A Life Remembered

On January 15th I learned that my dear friend, Kristy, had passed away on January 11th. She died in her own home in her sleep. She was 36 years old. She left behind her husband, Joel and their three beautiful children Charley 12, Rosie 10, and Joe 8 years old.

I first met Kristy when I was her preceptor as a nurse in the Addictions/Mental Health Unit (Concurrent Disorder Program) at Regional Mental Health Care in London. She had a keen mind and seemed to love psychiatry as much as I did. I was amazed to hear that she was already married at age 19 and had met the love of her life when they were both only 14 years old.

She had a 6-week rotation with me; however, we kept in touch for many years into January 2024. She gifted me a large birdhouse as a thank-you for being her preceptor. I was astounded to learn that her father-in-law made them. I already had three other birdhouses of his!

As a new Grad, she worked as a float in Perry Sound Hospital where she was well-received in all units of the hospital including E.R. and I.C.U. Later she would move to South Western Ontario and again renew her love for psychiatry in Woodstock.

She would begin her family. With Charley, she had to have an appendectomy, and with Rosie, kidney issues arose then even after a ruptured uterus with Rosie she was able to bring Joe into this world.

Her health throughout those years began to be more and more difficult. We would often connect and I would send her long-distance Reiki for the pain she was having. This would relieve it for a while. Her health continued to fluctuate with her jaw dislocating many times requiring surgery.

She had autoimmune issues as well. Seizures ensued too. She was in the hospital so many times. Each time it was mainly to I.C.U. Her faith sustained her throughout all of these issues. Mental health issues were there with Bipolar disorder. She could no longer enjoy nursing and had to go on leave.

Through it all she would go online to help new Moms after birth with coping skills in both Canada and the U.S.A. She did this for over 10 years. She had also begun to help those with Bipolar Disorders. The part of her that was a nurse still kept on helping. I heard at her funeral that even when she was so sick in the hospital she was still trying to help the nurses.

Throughout her life, she brought a lot of joy to her family, friends and clients.

Two years ago she almost didn’t make it, however, she did rally. In the two more years she was given, her children grew up and became faith-based as well. Her husband Joel went on to get his nursing degree and is now working in her last placement in Psychiatry in Woodstock. In nursing, you have a work family that means so much to you. They support you through their colleague’s crises.

My friend was baptized on December 17th, 2023, and in less than a month she was called back home.

She had relinquished her battle with the medical profession for answers to why so many systems were involved, and why so much pain.

On her good days, she did so much with her children, husband, and family. They all supported her and her children with those numerous hospital visits. Direct family and her in-laws were steadfast beside her. She brought so much joy to others. She loved sports, camping, geocaching and so much more. Her two other sisters were always pulling pranks on each other. They had such a strong bond.

At the visitation and the online funeral service, I learned so much more about my friend. I knew she had health issues but not to the full extent. Joel for his nursing degree showed a video of him with Kristy in the hospital throughout their many stays. They showed what it was really like. Throughout it all she would pray for other hospital clients. She would make them smile even when she couldn’t. She always showed great joy in life, plus love and respect for others.

At the end pictures of Kristy showed her surrounded by sunflowers. Hummingbirds decorated her bedroom. She slipped away peacefully in her sleep at home, which is where she wanted to be.

For 36 years Kristy lived and loved to the fullest. Her family knew they were loved by her and she will be with them in spirit forever. Whenever I see a hummingbird or sunflower I will remember her.

I will try to follow her philosophy to bring joy, love and peace into my life and to pass this on to others. I was privileged to know this remarkable young woman who impacted so many lives.

Remember to try to be all you can be. Let people know that you care. Know that it is o.k. to be where you are in this life at any given time. Ask for help when you need it so that support can be given. Most of all let your light shine, even if on some days it is a little dim.

Happy Valentine’s Day. I know Kristy will be showering her family with love.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You are loved.

Sue

Here are some final words from Kristy: