Katie Jo, A Bug, and the Fight for Life
Posted by Melissa Carter at 8/13/2010 1:29 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Bert Show Katie Jo Melissa
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Bert Show Katie Jo Melissa
One of the things I admire most about my girlfriend, Katie Jo, is her community. A Georgia native, Katie has been able to maintain a large group of friends from high school, college, graduate school, and various jobs. Another group of her friends is the "Book Club." I put this in quotes since I have teased many times on The Bert Show that I'm not sure they actually read books. My take on their monthly meetings is like a shirt I recently saw....they Read Between The WINES.
The Book Club is actually the first of Katie's community to welcome me with open arms. Literally with open arms, as they all greeted me years ago after a Q100 appearance in Midtown, walking over specifically to meet me after one of their nearby meetings. One of the women in the Club, who also went to graduate school with Katie, was especially enthusiastic about my new status as the girlfriend. The fact that she also went to Vanderbilt in my home area of Nashville didn't hurt in my taking an immediate liking to her and her genuine love of her friends. And now I was one of them.
But I never thought I'd have to see this same woman say goodbye to her 8-month-old daughter. Her stoic cadence walking down the aisle of the church, as I stood in attendance at the funeral Friday, reflected a mixture of sadness and peace. Elle had been a triplet, the only girl in the trio and the only one who fought for her life as soon as she was granted it.
Given the nickname "Bug," this little warrior inspired us all with the typical smile and involuntary kicks of a baby, and a tube in her nose reflecting her body's struggle. I had the honor of spending some time with Elle and was touched by the soulful stare she would offer back to you. I had fought for my second chance at life nearly a decade ago. She was simply fighting for her first.
That fight ended this week as doctors realized there was nothing more they could do, however Elle's short life brought enough people to fill a large church to capacity. Childhood songs during the service, like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and "Jesus Loves Me," brought many to tears, but once the preacher began talking about Elle you could hear the babies in the crowd begin to stir. Their need to move around, an echo of a squawk here and a grunt there, made me wonder if some saw more than we did. I imagined Elle there with her family, finally able to play as a healthy child, summoning the other kids to join her. I was hoping they saw her and were just trying to accept the invitation.
No one knows how long they will live, and too many of us try to shorten it by our actions. But I learned today that you don't have to have a long life to inspire many. You just have to fight. Fight until your last breath to simply live. And live to love everyone around you. It is one of the things I admire most about Katie. And what I admire most about Elle.
As Jenn Hobby told me before I left work to go to the funeral, now Elle can be a Guardian Angel to those brothers of her's. And since multiples tend to have a stronger bond than most siblings, I believe Jenn's words to be true.
Beautifully written. A true honor to a little warrior. God's speed, Elle.
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Beautifully written...Thanks for sharing and I will be praying for the family.
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Thank you for sharing even if you did make me cry at work. I am a proud aunt to two beautiful twin teenagers and even when they hate each other, you are right about the bond of multiples.
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having lost one child and having another born with health problems---i have come to learn---no matter the age----they impact your life.elle's family will always have her with them and she will be a angel to look down upon them.my heart goes out to the family and friends.
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That was beautiful and inspiring...bless her family.
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Prayers sent for the family...blessings on little Elle, she will have her hands full watching over her brothers....
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Motherhood - and the love of a child- begins before the baby draws its first breath outside the womb. The impact of losing one's child- no matter how long they are here on earth- is incredible and permanent. I hope your friend can take some small comfort in knowing her daughter has had an impact on her communities and will not be forgotten. You have honored Elle well.
I will keep your friends in my prayers
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What a terrible loss for this family. Thank you for such a touching tribute--now Elle has touched so many MORE lives.
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Beautifully written. Brings to mind a comment I read once about e.e.cummings' writing. "To brush up against sadness and seriousness so lightly that you barely feel it, but remember it always".
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Melissa...I read everything you write..one or two times I comment..mostly i just chuckle, cry, curse, or hummpt.....but I always admire and enjoy.
This time however..You have reached a peak of empathy and a touching of my soul so deep...I could not recluse myself from saying you are a most gifted writer..and and even MORE amazing human being. I envy Katie Jo...and I know she feels as strongly empowered by the woman you are...as you are by her.
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You really nailed it on this one. So happy you were there to share in our love for The Bug. She served such a special purpose in this world and fulfilled it in such a short period of time. LOVE is what it is all about and she represented it to the fullest. Thanks for your special words...you really get it!!! Andy's Momma And Elle's BB
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