If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve probably heard the news. My sweet sister Katie had a bone marrow transplant a few months ago, and at first it seemed to be working, but then things began to go downhill. Her leukemia got worse and worse, and just a few weeks ago, they send her home on hospice.
Katie passed away Thursday morning.
It has been a really, really crappy summer.
Her funeral is today. In just a couple of hours, in fact. I guess I should be getting ready instead of doing a blog post.
Isn’t she so beautiful?
*bursts into tears*
Katie was one of the best people I ever knew. She was Mom #2 to me. We grew up in a huge family (11 kids!) and so when my mom needed to run errands, or my parents went on a date night, Katie was in charge.
When Katie was in charge, those were some of the best hours of my life. She taught me pretty much everything…stuff like, how to have FUN.
Example: She showed me how to make a giant fort in the living room out of blankets, stools, books, and (to my mom’s horror) tape.
We were really pretty fabulous at unfolding all the blankets in the house, piling up the books everywhere, and taping blankets to the walls.
We weren’t really good at the reverse, however. (My mom loved it when we made blanket forts.)
Katie also was in charge of the TWINKLE TEAM!
I’m not making this up. She created a club for us kids called the “Twinkle Team” and when mom and dad were gone, we did fabulous things…like rehearse plays that we’d later perform for our parents. We’d make backdrops out of refrigerator boxes and everything.
I remember this one. The play was “Got To Catch That Villain” (it had a catchy song and everything) and Katie played the bad guy. She wore a painted mustache.
Katie tried to put on a circus for mom and dad too…with one small problem. We are the most uncoordinated children you’d ever meet.
(I remember she tried to teach me to stand on her shoulders WITHOUT grabbing her hands and I remember being scared out of my mind.)
The Twinkle Team Circus, sadly, never got off the ground and I’m still scared of heights to this day.
Katie also would send us on elaborate treasure hunts. Her clues were HARD.
I still remember this one…it was “All men die at the diamond’s end.” We couldn’t figure out where that clue was AT ALL.
Katie gave me a love for old movies. Growing up I knew all about Danny Kaye, Ronald Coleman, Gregory Peck, Greer Garson, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Maureen O’Hara, and all the rest. I love old movies still, and would rather watch an old movie than a fancy new one in the theaters.
(Do you know what movie this is? It was Katie’s favorite :)
Katie also taught me how to be a TEASE. She was a huge tease!
(Mary tried some.)
One day, when Katie was watching my little sister Missy, she bit into an apple…
(thwumpf)
Missy didn’t quite know what to do.
So she decided to go outside and wait for mom to come home.
About ten minutes later…
Thanks to Katie, I am now a ginormous tease and am of course doing all I can to pass it on to the next generation.
I’m obsessed with Disneyland, but Katie’s the one who loved it first, and loved it the most. Her whole life it was her favorite place. I remember our family’s first trip there…I was seven…we were sooooo excited because Katie had heard and told us all about it.
This of course was back when they let babies ride Big Thunder Mountain. You know, back when Disneyland was FUN.
Katie gave me a love for music. She was the best pianist I’ve ever known…growing up, she’d always be at the piano, practicing for hours a day. A lot of times really early…like 4 in the morning.
Katie taught her 6 kids the piano, and sat with them every morning. Even when she was in the hospital, she’d skype them and be there while they practiced.
Katie accompanied me a lot when I did flute stuff (I played the flute when I was a kid…a looooong time ago, lol.)
Katie never, never never complained when I asked her to accompany me on all the recitals and stuff I did. She was always so willing to help.
And Katie taught me how to be tough. She went through five years of cancer, and insisted on trying every kind of chemo that might work.
She learned to crochet while she did chemo.
She even ran marathons while going through chemo. She’d wake up early in the morning and go running.
She’s amazing.
I’ve always thought runners were kind of…weird. If I had any free time to spare, it wouldn’t be spent running and going nowhere. I only run to catch trains and get inside Noodles & Company before it closes.
But then, last year at Katie’s fundraiser, a whole lot of runners showed up to run her 5K. It was freezing cold and raining, but they all grabbed the t-shirt and ran the course anyway. I was really touched by this.
At that moment, I had an attitude shift. This attitude shift has been getting me up at 3:45 AM and on my feet to run with my sister, Emily, so I could do 5K’s for other people.
(I’m actually really terrible at it.)
(But I’m doing it.)
And I always wear my Team Katie t-shirt. In fact, I haven’t washed my Team Katie t-shirt. Ever. I’m trying to preserve the memory, you see.
I’m pretty sure Katie would approve :)
Here’s a picture I drew a few years ago of Katie and her family, before all the cancer (and her last kiddo!)
They are the sweetest family I’ve ever known.
Heather Dixon, this is precious! Katie was an incredible, lovely woman and so, my dear, are you!
You are the sweetest, Kathi <3
This was beautiful! I loved and admired your sister and am so grateful to have known her. Bless you and all your family.
<3 <3 <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re all going to be praying for you.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful sister. She truly is amazing.
Heather I just love you.
What a wonderful tribute for your sweet wonderful sister. Your family is in our prayers.
This is wonderful. She taught you to be positive. Even in the face of hardship and sadness! YOU are amazing and YOU are an example to so many people! We’re praying for you, and your family. And especially for Katie’s family! You are so loved. I’m sorry you are having to experience all of this!
Love you ~ Laura & Livvy (& the boys)
Heather, what a wonderful tribute! And what a wonderful family you have! Our prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you for helping me to know Katie a little better. I know her through her son Josh and the love he has for his mom. I am awestruck by the huge impact she has had on so many. Thank you for sharing.
Terry Sorensen, this was the perfect thing to do while these thoughts were fresh on your mind. You will always remember some things but not all things so write as many of them down as possible. This is a great tribute to a great person who just happens to be your sister. You have been extremely blessed to have her in your life and visa versa. God bless as you adjust to life without her nearby.
This is a beautiful beautiful tribute to your sister–she sounds amazing. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I didn’t know your sister, but with just the little bit you’ve said today, I can tell she was amazing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
I enjoyed your post. Sorry for the loss of your sister! She was one amazing person. I am a cousin of Roberts and was sad I was unable to make it to the funeral. What a great tribute this was about your sister. Thanks for sharing it.
My heart aches for you and your family. Katie was always a wonderful example. She gave such great gifts to her children. What a beautiful tribute.
Oh my. I will pray for you and your family. I am so sorry. I pray that God gives you all a sense of peace in this terrible time. Much love, hugs, and prayers from Canada.
Sooo many prayers for your family. : (
Random Harvest, baby!
So sorry to hear about Katie. Sending love and prayers. <3
I’m so sorry to hear this. Since I discovered your blog a few months ago I’ve been anxious to hear how things are going with Katie. Prayers for you and your family and her little family especially. It sounds like you guys are all strong and have lots of faith, but I know it’s still so tough!
Wonderful tribute. I can’t imagine losing one of my five sisters like this, but she was clearly a wonderful person. Thanks for posting this, and GREAT JOB getting up that early to go running. I can handle 6:00, but that’s about my earliest (I didn’t even know 3:45 came twice a day). I guess if the motivation is strong enough, right?
Hang in there, all of you.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet sister. Your post is very touching and I can feel the love you have for her in it. What a great way to honor and remember your sister! I’m keeping you and your family and hers in my prayers. God bless!
Im so sorry! She taught you great things! She taught you to be a positive person and that is a huge lesson. Im sending much love and peace to you and to her family. What a beautiful way you’ve found to honor her <3
Thanks for sharing your memories of your sister. I’m very sorry for your and your family’s loss. You’re all in our prayers.
I’m so sorry, Heather. You and all your family will be in my prayers. Thanks to you and Katie for making me smile today. She must’ve been pretty awesome!
Love! It’s easy to see why we love the Dixon’s so much!
This is so sad and beautiful at the same time, I’m so so sorry for your loss! Katie must have been a great woman and sister, I bet she knew how much you appreciated her and that someday you will meet again.
I wish for you that you will always remember all the beautiful memories and stories. You look like you’re an awesome family who will always support each other. All the best wishes <3
Sorry to hear about your sister. My family and I wish you and your family comfort as you grieve.
Heather, my daughters and I are fellow bloggers who so enjoy your posts. We have laughed and shared them so many times – but today we cry together for your heartbreaking loss. We shall surely pray for you and your family.
May the Lord ease your pain and comfort all of you. Much love from our family to yours.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories with us. Hugs & prayers to you and your family!
{{HUGS}}
Started crying just reading this…she sounds like an incredible woman, sister and mom, and this is a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss – I know she will have a wonderful legacy and all you Dixons will keep her memory alive. May God give you and all your family peace and comfort.
I’m so sorry. My heart hurts for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your memories of your sister.
It warms the heart to know she made such a positive impact on so many people.
Dear Miss Dixon,
I am so sorry for your loss. This is a touching tribute to your sister. I didn’t know her, but reading about her story and how strong she has been these last months has helped me through some of my own struggles. She was a beautiful woman, in both body and spirit. I will be praying for you and your family. May God bless you.
Thank you for sharing. I loved reading about your Katie. Love to you and your family.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Katie was very lucky to have your entire family, and this was a beautiful tribute showing how lucky you were to have Katie. Best wishes during this difficult time.
In the past few years I lost my aunt and my father-in-law to cancer. I love this post because it’s genuine. You genuinely admired and loved Katie and it showed. I have no words of comfort for you, because loosing someone so dear cannot be made right in words from a stranger. When my aunt died my mom was so heartbroken. She found a lot of solace in the song “The Shores Of a The Swilley” about two sisters who grow up by the sea. It’s tragic and leaves an ache in my heart, but I loved this line: “If I were a flyer who crashed now and then, she would put me together and fly me again”
Katie can still be there for you because families are forever.
The best way to grieve is by remembering – with tears, and with laughter. You and your family will be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your talents and personality with all of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Your sister sounded like an amazing person. :) I’ll be praying for you and the rest of your family.
I am so incredibly sorry my dear. I too grew up in a big family (all sisters). I cannot imagine how hard it has to be for you. Carry on, Heather. I’m praying for you. Your sister will forever be in our memory.
Heather you’re posts about your family have always warmed my heart. Me and my siblings read them together and they never fail to brighten our day, please know that you and yours will be in our prayers and hearts. You’re all such amazing people. Thanks for what you do to make the world a better place, and for inspiring me, not just with your art, but for showing me the kind of family life I aspire to have in my own future. God Bless.
What a lovely post. I am so, so sorry to hear this news and will be praying for you and your family. I’m so glad you can treasure all these memories and fun of/with Katie.
2 Corinthians 6;10 “Our hearts ache but at the same time we have joy in the Lord”
I’m so sorry the hear about this Heather, just remember that God is with you in this time and know that He has everything planned for a good reason. I will be praying for you and Katie’s family, <3
I just read this today and I’m so sorry for your loss. But thank you for sharing your sister, Katie, with us here on your blog. She sounded wonderful and so much fun! My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Thank you, everyone, for all your sweet thoughts and prayers. I’ve been reading through these again and needless to say they were all making my face leak :’) I think I have the best blog buddies ever.
I don’t even know what to say. I read this and started crying. My beloved dad passed away on July 24. He was 68 and amazing.
Everyone says they are sorry for your loss, and it’s true. They are. And the mere fact they say anything is comforting. Because not everybody does and what can anybody say that hasn’t been said a million times, anyway? I didn’t know your sister any more than you knew my dad. (Though, you might have known my dad. It really seems like most people did. He was that kind of guy.) But I wanted you to know…I know. And I’m sorry you feel this way, too.
Stories like this make me wish I had a sister.
What a beautiful tribute for your sister. And such a gift to be loved so well and love so much in return. She sounds like the best sister/daghter/wife/mother/aunt that anyone could ask for.
This made me cry. Thank you for sharing about your sister so beautifully. Cancer sucks.
Oh, Heather, I am so, so sorry. I didn’t ever know your sister (I am just a fan of your books who started following your blog), but I have always loved the stories of your family, and I am incredibly sorry to hear this news. Huge hugs to you and all your family.
I’m so sorry about your sister!! What a hard time for everyone. :( I get the impression that you are a religious person though, and so you have hope through Christ. The picture of your sisters family is wonderful, and I’m sure she’s with them when she’s not doing tours for those who never made it to Disneyland. Just think, she can go wherever she wants to there now. :)
You’re in my thoughts, and her family is in my prayers. Take care.
I’m so sorry to hear this. What a tough thing for your family. Such an amazing and inspiring woman! Sending love and prayers your way tonight. <3