The ability to be alive and well is one that I often take for granted. Each night, I don't face the uncertainty and insecurity of not knowing whether I will wake the next day.
...I should realise how lucky I really am.
Katie Kirkpatrick Godwin's heart-breaking, tragic and motivational story really delivered this message hard to me. I hope it too inspires you to live life and enjoy every single day that you're alive, well, and breathing.
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Katie Kirkpatrick Godwin, 21, delayed her terminal cancer just to celebrate the happiest event of her life.
Katie had chased away cancer once, only to have it return - to clog her lungs and grab hold of her heart.
Breathing was difficult now, she had to use an oxygen tank.
The pain in her back was so intense, it broke through the morphine that was supposed to act as a shield.
Her organs were shutting down but it would not stop her from marrying Nick Godwin, 23, who was in love with Katie since 11th grade.
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| Katie Kirkpatrick and her fiance, Nick, rest prior to their wedding. Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy. Here Nick waits while she finishes one of the sessions. |
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| Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine, Katie took care of every single wedding plan. Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to her constant weight loss. |
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| An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception. Katie's parents look on. |
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| Katie, in a wheelchair, listening to her husband and friends serenading her. |
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| In the middle of the party Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath. The pain doesn't allow her to stand for long periods of time. |
Five days after the wedding, Katie died.
She did not allow the disease to interfere with her life, to deprive her from hope or faith.
She had a beautiful wedding, she loved so strongly and she gave love.
And love doesn’t die. That’s how Katie struggled with cancer.
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Sources:
1) Captions from pictures directly taken from: this happy soul.
2) Pictures and story from: greatblogabout.
