I was shocked to here the news of Katie’s passing. I remember Katie best from 5th to 12th grade, where we were still children but tried so hard to act like adults. All my first-time mischievous activities, I never experienced alone. Katie was right there with me. My first taste of alcohol came from her parents bar in the basement, my first cigarette stolen from Jolynn’s cigarette case; this list could go on and on but I don’t want to give away all our secrets. She was strong, fearless, funny, and a great friend. These are memories I reference more and more as my three daughters become adolescent, which has only enhanced my parenting skills. I guess, what I really want to say is…Thank you Katie, for being such a key part of my life and that it saddens me that it was so short. My heart goes out to the whole Ware and Dial’s families.
