Some people weave burlap into the fabric of our lives, and some weave gold thread. Both contribute to make the whole picture beautiful and unique
And that's exactly what Karrie did.
Karrie is my friend's (Lisa) 15 year-old sister who died back in March... it was a relatively quick - not to mention surprising - death. Just after the New Year, Karrie started complaining about not feeling so well... and after a week of such, Lisa's mom took Karrie for testing.
Only to find out that Karrie had an incredibly rare form of cancer - a cancer that is even more rare in children her age.
The oldest sister, Jennifer, had contacted the Make a Wish Foundation. She had asked Karrie to make a list of people she wanted to meet most in life... and over time, effort, charity, and support... Karrie was able to interact with Madonna over the last few weeks of her life.
Karrie was a dancer. So full of life. She was in grade ten. She had the world in her hands... her smile and laugh were infectious, it was hard not to be cheerful when Karrie was in the room.
And not once, NOT ONCE, did she ever complain... here was a young girl with cancer eating her from the inside out... and all she was worried about were her parents, sisters, brother and friends being happy. She didn't want them to hurt because she was hurting.
How can life be taken from such a shining star?
Karrie always felt driven by Madonna... she idolized the woman.. so for Karrie, those letters, and late night phone calls with the Madonna was the brightest light in her life at the time.
Lisa and her family were never able to thank Madonna personally... but last week Lisa and her mom were flown out to Chicago for a taping of Oprah... where they were able to meet with Madonna on the show.
The show will be aired Tuesday, September 16th... and please, if you can- watch it. You'll see for yourself the gold that Karrie was able to weave in and out of people's lives - recognize the girl for what she was.
Even though she's passed on, her memory stays alive and continues to weave the same threads.
It isn't until something like this happens that you sit down to take note of life. So many people out there who sit to bitch and moan about the smallest of worries... while there are people like Karrie who even in the last days of life are smiling.
Makes that leaky faucet in the kitchen, or the noisy neighbour upstairs, or that unbearable co-worker appreciated. Because you still have that to worry about - whereas Karrie doesn't.
