Keep The Smile Alive =)

I never really knew my cousin Katie. She was four years older than me, and because we were not first cousins, we did not get the opportunity to spend a lot of time together. I knew she gorgeous, with an infectious smile and beautiful emerald green eyes. Someone once said we looked alike and I had to laugh, for her hair was a dark chocolate brown and everyone knew she was a picture of perfection; certainly nothing I possessed. It's funny looking back on the missed opportunity to know such a wonderful person; yet, in the wake of her tragic death, I have learned so much about life.

Today is her birthday; she would be 27. She would probably be as happy as ever, teaching dance in a Chicago suburb to a talented group of young students. She would probably be dancing with her crew, a hip-hop dance group that performed at local events. She would probably be making a round of phone calls tonight to thank every single person who had given her a birthday card that day. Heck, she might even comment "Thank You" on every single "Happy Birthday" post she received on Facebook. No, she would personalize each response, because she to her a simple "Thank You" would never be enough.

Sadly, the cards will be delivered to an address where she no longer resides. No one will receive a phone call from the grateful girl, and no one will read her response of gratitude for the birthday wish. She will, however, be beaming down from Heaven, shining her light on this beautiful spring day and warming the hearts of all who mourn her loss.

Ironically this is the same month she passed away in. In just 13 short days the anniversary of her death will blanket us with sorrows, tears, sadness, and memories; for God took an amazing girl from Earth, but we all know she was made for Heaven.

I now know Katie, better than I ever knew her when she was alive. She is the inspiration inside every dancer. She is the act of gratitude that every daughter, sister, and friend express to their loved ones. She is the color green, a rainbow after a storm, and she is the sound of white. She is beautiful. She is courageous. She lives in every life she touched.

"Live. Always do what you love."