A Celebration of Kaitlyn's Life

Eulogy for Our Sweet Girl
Kaitlyn Kay Bourgeault
July 1st, 2009 - March 22nd, 2012

My Kaitlyn ring- her birthstone (ruby) with a butterfly in diamonds, I wear it on my right hand now and will forever.

Black = Deanna speaking

Blue =  Chip speaking

 

(Deanna)

The day that Kaitlyn was born was the happiest day of my life. She was truly an answer to prayer and a gift from God. I had no clue that my little 7 lb, 3 oz baby girl would go on to make such a significant impact on the hearts and lives of others.

Everywhere we went she got attention. Those big blue eyes, sweet dimpled smile, ringlets upon ringlets and giggles were all everyone could talk about when they met her.  

I believe that God created her perfectly, ringlets and all, for her purpose here on Earth- to get people’s attention!

Kaitlyn's dress was created and made from my wedding dress. The front lower half is the train from my dress.

(Chip)

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be. 

(Deanna)

Kaitlyn loved having books read to her. We would read Peek-a-boo books, Dr. Seuss, Children’s bible stories and poems to Kaitlyn all the time. There are a few poems in this Bedtime Prayers book that I would read to Kaitlyn and talk with her about her purpose. Here are the ones that always stood out the most to us.

          (Chip)

          The Shepherd Chooses
          The Shepherd Plans
          The Shepherd Shines

(Deanna)

We could have stayed silent and not shared Kaitlyn’s life with anyone and continued to be depressed and angry, because I was for quite some time, and we could have continued to ask... Why?

Light pink roses and mini roses and butterflies, what could be more perfect than that?!

I don’t believe that God caused Kaitlyn to have Niemann-Pick Disease, but I do believe that he wanted us to trust in Him and turn our situation into something good- to glorify His name and bring others closer to Him. 

(Chip)

In the book of James, he says “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”

(Deanna)

When I started Kaitlyn’s Korner, it was right before Kaitlyn’s G-tube surgery and it was mainly to keep family and friends informed of how things were going. I had no clue it would become what it is now. By giving her a voice, she has changed more lives than I know. What I do know is that as of last night I had 812 unread emails- ALL about Kaitlyn I’m sure! We’d like to share just a few lines from some of the messages we have received over the past year that really show just how much she has made a difference.

(We read the following back and forth)

"Kaitlyn has had a profound impact on me not only with my direct family but how I  plan to carry out the rest of my life. In honor of Kaitlyn, I am going to be volunteering at my local children's hospital."

"I do believe in God, but never really have trusted in Him nor felt like he had a plan for me-or anyone until your story, You truly changed my outlook on life, God, my daughter, everything"

"Because of Kaitlyn, I strive to love on my two daughters more, and to TRULY cherish and dote on them."

"I promise to be a better mommy to my sweet angels. I promise to never take this life for granted, to hug them as often as I an and tell them how much I love them every, single day. You have helped me realize how precious life is and how important it is to love one another fully and completely."

"I had become bitter and resentful of a lot of things over the last several years. I didn't know how to accept things I couldn't change, I didn't like people, I started to despise my life, to include most people who had a part in it. Then, last week, the post about Kaitlyn. Why would I read it? Why would it move me to tears? Why did I write to you? I believe that God is speaking to me through Kaitlyn... talking to me and teaching me that there are FAR more important things. Letting me know what is and isn't important. Proving to me that what I thought were hard times and obstacles were really nothing at all."

"What I find remarkable is that I have opened dialogue over the last few days with God. Asking about Kailtyn, why these things happen, etc. So my comment earlier about her being my Guardian Angel and her saving me... well, that wasn't just talk. Your young daughter took an almost 40-year old grown man from being afraid to talk to God to being a chatterbox with the very same God!"

"I can only hope that I will make in 80 years the impact that Kaitlyn has made in her life."

"Kaitlyn has taught me more in these past months about life than anyone in 35 years."

"Your family's story and the example you have set through this blog have given me a whole new perspective for my daughter- one of living for each day, appreciating the moment, and leaving the "what ifs" at the feet of our Lord."

"I stumbled upon your blog by complete accident. I am 25 and from Scotland... the other side of the world. I believe I was meant to come across this blog for a reason. I've just undergone major surgery on my leg after a car accident that nearly took my life. I have been feeling down and depressed about it all & think I was mean to see this page to put things into perspective. I feel ashamed that I have been feeling hard done by and felt sorry for myself when your little girl shows such strength every day and you guys are beyond strong."

So glad we included the butterflies

"My life is literally changed for the better by your sweet, courageous, beautiful daughter. You see, before a friend posted your blog on Facebook, I wasn't sure if I believed in God. I wanted very much to believe, but I had trouble surrendering myself fully to the notion. Kaitlyn's story has strengthened and solidified my belief in God. I know in my heart that God sent her here to be His messenger that He is real.... I hope you'll whisper heartfelt thanks to Kaitlyn for changing my life, for making me a better mom and to my sweet son and for proving to me the presence of God in my life."
 

"I know you said she has only ever spoken four words but believe me she has spoken more -- She has said to me "wake up and be the person you want to be. Start now and don't wait. " She has challenged my to be a better person"

(Deanna)

To say that I am proud to be her mother is an understatement. I am honored and blessed beyond understanding to have been given such a wonderful daughter and opportunity to be a part of her life. An opportunity to show that although we endured the unimaginable, Kaitlyn was able to leave our world a better place than it was before. 

Through her blog, the world of technology, and our wonderful family and friends who have shared Kaitlyn’s story, she has reached people across the world- including countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, Spain, Finland, and Saudi Arabia. 

How amazing is that?! One child, who spoke only 4 words, “Mama”, “Dada” and “All Done”) spoke into the hearts of thousands. THAT is a miracle and an example of how trusting in God and having faith during the most difficult of times can make a profound impact.

(Chip)

I think people have been so touched by Kaitlyn because she spoke in a language far greater than words, God’s language….love.  That love was like a beacon of light that drew anyone who saw it nearer and made them want to share it with others.   When I reflect on what the measure of a full life is, I think it is one that made a difference, served a purpose, touched others, and shared God’s love.  I would have wished her to stay longer, but I have no doubt that by my measure, God gave my sweet Kaitlyn one very full life.  

The flowers were perfect

(Deanna)

To Kaitlyn, my sweet girl, I will never forget you. You are my hero and inspiration. You have changed my life forever. In second Corinthians, it says, “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” I promise to continue to share your life and comfort other families during difficult times. Kaitlyn, I am so proud of you and all that you were, all that you are now and all that you have done.  You will forever be my sweet girl. I love you.

(Chip)

To Kaitlyn, here is a poem I wrote for you:
My beautiful girl you were so perfect and right
Bright blue eyes, curly locks, and big bows…. oh you were always a sight
Your time was too short, but you fought a tough fight
As your Daddy I’m thankful and proud to have been so blessed
I will always hold dear the memories and the feel of you against my chest
You touched the world with a your spirit shining bright
What an example you were of His amazing light
I wish you could stay, I want you to know
But with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes I let you go
In heaven, the pain and suffering no longer have their strangle
There now with God, you’ll be daddy’s angel.
I love you Kaitlyn.