Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 : What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their home while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They were beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my hair first. The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent the night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my brother's 8th birthday together. When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in their bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone come to their rescue? When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't think to look directly below. Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the window in each other's arms. When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next week, the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, just smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The stuffed tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white tiger, one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with us. We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were like the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what if...? " The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy (like my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. They were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my grandmother and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day of their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and as such, are part of my WLS story. Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad they have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear their voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And I've got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother remains with you. May they all rest in peace. Francisco > > Hi all > > Most of you know the story of my brother, dying of morbid > obesity...yesterday would have been his 39th birthday. It is harder > this year for some reason. My son and grandson share the birthday and > that helped shift the focus some what but it was really hard this year. > Even my son, got teary and said he missed celebrating his birthday with > his uncle. > > I just wanted to share this with everyone, I know its not technically > WLS info but for some reason, has effected me more profoundly this year. > > Huggles > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 : What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their home while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They were beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my hair first. The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent the night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my brother's 8th birthday together. When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in their bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone come to their rescue? When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't think to look directly below. Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the window in each other's arms. When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next week, the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, just smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The stuffed tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white tiger, one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with us. We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were like the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what if...? " The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy (like my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. They were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my grandmother and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day of their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and as such, are part of my WLS story. Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad they have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear their voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And I've got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother remains with you. May they all rest in peace. Francisco > > Hi all > > Most of you know the story of my brother, dying of morbid > obesity...yesterday would have been his 39th birthday. It is harder > this year for some reason. My son and grandson share the birthday and > that helped shift the focus some what but it was really hard this year. > Even my son, got teary and said he missed celebrating his birthday with > his uncle. > > I just wanted to share this with everyone, I know its not technically > WLS info but for some reason, has effected me more profoundly this year. > > Huggles > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Im so sorry for your loss too. It amazes me sometimes our connection. Never a day goes by that I dont think " what if " with my brother. If had just been able to have the surgery...etc etc. Thanks for caring Huggles > > > > Hi all > > > > Most of you know the story of my brother, dying of morbid > > obesity...yesterday would have been his 39th birthday. It is harder > > this year for some reason. My son and grandson share the birthday > and > > that helped shift the focus some what but it was really hard this > year. > > Even my son, got teary and said he missed celebrating his birthday > with > > his uncle. > > > > I just wanted to share this with everyone, I know its not > technically > > WLS info but for some reason, has effected me more profoundly this > year. > > > > Huggles > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Im so sorry for your loss too. It amazes me sometimes our connection. Never a day goes by that I dont think " what if " with my brother. If had just been able to have the surgery...etc etc. Thanks for caring Huggles > > > > Hi all > > > > Most of you know the story of my brother, dying of morbid > > obesity...yesterday would have been his 39th birthday. It is harder > > this year for some reason. My son and grandson share the birthday > and > > that helped shift the focus some what but it was really hard this > year. > > Even my son, got teary and said he missed celebrating his birthday > with > > his uncle. > > > > I just wanted to share this with everyone, I know its not > technically > > WLS info but for some reason, has effected me more profoundly this > year. > > > > Huggles > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Oh, Francisco - my heart broke to read this. . . and to think of the pain you suffered as a result of their loss, as well. But Kimmy and Christy live on in you also, and you have helped us know them. Thank you. Cathy C. > > : > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their home > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They were > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > hair first. > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent the > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > brother's 8th birthday together. > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in their > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone come > to their rescue? > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't think > to look directly below. > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the window > in each other's arms. > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next week, > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, just > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The stuffed > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white tiger, > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > us. > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were like > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what if...? " > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy (like > my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. They > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my grandmother > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day of > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. > > This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and as > such, are part of my WLS story. > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad they > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear their > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And I've > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother remains > with you. > > May they all rest in peace. > > Francisco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2006 Report Share Posted February 21, 2006 Oh, Francisco - my heart broke to read this. . . and to think of the pain you suffered as a result of their loss, as well. But Kimmy and Christy live on in you also, and you have helped us know them. Thank you. Cathy C. > > : > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their home > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They were > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > hair first. > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent the > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > brother's 8th birthday together. > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in their > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone come > to their rescue? > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't think > to look directly below. > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the window > in each other's arms. > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next week, > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, just > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The stuffed > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white tiger, > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > us. > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were like > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what if...? " > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy (like > my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. They > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my grandmother > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day of > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. > > This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and as > such, are part of my WLS story. > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad they > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear their > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And I've > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother remains > with you. > > May they all rest in peace. > > Francisco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Thanks, Kathy. I almost never tell anyone about this. I've held it in my heart for so long. Thanks for reading, Francisco > > > > : > > > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. > > > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their > home > > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). > > > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They > were > > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > > hair first. > > > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent > the > > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > > brother's 8th birthday together. > > > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in > their > > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone > come > > to their rescue? > > > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't > think > > to look directly below. > > > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the > window > > in each other's arms. > > > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next > week, > > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, > just > > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The > stuffed > > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white > tiger, > > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > > us. > > > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? > > > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were > like > > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > > they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " > > > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what > if...? " > > > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy > (like > > my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. > They > > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my > grandmother > > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. > > > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day > of > > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. > > > > This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and > as > > such, are part of my WLS story. > > > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad > they > > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- > > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear > their > > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And > I've > > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. > > > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother > remains > > with you. > > > > May they all rest in peace. > > > > Francisco > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Thanks, Kathy. I almost never tell anyone about this. I've held it in my heart for so long. Thanks for reading, Francisco > > > > : > > > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is. > > > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their > home > > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars). > > > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They > were > > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > > hair first. > > > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent > the > > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > > brother's 8th birthday together. > > > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in > their > > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone > come > > to their rescue? > > > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't > think > > to look directly below. > > > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the > window > > in each other's arms. > > > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next > week, > > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, > just > > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The > stuffed > > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white > tiger, > > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > > us. > > > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall? > > > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were > like > > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > > they called my parents " Mommy and Daddy. " > > > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of " what > if...? " > > > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy > (like > > my brother and me) were not the " favorites " of my grandparents. > They > > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my > grandmother > > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents. > > > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day > of > > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss. > > > > This is not " technically " a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and > as > > such, are part of my WLS story. > > > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad > they > > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister- > > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear > their > > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And > I've > > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me. > > > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother > remains > > with you. > > > > May they all rest in peace. > > > > Francisco > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Francisco... What a heartbreaking story. I hope that you get to have a little girl or boy someday with a partner who loves you and them. You can give them all of the love that your cousins didn't get...and you can protect them in a way that you couldn't protect your cousins as a little boy. Kisses to you, my friend. Robynnmanisodream wrote: Thanks, Kathy.I almost never tell anyone about this. I've held it in my heart for so long.Thanks for reading,Francisco> >> > :> > > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is.> > > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their > home > > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars).> > > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They > were > > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > > hair first.> > > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent > the > > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > > brother's 8th birthday together.> > > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in > their > > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone > come > > to their rescue?> > > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't > think > > to look directly below.> > > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the > window > > in each other's arms.> > > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next > week, > > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, > just > > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The > stuffed > > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white > tiger, > > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > > us.> > > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall?> > > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were > like > > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > > they called my parents "Mommy and Daddy."> > > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of "what > if...?"> > > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy > (like > > my brother and me) were not the "favorites" of my grandparents. > They > > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my > grandmother > > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents.> > > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day > of > > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss.> > > > This is not "technically" a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and > as > > such, are part of my WLS story.> > > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad > they > > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister-> > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear > their > > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And > I've > > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me.> > > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother > remains > > with you.> > > > May they all rest in peace.> > > > Francisco> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Francisco... What a heartbreaking story. I hope that you get to have a little girl or boy someday with a partner who loves you and them. You can give them all of the love that your cousins didn't get...and you can protect them in a way that you couldn't protect your cousins as a little boy. Kisses to you, my friend. Robynnmanisodream wrote: Thanks, Kathy.I almost never tell anyone about this. I've held it in my heart for so long.Thanks for reading,Francisco> >> > :> > > > What do you mean this is not WLS info? I think it is.> > > > In 1970, on my brother's birthday, my two closest (in age and > > emotionally) cousins, Kimmy and Christy died in a fire at their > home > > while my uncle and aunt were out drinking (in separate bars).> > > > Kimmy and Christy, ages 9 and 10, were like sisters to me. They > were > > beautiful, playful and they used to argue to see who would brush my > > hair first.> > > > The night they died in the fire, they were supposed to have spent > the > > night at my parents' house so that we all could celebrate my > > brother's 8th birthday together.> > > > When the fire started, my two beautiful cousins were trapped in > their > > bedroom. They screamed for help, but none of the neighbors came to > > help them because they were used to hearing the girls scream when > > they were physically abused by their parents. Why didn't anyone > come > > to their rescue?> > > > When the fire fighters finally came to put the fire out, they > > searched for Kimmy and Christy, but the smoke was too thick. They > > probed their bedroom from outside their window, but they didn't > think > > to look directly below.> > > > Kimmy and Christ died on a small wooden bench, right below the > window > > in each other's arms.> > > > When my father took my brother and me to see the house the next > week, > > the whole inside smelled of burnt paper and wood. We entered Kimmy > > and Christy's room. We found that there was little fire damage, > just > > smoke damage. Their clothes were still in their closet. The > stuffed > > tigers that my parents had given them for Christmas (one white > tiger, > > one yellow) were still on their beds. We took the tigers home with > > us.> > > > We saw how Kimmy and Christy had struggled to get out. The window > > was too high for two little girls. They tried to make holes in the > > wall, but how could two little girls break down a wall?> > > > Kimmy and Christy were not allowed to come to our house that night > > because they loved my parents too much. In our house, they were > > treated with such loving kindness by my mother because they were > like > > the daughters she never had. My father was the loving Dad that my > > uncle could never be to them. Their parents hated that fact that > > they called my parents "Mommy and Daddy."> > > > Their death left all of us with the knawing question of "what > if...?"> > > > The ending was tragic in so many ways because Kimmy and Christy > (like > > my brother and me) were not the "favorites" of my grandparents. > They > > were verbally abused (which I witnessed first hand) by my > grandmother > > and aunts, and physically abused by their parents.> > > > But my family loved them. I still love them. I remember the day > of > > their death every February 7th. 1970 is a long time ago, but from > > time to time I still cry and mourn their loss.> > > > This is not "technically" a WLS issue, but in many ways their death > > left a lasting impression on me. They are part of my journey, and > as > > such, are part of my WLS story.> > > > Christy and Kimmy are in a better place now. And while I'm sad > they > > have not been physically here with me, my dear beloved sister-> > cousins, I know that I'm lucky. Most people only get one guardian > > angel. I've been blessed with two--Kimmy and Christy. I hear > their > > voices when I hear children laughing at play. I know that angel > > breathe. I know that one day we will see each other again. And > I've > > got so much to tell them. I'm they've got a story or two for me.> > > > Their memory is with me always, just as I'm sure your brother > remains > > with you.> > > > May they all rest in peace.> > > > Francisco> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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