Be Happy

Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick. She is 21 years old. Next to her, is her 

fiancé, Nick. He's 23 and a deputy sheriff in Lapeer County, MI. 

This photo was taken prior to their wedding on January 

11th, 2005. Katie has terminal cancer and spends 

hours in chemotherapy. Here Nick awaits 

while she finishes one of the sessions. 

Through the pain of her organs shutting down, with the help of 

morphine, Katie took care of every single part of the wedding

planning. Her dress had to be adjusted several times,

due to constant weight loss.

Katie had to use oxygen during the ceremony and reception. The other 

couple in this photo is Nick's parents. They were very emotional 

at the wedding to see their son marrying the girl he 

fell in love with in high school. 

Katie , in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her

In the middle of the party, Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath.
The pain does not allow her to stand for long period of time.

Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see this fragile woman 

dressed as a bride with a beautiful smile, makes me think;

Happiness is always there, within our reach, however

long or fleeting a moment it may last.

Enjoy the simple pleasures.

Love one another.

Life is too short.

~

Work as if it were your first day.  

Forgive as soon as possible.  

Love with no limits.  

Laugh out loud.

Play in the dirt.