For those of you who do not know me, I’m Kate’s very proud Uncle, Alex. I have the privilege of being married to Kate’s loving Aunt, Jacque, who was like a second mom to Kate, and we have two beautiful children, Kate’s cousin’s, Jonathan and Lexi. Both of our children have always looked up to Kate and loved every minute they had together, yes, even when she made them do their homework! When Guy and Linda asked me to speak, so many emotions came over me and like many of you here today I was at a loss for words because when someone as precious and extraordinary as Kate is taken from us it defies all wisdom and comprehension. Like all of you, our family has struggled with many emotions and feelings… disbelief, anger, hopelessness…
But Kate would want us to celebrate her life, to not be angry or sad. Today is a celebration of joy that Kate brought to our lives. Someone once said,” If we are to call ourselves Christians or Children of God then we must trust God and trust and believe in his plan for us.” Don’t get me wrong, it won’t be easy to let her go, she is loved by so many people and she has touched so many lives. But let us remember that Kate never really belonged to us, she belongs to God, like we all do. During this time, Kate would want us to be faithful, courageous and kind.
From the time she was born, people were drawn to Kate. She had a remarkable personality and a beautiful smile. Guy and Linda were so loved that it was right that their first born would come into this world eagerly anticipated and loved beyond measure. Because of this, she had more pictures and movies taken of her than anyone I’ve ever known. I’m not kidding; I think Guy and Linda single handedly kept Kodak in business for at least three years. One afternoon when Jacque and I were watching Kate and Brooke, we were looking at photo albums and I remember Brooke saying “this is great and everything but are there any pictures with me?”
When Kate was only 8 months old, we called her Katie then, Jacque and I had just started dating. I remember asking Jacque out on a date and she said ” I’m sorry, I’m taking care of Katie.” I told her I wouldn’t mind helping. Little did I know she was always taking care of Kate even when Kate didn’t need to be taken care of. Jacque just couldn’t stay away from that beautiful little baby! As you can imagine, most of our dates ended up at Guy and Linda’s home having fun with Katie whether we were reading her favorite stories, playing games, belly laughing, swimming or participating in her many plays. We loved it so much we would cancel our plans for an opportunity to care of her. And as we watched her grow so did her personality. She was not only kind and loving but she was a little bossy too! In fact, I take full credit for her ability to Direct. I must have played the role of the Killer Whale from the movie Free Willey a thousand times and I had to do it exactly as she directed or we had to do it over and over again! And those of you who know Kate know that telling her no was not an option. Honestly, I probably had more fun than she did. And that personality trait, well it served her well in life. She was extremely driven, like her Mom and Dad, a perfectionist in many ways. She wanted to please others and most of all her parents. Kate, if you are listening right now, know that you far exceeded any of our expectations and you made your parents and all of us very proud.
As most of you know, Kate loved the arts…singing, acting, directing and playing the piano. Linda exposed Kate to the arts at a very young age and Kate took to it quickly. She was very dedicated to improving her many talents and it was a joy to see her succeed at something she really loved. Her voice was so beautiful and we all enjoyed listening to her sing especially at our home during family gatherings Thanksgiving, Christmas or other special occasions. My fondest memories are of the two of us singing her favorite songs from Phantom of the Opera “All I Ask of You” and “Think of Me”. She even made me practice before we sang together, because you know Kate, it had to be perfect and every once in a while she would say to me fondly, “Let’s try a different key” I think we all know what that really meant…
Kate was in numerous productions and she enjoyed being in all of them. She really loved having people come to see her perform, especially family. Kate really enjoyed her fellow actors. She loved them like they were family. It was always fun to see them together, laughing, joking, and having fun together. They really cared for each other. As for Kate, she couldn’t wait to be on the stage! Most of us would have been intimidated but not Kate; she felt right at home on stage. She was brilliant and fearless.
Oh, have I mentioned she was incredibly smart? She could have gone to any University or College of her choice. She interviewed at Yale, chose my Alma Matre, USC but ended up at the third Oldest University in the English speaking World, the prestigious University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Jacque was blessed with the opportunity to accompany Kate during her first days at St. Andrews getting her settled in her dorm room and registered for classes. Jacque will never forget the time they shared together, standing in line to get her ceremonial red academic gown, introducing her to the awful dorm food, trying to introduce her to boys as they walked by…but when Jacque skyped me from the University, she said the most endearing thing to me, she said, “Kate is home here at St. Andrews and she is going to blossom. And blossom she did. Hearing about all her accomplishments including graduating with first class honors made us all very proud. As much as she loved being at the University, we all knew she was looking forward to coming home after graduation to be with family and the love of her life, Jay.
This past Christmas we all had the opportunity to meet Jay. She couldn’t wait to introduce Jay to all of us. Jay, I have to tell you, when you came to our home for Christmas you were there to pass the Uncle Alex and Aunt Jacque test…Let me just say that you passed with flying colors! She loved you deeply but you passed the test because we know you loved her just as deeply and that is all we could ever ask. I want you to know that you are always welcome in our home and you will always be a part of our family.
So what now? How are we supposed to heal? How are we supposed to feel? And how are we supposed to act? One of the most difficult things about Kate’s death is the loss of potential of what could have been. Kate had a lot of unfulfilled dreams. However, I believe that Kate is fulfilling those dreams now in a much better place for she has found eternal peace and she is one with the loving embrace of our father. What we do in life echoes in eternity. Kate gave us so much. When we leave here today, let us remember all the good that Kate represented in this world. Remember that a part of her is in every one of us and her spirit will be with us always.
For Guy and Linda, Brooke and Craig, our hearts break for your loss and we pray for your recovery. Guy and Linda, please take solace in the fact that you did an incredible job. You raised a beautiful child and you did it the right way. You are a great example for all of us. (Today is the day we let go of Kate.) Lord we pray that in your heart and in your peace, which passeth all understanding, abide all the days of our lives, never forgetting that Craig and Brooke are still among us, shine your light upon all of us and please bring comfort to the Vasconcellos family and to all of us. Thank you and God Bless.