Karina,
Although you are my baby sister, you have inspired me
for many years. In your short life
you have overcome your obstacles with grace, refined strength and an inspiring
power to do good.
I remember going into your room and finding you deep in
scripture study. You would ask profound questions and draw conclusions that
many adults would overlook. Your example reminds me to ground myself in the
gospel daily and live accordingly.
You were always a voice for peace, though often not heard
due to the loud voices of us siblings. You never wanted to harm anyone and
sought to make friends with everyone, regardless of apparent differences. You
could always find reason to like someone.
Throughout your kidney failure, during the years of your
life when most people forget anyone else exists, you never complained. Instead you
found ways to serve those who you felt were in greater need. I was serving my
mission in Slovenia when I got the call informing me that you were in the
hospital and that your expected outcome was at that point unknown. Never before
in my life had my heart been shattered the way it was that day. I cannot even
recall the events without heaviness in my heart. And yet when I was able to
speak with you there was no anger in your voice, just a sacred sorrow. You asked
how my mission was going and inquired about the details of my daily life. I
felt as though you were more concerned about me and my mission than about your own
future. Your strength raised many of us to a higher ground. At the age of 15
you lived with a more eternal perspective than I can even begin to understand.
Karina you are the kind of friend that is always there. You
are loyal and honest. You have the coolest sense of fashion I know of. You are
down to earth and unashamed of who you are. I often wish I could borrow some of
your confidence…and all of your clothes. You are my favorite polka partner and cruisin buddy.
Although we haven’t lived together in a very long time, I miss you every day.
I am always impressed with how focused you are on doing good in
this world not only in some magnificent way but in small daily acts of sincere
goodness. You seem to act out of nothing but pure love.
Karina you have blessed my life in more ways than I can
begin to express and you continue to bless more people every day.
I hope this next year is a special one. I love you geenz.
your sister,
Camille
