The Newlyweds

To the bride & groom...

May you continue only fall more and more in love, may you laugh more than cry, and may you become adjusted to each others routines and quirks.

Congratulations once again! Much love to you both!

Libby

I forgot I had a blog. My apologies.

Let's see where to begin... Since my last entry was in April, I have a lot of ground to cover. Here are a few of the things and places that have been on my radar.

• I visited my bro and friend in Santa Monica/LA in May. We went on another roadtrip to Joshua Tree & San Diego. We even rode ATV's in the desert!
• I got a haircut, which I thought was semitrailer park. I still have it. :) But I've been told it's not as bad as I thought.
• I stood beside my friends, Rachel and Lou, as they became husband and wife. It was gorgeous and a blast to catch up with old friends.
• I am taking some summer classes to be squared away to start my internship year at Fountain City Elementary. Woohoo!
• My brother flew in for the 4th to visit my folks. They were thrilled of course.
• My daddy is starting chemo for bladder cancer on July 25th. Please keep him in your prayers.
• I am finishing up my last few weeks at good ole U30 after a 3+ year stretch. Finally!!!!
• I trying to figure out just how much $ I need to survive the next year. Student loans, gotta love them.
• My favorite summer TV show is "Don't Forget the Lyrics." For those that know me well, you know that I'm lousy with song lyrics. So this makes it even more fun for me to watch.
• Oh, and I had to provide a "sample" for drug testing today at lunch. Wouldn't you hate to have that job?! Eeck! Gross.

Ok, I think that's enough for now. It's just a few of the many things that have been a part of my life these past few months.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Libby

Even though we would never be ready to say goodbye...Sweet Katie left us this morning and is now in the arms of Jesus. She peacefully left her worn out body early this morning. It's times like this that we realize how fragile life is...that we question so many things...that we wonder why now, why her, why? But even amongst the questioning and sadness, it is clear to see how big the ripple of Katie's life has been. Her strength, dignity, courage, and grace will forever be remembered by the multitude of the lives that she touched. May we all live our lives like Katie has..with strength, love, and a life full of joy! I will forever remember Katie's beaming smile and genuine heart. She has given us all a glimpse of heaven, and for that I will forever be thankful!

 To the Ferraris and Taylor families, may your cling to the wonderful memories of your time with Katie during this difficult time. Even though Katie can no longer be with us on earth, she can still remain in our hearts. My love and prayers to all of you!

Libby

Since many of you know and have walked beside my friend Katie through her diagnosis, 
treatment, and wedding in the midst of her fight with leukemia...
I thought you might want to read her husband's latest entry on her online journal. 
I am sure it is the hardest thing he has ever 
had to write, yet he showed the depth of his love and strong character. 

Due to the overwhelming amount of pain that Katie has been experiencing, Katie was put on a high dosage 
of pain meds yesterday afternoon. She is now sleeping peacefully. She will not wake-up from this sleep. 
Her body will slowly be letting go. 

Please keep the Ferraris family (Ginny & Gary, Katie's parents; 
her brother Tim and his wife Katie;  Keith Taylor, Katie's 
husband; The Johnson family; and all their extended families and friends). 
My heart aches for all of them. I am still having trouble wrapping my head and heart around all of this. 
We have all been praying for healing for Katie, and I guess it just never dawned on me that this is healing. 
This is the ultimate healing with the ultimate healer - Jesus. 

For the most part, I continue to be at a loss for words.  
Katie's witness of how to love and how to live is a beautiful reminder of how we all should live.
This helps put life into perspective, and continues to show me how short and 
precious each day really is. May we all learn how to live from Katie's 
strength, inspiration, and courage! I want to love and be loved the way Katie has!

Please continue to pray for Katie and her family. It is now time for Katie to be pain free! 
Sleep peacefully sweet Katie. We love you!

Libs

Read the latest update on Katie's site by using this link:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/katieferraris