Laugh out Loud

One thing that our family enjoyed with Kelly-Anne was laughter. She always had a way to make us laugh. Even as a little girl she would bring so many smiles to our faces or do silly things that would make us laugh until we cried. Her sense of humor through writing was hilarious. I was thinking today of the camp letters she and her sister would write us while away at summer camp.I recently re - read them probably for the 100th time.

Humor and laughter has always been a focal point in my relationship with my husband Jules. When Kelly-Anne passed away so did our teasing, silliness and laughter. Our home became a place of silence, depression and despair. We lived in our disbelief and pain for a few years. Then one day something funny was said and both Jules and I laughed. It was a strange feeling.....something that was forgotten and had to be re learned again.

Not a week goes without Jules saying something that makes me laugh until I cry. He has this habit of saying something funny at supper time...no it's not about my cooking. We could be watching TLC and something from a show will trigger him to say something funny. He really should of been a stand up comic. Looks are deceiving as he always give the impression to others that he is shy and reserved. But I know better.

I can honestly say now that the humor and laughter in my life is a good thing. I have come to terms that I am allowed to laugh again and be silly. I no longer feel guilty about living life. It's a hard thing to do, but I remind myself daily that Kelly-Anne would expect me to laugh and be silly just like her.

Broken Families

Yesterday's announcement of a 14 year old Cote St-Luc girl being murdered by her 18 year old brother leaves me with another hallow pit. It is so sad that these tragedies happen amongst siblings. It becomes a double mourning for the parents as now they have lost two children. We have heard of sibling murderers in the past...may I remind you of Karla Homolka actively participating ( and didn't do a thing to prevent or stop it) in the murder of her sister.

I know what it is like to be a parent of a child murdered. I know the pain, the hurt, the grief but I cannot tell you what it would feel like to know that my other child had committed the crime. I can only imagine that there is alot of disbelief, anger and denial.

In the case in Cote St-Luc, the family also had another daughter. She instantly has now lost her sister and brother. I grieve for her more than another one else.

Becoming an only child has to be the biggest adjustment ever in one's life. I can only commend my daughter Kim in her daily strife to live her life without her sister. Here is a poem which Kim posted on Facebook that I would like to share with you.

Sister.....

We grow as the years pass
Timeless we seem like an hour glass
Dreams, thoughts, and fears
Give us the strength with very little tears
Close at heart
We remain
Even if we may seem far apart
You don't judge me nor do I judge you
Everything you did or still do
I'm glad to have a sister
A sister just like you
I love you