Eulogy A Reflection on the Love and Life of Kim by her sister, Jodie McConnell February 7th, 2003 Hello and Welcome. All of you who knew my sister, would know, there is no other place that she would rather be than here with all of us today. Kim loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved being around people, and social gatherings, she loved to dress up, she loved catching up with people, as we have heard her say, so many times, "Soooo, what's new?". Her friends from Casa Bella remarked yesterday, Kim went to the visitation and funeral of every person that she knew: she didn't miss a single one. Kim would be so touched by how many people came to hers; in fact, we know she is taking this all in today, with our Grandma right there beside her, with Kim having only good things to day about each and every one of you gathered here today. Kim was a Giver. She gave of her time, so generously, and was always there for me, when I needed a friend. She was there for many of you too, as her cherished friends spoke of yesterday, always providing an ear, making light of things with her humour, and filling you in on her latest escapades. Kim remembered what was important to the people in her life, and she would touch base with you about that, oh so gently, with openness and a wise, quick comment here or there to keep the conversation going. Kim never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion. I would joke with her that she was the Queen of Hallmark. So many cards we received from Kim over the years; and if you have ever seen Kim's handwriting, it was truly remarkable. Absolutely beautiful. She had such delicacy and pizzaz, and was so thoughtful and attentive to beauty, and this all came through in her lovely handwriting, and the way she expressed herself in those cards too. Friendship was so very important to my sister. Her apartment is full of all friendship momentos she received over the years, and spirited signs to welcome friends. She treasured the friends she met through school and college; the friends she saw so regularly on the Handi-Trans bus, including the drivers; the many, many good friends she met at the Casa Bella and had coffee with daily, joining them for all the celebrations, and sharing with them in their good times and hard times too. Oh, how touched she would by all of those who came from Casa Bella yesterday and today; and for those who couldn't come, she understands, and will speak to these loved ones when they pray and think of her. (This includes my cousins who could not be here today - Lance, Lindsay, Alana, Lise & Chris.) Kim loved the friends she met through work; she created special bonds with you, you kept one another laughing, you created and shared stories about all the workplace happenings, and supported one another. Kim also had lifetime friendships, and many shared understandings (both spoken and unspoken) with people in our community who also grew up and live with a disability. It was your visits, calls, and conversations, especially at times when Kim was in hospital or experiencing health crisis, which gave her an added sense of security. So much respect you had for one another; those waters run deep. Kim's family. It goes without saying how much love Kim had for her family. Kim was always there at the door, greeting and saying good-bye to each and every one of us. Oh, how sweet her hugs were. How infectious her laugh was, especially when she was laughing so hard, she couldn't say a word! Kim spent so many good times with her relatives, our amazing parents, our nanny and grandpa (who gave so much to her, and took care of both of us, on so many occasions, good bless them, they are here today), our dear grandma and Grandpa Vic, Kim's godparents whom she adored, Laurette and Tony, all other loving aunts and uncles, our awesome cousins, our beautiful, extended family on both my mom and dad's side, and my parents' many friends and families too, who opened their circle to include Kim. Kim was happiest when she was with us. So at home in our company. So much a part of each and every one of us - those bonds will never be broken. Most of all, Kim's life was nurtured and touched by the strong love and profound dedication of our mom and our dad. You could not find better parents than Bob and Jean. If I have missed anyone, it is because Kim is not here, for me to proof read this to, and for her to say, Jooooooooooooooooo. Kim was my Big Sis, she signed everything to me "To my L'il Sis", "Love your Big Sis", and hey, she wasn't afraid to tell me what to do, or what was appropriate and what was not. She had a sense of social etiquette, perhaps only second to the Queen. She would have been shaking her head yesterday that I arrived in Sudbury without dress shoes, and my cousin Nikki had to go and buy me three pairs to choose from! That was our Kim: she was always so well organized and on top of her social commitments; I, for one, paled in comparison! I'd like to share with you a memory of Kim - our social butterfly. Kim loved to dine out, and she had a particular knack for running down the menu, and ordering the most expensive item. It didn't matter who was footin' the bill. So it was always the Surf'n Turf headin' our way! My parents and I would like to share with you another memory of Kim, in her exquisite joy, sitting front row at the Sudbury arena, taking in the concerts of her favourite country and western musicians - Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Rita McNeil, John Denver, and Wayne Newton. She also enjoyed the concerts of Celine Dionne, Anne Murray, John Berry, Rock Voisin, Roger Whittaker, Nana Maskourie and Conway Twitty. Kim had the immense pleasure of seeing Loretta Lynn perform, both in Sudbury and at her ranch in Tennessee. Kim was thrilled to meet members of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton's families in Tenessee, and to attend the Grand Old Opry with my parents. What a road trip for a Country and Western Gal!! If you would like to do something in the memory of Kim, I leave you with two offerings. The first would be to use what power and privilege you have to provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities; to work toward recognizing and removing the barriers (both physical and attitudinal) so that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to secure employment, and achieve economic independence and full social integration. I ask you to do this work proudly, in the memory of Kim. The second would be to always make overtures of friendship; it is such a simple act, which Kim did daily. Offer friendship to others, in her Beloved Memory. Lastly, as so many of you said to me yesterday, Kim's courage was and is an inspirational to us all. Thank you.