I'm
so sorry. I wish I could turn back the clock for you and somehow and
prevent this tragedy. I know there is nothing I can do or say to ease your
pain. Katie was a wonderful girl and I was lucky to have known her. You
are both in my thoughts... -Rusty |
|
|
|
RE:
I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: Ivy.Foley@BassHotels.com |
|
Mitch, I
wanted to call you but don't really know where to reach you. I am just
crushed by this news and wish there was something I could do to help you
deal with it. If you feel like talking please call. I'll be at the
memorial service on Monday. I'm so sorry. Ivy |
|
|
|
RE:
[NewBug] I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: roninam@worldnet.att.net |
|
mitch, i'm
sorry to hear about your loss. i just joined the list in august and have
been pretty much a lurker, but your story about katie saddened me. i also
fell asleep at the wheel once, but i was lucky in that i woke up, then
lost control and spun head-on into the highway median. Somehow, both my
friend and i survived. From yours and everyone else's description, katie
sounds like she was a very special girl who was taken away from you too
soon. You have my condolences. Eric |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Katie From: "Larry Shaber" <larrynbm@bellatlantic.net> |
|
Kim
and I met Mitch and Katie at Driverfest this past August. What I remember
the most about Driverfest is when Katie had locked the keys to her NB
inside the car. It took quite some time until the security people could
finally open the door on their NB. If one of my sons had done this, I
would have gone ballistic. Not Mitch. He was sitting at our table with
Katie, very calmly waiting for the security people to arrive. Never once
uttering a negative word her way. His calm restraint just proved how much
he truly loved his daughter. Mitch,
Kim and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Larry
& Kim |
|
|
|
RE:
[NewBug] A Tribute to Katie From: Wayne Repich <wrepich@vanacc.com> |
|
Steve
& ElecMoHawk, I
think that's a great idea, as a tribute to Katie, and as a remembrance of
all that is right with this world. I'll
have mine on before the sun goes down. WSR
& Elmo Wayne
Repich |
|
|
|
Re:
Good Morning!! From: Inez E Hendrix <mscricket@juno.com> |
|
Hello
there honeys, we will be praying for you all and the Lord Bless you all
through this service. If you
take pictures please send me some. It
hurts me from the deepest of my heart that I can’t be by your sides all
the way. May you all take it easy as you possibly can. Let us hear from
you all With
lots of love Shorty
and Cricket |
|
|
|
Re:
I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: "Gladys Gonzalez" <ggonzalez@bcbsal.org> |
|
Mitch...
I found out about the accident yesterday PM when Phillip called me at home
(I have/had the "flu".) I
am grieving for you ...although, I never met Katie, I have met her in my
heart, as I have a daughter that I love the way you love Katie.
Please know that you have support in the form of many prayers in
your behalf. I pray for God's
blessing of comfort and strength for you during this most difficult time.
There are promises in His Word that will help sustain you. For example, Joel 2:25, "I will restore to you the
years that the locust (evil one) has eaten...", and, in Job 42:10-17,
"the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Satan had taken
his family by causing various calamities..." , and, Psalms 23. In
Christ's love, Gladys |
|
|
|
Re:[NewBug]I
lost my Angel on Christmas day
"Tyler Thompson" <tthompso@edwin.mounet.com> |
|
Mitch,
I am so sorry to hear about this. I can't believe that I am actually
reading what you typed. That is so sad. She was such a nice and happy
girl, it was a pleasure to meet her. She seemed to live life to the
fullest and had a lot of fun doing it. My thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family. It will be hard I'm sure but she is in a better
place, and you can see her in heaven. Once again, I'm very sorry to hear
about this and my prayers are with you and your family. Tyler
Thompson |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
RE: Loss of an Angel From: BeccaNando@aol.com |
|
Mitch: I
want to pour out my deepest sympathy for you and the family.
Reading about Katie was a shock to me considering the fact that the
last time we saw each other was back in August when you guys came to New
York, and we all drove out to Jones Beach together. I
am so sorry for your loss, Mitch. I
will speak to you soon. Love, Becca |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
A Tribute to Katie From: "Tyler Thompson"
<tthompso@edwin.mounet.com> |
|
We
could get David to make some stickers for our windows, since Katie loved
stickers, saying in memory of Katie in a NB logo. I thought of it last
night, what do you think? Tyler
& Bugger |
|
|
|
RE:
[NewBug] A Tribute to Katie From:
TPearson@madisondm.com |
|
That
is an excellent idea! I’d tie a ribbon on Malcolm even thou we won't be
there. tab
& malcolm >
Great idea! I was going to
suggest that the Roswell meet be dedicated in her memory (and had already
suggested it to David); a person that so much wanted to attend Roswell.
Without turning morbid, or letting the hurt go on, if it's okay
with Mitch and David, we could do this. |
|
|
|
For
Mitch From: "A. Martin"
<abarrett@Houston.GeoQuest.SLB.COM> |
|
Mitch, Our
thoughts and prayers are with you both now and always. "God,
grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.... Courage to
change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. Living
one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as
the pathway to peace. Taking,
as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting
that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may
be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in
the next." written
by Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr, 1926 Eternal
Father, it isn't often but once in a while I experience a highly refined
sense of serenity. At such times I feel very close to You, happy with my
life, and ready to do anything asked of me. I realize that these are
moments of sensible consolation and such consolation is never
permanent---still it is very nice to experience.
Grant me the grace to remain just as attached to You when I am
deprived of consolation. Let
me learn to concentrate on what is important in my relationship with You,
so that I may bear witness to You in every circumstance of my life. Amen. |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Roswell Dedication From: "Larry Shaber"
<larrynbm@bellatlantic.net> |
|
How
about "R2Katie" as the theme for a decal/logo/etc. in memory of
Katie? Larry |
|
|
|
[NewBug]
Katie From: "Jamison Turner"
<stressing@hotmail.com> |
|
Mitch- I
am so sorry to hear of your loss. Words cannot explain the sorrow I feel
for you. Although I never had the chance to meet you or Katie, I feel
through this list that we are somehow family. I cannot imagine a loss as
great as yours. May God give you the strength and courage to make it
through these difficult times. You will be in my prayers. My heart goes
out to you. |
|
|
|
Condolences From: phope@btinternet.com |
|
Mitch, I
didn't know either Katie or yourself but having been on the list for 18
months or so and having visited the website, I feel I must offer my
heartfelt sympathy at your loss. I'm
sure all Scottish list members will join me in saying this. I
lost my cousin this year after a long and painful struggle against kidney
& liver disease. Take
care, Peter |
|
|
|
Re:
[NewBug] I lost my Angel on Christmas day
From: "Laura" <llgrafix@concentric.net> |
|
May
God watch over Your Angel, and now Our Angel, too. Thank you for sharing
her wonderful personality with us on the list, she will be missed by us
all. Much Love and Sympathy, Laura
and Cricket |
|
|
|
Loss
of your Angel From: Arthur van Mourik
<AvanMourik@Essilor.NL> |
|
Mitch, I've
never been so shocked as yesterday when I read the mail on the NewBug
list, I expected something funny as you lost some Christmas decoration
from Blue Eyes during a ride when I saw the subject of your mail but after
reading some lines I almost couldn't breath, like I was hit by a
sledgehammer on my forehead. First
I couldn't believe it because where could someone find the strength to
write this after such an event but making jokes about such things was
totally unthinkable to me. I
almost couldn't sleep the last night and I had the accident you described
about ten times in my nightmares last night, I cannot understand what a
nightmare it must have been for you to experience this for real. |