Don't Let These Moments Slip Away

On Valentine's Day 2002 Katie Kirkpatrick, a freshman at Rochester College in Michigan, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. Undaunted she strove to keep up with her studies, but she suffered another setback in 2003 when she was diagnosed with an inoperable lung tumour wrapped around her pulmonary artery. Nonetheless, in 2004 she took part in Lance Armstrong's "Ride For The Roses" cancer fundraiser.

On January 15, 2005 twenty-one year old Katie, the "girl with a contagious smile and unrelenting optimism" who had been battling cancer for three years married Lapeer County Sheriff's deputy Nick Godwin, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life at Church of Christ in Hazel Park, Michigan.

Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine Katie took care of every part of the wedding planning. Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to her constant weight loss.

An unusual guest at the wedding was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception. The other couple in this picture is Nick's parents, very emotional to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love with in high school.

Katie listening to a song from her husband and friends.

At the reception, Katie had to take a few rest breaks. The pain wouldn't allow her to stand for long periods of time.

Katie died five days after her wedding day. Seeing a woman so fragile get married with a smile on her face makes us realize how thankful we should be for each day and that no matter how it may seem sometimes happiness is reachable.

Every day I talk to or read of someone waiting for the right circumstances to fall into place.  Guys, time doesn't wait for love.  Love shouldn't wait for time either.  If you feel something for someone, tell them.

Tomorrow may be too late.