In Loving Memory of Katelyn Mikolasy

On March 6, 2009 this world lost a wonderful person. My son Michael's friend Katelyn Mikolasy was accidentally shot and killed by a friend.

I never had the opportunity to meet Katelyn, known as "Kat" to her friends. I wish I had met her. By all accounts she was a bright, vivacious beautiful girl that was full of life. Kat was always kind to everyone. She sought out those who especially needed friends and befriended them.

Kat was fun to be around and made others feel better just by being near her. She laughed all the time. Michael and Kat had a TV Broadcasting class together. They worked on a few projects together. Michael has shared video clips with me of Kat's wonderful infectious laugh! She was a bright spot to all who came in contact with her, even many who never actually met her.

I know that Kat is in a wonderful place. She is reunited with her Father in Heaven, She is, I believe. as Lehi described "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love". This can provide some comfort, but does not lessen the ache we feel when we miss her so much.

Less than an hour before Kat passed away she was in contact with her mother, Patsy. Kat had texted a request to stay out past curfew. When her mom replied that she should some home on time Kat agreed. When the doorbell rang at about the time Kat was expected home her mother was puzzled as to why her daughter was ringing the bell. Instead of Kat a police officer was at the door to break the tragic news.

Despite the tragic manner in which Patsy lost her only child she recognized that Katelyn's death was an accident and forgave the young man who had been playing with the gun immediately.

Katelyn's Christ-like friendship and love for people as well as Patsy's Christ-like compassion and forgiveness inspire me so much.

Only once before has the passing of someone so profoundly touched my life. I have learned a lot from the way Kat led her life.


Reach out to others, love the unlovable, let go of judgements, assume the best of all you meet.

Life is fragile. Live each day with fullness, leave no loving word unsaid, leave no kind deed undone.

Make a difference each day: smile at someone, give somebody a hug, say that nice thing you are thinking, laugh out loud!

Live, Laugh, Love!!!