It's been too long without you.....sometimes I feel as if you are just out and will be back soon... throughout this year, I have reflected, cried, screamed, loved more, hurt, hid, slept for days. I have smiled at each sign you have sent, and then I get mad that I have to depend upon signs and not get to see you. I see the world of difference your life made and I am so proud . I learned so much from you, in both life and death. I have seen your brother and sister devastated, sad, angry, mad and at times, quiet and detached. I've seen your dad wonder why and feel responsible or wish it was him and yearn for your presence. I have felt you in my sleep where you are still here and alive, why I sometimes don't want to be woken. I have slept with and kissed your stuffed animals you took such good care of like I promised. I have seen Maggie barking and licking the air and realize your presence is here and I fell happy and sad and
On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you who have been here for us over the past few years. Where we wish this wasn’t our chosen journey, in that our time here with Kaitlyn was so short, we are grateful and so very blessed for all of the emotional support and outpouring of love we received from our family, friends, various communities, churches, schools, dance studios, restaurants, sport programs, stores, foundations, hospitals, and especially St. Bernard Parish and St. Bernard Catholic Academy. We could not have managed without all of your love and support, generosity, financial contributions, meal train donations, and most importantly, all the hugs and prayers we received for Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn loved each and every one of you, and always appreciated everything you did for her and our family. Kaitlyn made it look easy to be strong, have faith and make a difference, so please remember her by loving a little stronger, praying a little more, being kind, paying it forward and always give lots of hugs. Let her light shine on through each of you always. Never forget Kaitlyn and her fight, and hopefully some of you will have the opportunity to one day help change the future of children diagnosed with childhood cancer, as Kaitlyn had planned to do. Remember, awareness is a new opportunity for HOPE! But most importantly, we hope Kaitlyn taught everyone to open their hearts and minds and know what truly is important in this life God gave us-the people in it!
#Hope #BeKindForKaitlyn
Warmest Regards,
Jennifer, Rob, Ella & Robert Bernhardt
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair,
Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
Thank you for all your thoughts, love, prayers and continued support. We love you!
Rob, Jennifer, Ella, Robert & Angel Kaitlyn