I Will Miss Kellie Lartigue
I could write volumes about Kellie Lartigue and still not scratch the surface of who she was. We were friends for over 21 years. She took me to places and showed me things that I would have never braved myself. She giggled in the face of danger and could disarm hostility in an instant. She will leave a lasting impression on all who knew her. And her work will continue to make the world a better place. The guest book here has some great memories of Kellie.
Blessed are the peace makers.
Last Friday, she was traveling with her family from Mali to Senegal when a tire blew, causing the car to roll. She was thrown from the car and killed instantly. Her husband and 3 little boys were unharmed, physically at least.
Hours after hearing the news, her parents in Memphis received a bouquet of flowers from Kellie herself. Two days later, her Christmas presents arrived as if to say, “I’m still here!” And she will keep showing up, as she always does, to make our lives a little bit brighter. Even if our vision is blurred by tears.
*Update* After some x-rays, it was found that Karim did suffer some spinal fractures and he and the boys will be sticking around in Atlanta for the next few weeks. The good news is that he can be treated here before heading back to Mali and many people have opened their homes to them. There are a lot of kind people here and it is heartwarming to see the depth of support.
Learn about the Kellie Lartigue Memorial Fund.
Sphere It
December 28th, 2007 at 2:24 am
I was waiting for a reply from Kellie just the other day when I received a call from a mutual friend with the incredible saddening news. Kellie was indeed a great person, friend, mother, wife, and citizen of the world. She and I were both married to Senegalese men and we spent much time together with our children in Atlanta. I hope so deeply that Karim, Yazel, Fallou, and (Mame Cheik) Ibrahima will be OK, I can’t imagine them without her at the center of thier world. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I would like to somehow stay in touch with her family.
Molly Watson
December 28th, 2007 at 3:14 am
At the service on Wednesday, Karim’s first words to me were, “It will be ok, John.” I can’t imagine the boys having a better father right now. My heart goes out to them.
I’ll shoot you an email. They’re all going to be in Atlanta for a few days next week before going back to Mali. I’m sure they would all like to stay in touch.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
John,
Thanks for sharing. Kellie did make a positive impact on everyone. She was one of the good guys.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Kelly made a difference in everything and everyone she touched. I wish I had had an opportunity to know her better. My heart goes out to Karim and their boys, her friends and her family all across the world.
January 15th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Jay told me last week. I have thought about Karim and the boys since frequently.
My heart really goes out to the whole family. They have touched all our lives.
I think about them when I make gunpowder green tea. That is often (almost every day)