My sister, my hero, my best friend forever. Heartbroken doesn't begin to describe this feeling. Kelly died in her sleep last night just after midnight. She has suffered for so long and is finally at peace. She was surrounded by Tim and all of us, her immediate family. Today is day 6 of the Divine Mercy novena. The intention for today is for meek and humble souls and could not be a more perfect description of Kelly:

"Today bring to Me THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence."

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday and as Fr. Robbie reminded us on Monday, Kelly so loved Divine Mercy Sunday (always the Sunday after Easter) and this time of year. Kelly and Tim were married on Divine Mercy weekend 2 years ago. She has been praying this annual novena for years, it's such a fitting time for her to be born into everlasting life.

We have had so many signs and miracles from Heaven in the past year and especially in the days and weeks leading up to today. In the past two days, we have had 3 priests, Fr Robbie, Fr David and Fr Richard, and the chaplain from Caris, Garrett, visit Kelly. She received Anointing of the Sick and Communion hours before she died and we have zero doubt she is in Heaven. Mom has been reading The Story of a Soul, St Therese's book, to Kelly over the past few months. St Therese talks of her "Little way" in striving for sainthood throughout her life. She says in the end of her book that she will live out her days in Heaven bringing souls to God and will shower flowers on earth, particularly roses to let you know of her presence. Yesterday morning, mom finished the book and throughout the day Kelly received the most beautiful delivery of garden roses and a prayer shawl from Garrett, the Caris chaplain, covered in roses. This is just one example of the many reassurances we've received that Kelly would be celebrating in Heaven soon. 

She wasn't a bit worried about dying, she knew she was going home to be with her Heavenly Father. The only thing she worried about was leaving us behind, always thinking of others. Kelly was the kindest most thoughtful person I've ever met. She always had a smile on her face. She couldn't stand for anyone to be upset with her and would do everything within her power to make a situation right; always the mediator among friends and family. She loved fiercely and completely. It is a privilege to call her my sister.

In the last 5 weeks of her life on hospice care, she had the most wonderful nurse and nurse aid, Leigh and Dineshia, who have become family. We could not have asked for a better hospice team in Caris. They took care of her and all of us and truly loved Kelly like family. Alice took this semester off school, and I was able to take a leave of absence from work, so our whole family was able to be together for her final days. The memories we've shared over the past 5 weeks I will cherish forever. In the 28 1/2 short years Kelly lived in this world she touched countless lives. Her witness and devotion to God and family will be her legacy.

In the weeks preceding her death, three separate people shared a common dream of Kelly surrounded by babies in Heaven. One relayed that in her dream, Kelly was presented to Jesus on His thrown. Jesus then began presenting her with babies and little children. She shared that Jesus was calling her home to be the mother of all the 'unwanted' children in Heaven. Something she so desperately wanted in life was to be a mother. When Kelly heard about these dreams, her immediate response to mom was, "Isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever heard? Think of all the grandchildren you're going to have."

Sweet Kelly, I know you're dancing with Jesus and the angels, but I selfishly miss you so much and want to keep you here. I'm so thankful you aren't suffering any longer. I can't imagine how we will make it through life without you, except to remember we will be reunited with you again one day. Until then, I love you so much dear sissy and miss you every second.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

'I can't believe that you're really gone now

Seems like it's all just a dream

How can it be that the world will go on

When something has died within me?

Leaves will turn, my heart will burn with colors of you

Snow will fall but I'll recall your warmth

Summer wind breathing in your memory

I'll miss you

But there will be a time when I'll see your face

And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again

And there will come a day when I'll hold you close

No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever

But I'll say goodbye for now

I can't imagine my life without you

You've held a place all your own

Just knowing you were beneath the same sky

Oh, what a joy I have known

On rainy days, in many ways, you'll water my heart

On starry nights I'll glimpse the light of your smile

Never far from my heart you'll stay with me

So I'll wait

'Cause there will be a time when I'll see your face

And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again

And there will come a day when I'll hold you close

No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever

But I'll say goodbye for now

But there will be a time when I'll see that face

And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again

And there will come a day when I'll hold you close

No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever

But I'll say goodbye for now

But I'll say goodbye for now

- Kathy Troccoli, "Goodbye for now"

Roses and rose prayer shawl Kelly received yesterday

Fr David gave Kelly the Easter candle from last year, the Year of Mercy