[Updated 10/25/16 We’re remembering Kalkidan again this year by wearing orange and using the same hashtag #rememberingkalkidan. Please join us.]
Kalkidan loved being a teenager. The day she turned twelve she began talking about turning thirteen. With an impish grin she would remind me that soon I would have one more teenager in the family; she couldn’t wait for October 29th to arrive.
That was one year ago this week. She had the joy of being a teenager for nearly two months.
I’ve been thinking about Kalkidan’s upcoming birthday nearly since we lost her. I’ve dreaded this day, and yet it is full of sweet memories. She is gone – she will never celebrate another birthday, and it hurts so much to write those words. For the rest of our lives, October 29th will be a special day when we remember her and hold her close in our thoughts.
Will you celebrate Kalkidan with us?
This Thursday, October 29th, [update 10/29/16 is Saturday] we invite you to share a picture of yourself wearing something orange, or with something orange in the picture. Orange was Kalkidan’s favorite color and truly represented her bright spirit. If you have personal photos, please share those as well.
Please upload your photo(s) to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or your own blog. Hashtag your photo #rememberingkalkidan .
Our family will see your photos and know that you are remembering Kalkidan with us. If there is one thing I fear, it’s that our spicy, vibrant girl will be forgotten.
Please share this with anyone who might like to celebrate with us.
Thank you, friends, for walking this road with us. We feel your prayers and your love.
[If you are new to Kalkidan’s story, these links will tell you more. Dimples. Dimples’ Obituary. Remembering Moments.]
Lisa
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October 26, 2015
Yes.
October 26, 2015
Thank you, Paula. We have such fond memories of our visit with you. I think it was one of Kalkidan's happiest times with us – she loved being an "only" for a week. Your hospitality was such a gift.
October 26, 2015
she will never be forgotten and always and forever in your hearts. I love orange and we feel that orange was Eastin's favorite color also.
October 26, 2015
I love that they share a favorite color – I've been drinking from my orange mug for days, thinking about Kalkidan each morning. Now I'll think of Eastin too.
October 26, 2015
Hi Lisa. I am truly sorry for your loss. My son Gabriel was at school with Kalkidan at Intermountain. His birthday is also October 29th. He will be 16 this year. He loved Kalkidan and was crushed to hear the news of the accident and her passing. We will most certainly post a photo of us on his birthday with something orange to remember your sweet girl. She touched so many. She will never be forgotten! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love and hugs from Gabriel, Nancy and Stan Rosenblatt
October 26, 2015
Please hug Gabriel and wish him happy birthday from our family. Intermountain was such an important part of her life. I'll look forward to seeing your picture on Thursday, and thank you for your comment.
October 26, 2015
I follow your story, as we are an adoptive family, with all the glories and stories and challenges, as well. We will be happy to join you in honoring her on her birthday. She passed away on MY birthday, and I will always remember her on that day, too.
October 26, 2015
Shanna, thank you for remembering her both days. This week we'll pass her birthday, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and then the anniversary of the accident – all in the next two months.
October 26, 2015
The Sutton's will wear orange in our beloved niece's honor. Of course we will have to get one of the kids to post a picture since we don't do Facebook etc!
October 26, 2015
I'm counting on your kids, Laura.
October 27, 2015
Absolutely will do this! Our Caroline shares the same birthday and year with Kalkidan…it's a privilege to share this day with you!
October 27, 2015
Thank you, Melody. Happy birthday to Caroline.
October 27, 2015
You know The Carter Family is all in! Love you!
October 28, 2015
Can't wait to see your pics. We love you too.
October 28, 2015
We share a birthday! Tomorrow, Orange it is!
October 28, 2015
Thank you, Deborah.
October 28, 2015
I'll wear orange tomorrow to celebrate your girl!
October 28, 2015
Thank you, Karen.
October 29, 2015
Wearing orange today – it's a burnt orange, but still orange. Your vibrant girl and her beautiful spirit are so far from forgotten. My brother, also adopted and living away from us right now is Kalkidan's exact same age. I think of her often as I pray for healing for my brother. Hugs to each of you today. The eternal weight of glory is coming which far outweighs this all.
November 11, 2015
Thank you for sharing your stories! I am saddened to read of the tremendous loss of your daughter. I happened upon your page by looking for examples of family portraits! Yours stood out my friends! The memorial cross for your daughter/sister is bittersweet. Please know that this Mom will not forget your family. May the God of Peace be with all of you during these days of her birthday, this onethankful Thanksgiving, Jesus's birthday and Kalkidan's first day with The King. My heart breaks for you, all. I will tell the story tomorrow,while wearing orange. (Mom to five here, others forever home)
November 12, 2015
Helene, thank you for your lovely comment and encouraging words. I'm so glad you found my blog. Taking a family picture this year was very bittersweet – we feel incomplete. Thanks be to God for his goodness to us.