Goodbye little Angel : About Katie Doll

Goodbye little Angel

by The Peanutguy on 02/16/12

Katie Passed away early this morning in the P.I.C.U at Greenville Memorial Hospital. I am writing this while in some sort of shock and denial but I have to.

I lost my mom not long ago and now my most loved friend. The sweetest most loving Angel I ever knew is now with her creator. This is an excerpt from an email my sister amazingly sent me just yesterday which came from J.C.Ryle's 'Christ's Greatest Trophy' 1879

"Surely we would not want them back again."

"I tell you the truth, today thou shalt be with me in paradise..." Luke 23:43                

The very moment believers die they are in paradise. Their battle is fought,their strife is over. They have passed thru the gloomy valley which we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river we must one day cross. They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man and have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more. We should not weep for them,but for ourselves.

We are still warring...but they are at peace

We are laboring...but they are at rest

We are still at sea...but they are in a safe harbor

We are wearing our spiritual armor...but they have forever put it off

We have tears...but they have joy

We are strangers and pilgrims...but they are at home

Surely better are the dead in Christ than any living! Surely the very hour the poor saint dies---they are at once higher and happier than the happiest person on Earth!

Read the entire passages here... Christ's Greatest Trophy

Katie was a Christian. She told me so when she was 9. She was proud of it.

 

 

 

 

Comments (26)

1. Tonya said on 2/16/12 - 12:34PM
Precious Katie, Our hearts ache because you are no longer here with us. Yet we know you are finally whole, running, jumping, singing, dancing and playing again. You were an inspiration to so many folks in our community. I will be praying for your family and friends. We never met, but I've followed your story, cheered you with your triumphs and been saddened by your setbacks. God bless your family.
2. Lyons family said on 2/16/12 - 01:28PM
Katie you will so dearly be missed. My family did not know you or your family until the last 2yrs, but I had already read information on what had happen.(I lost my brother when I was in the 6th grade from a similar accident. He was 19) Your brother, Brandon, has played football with my son. I loved to see you come out to our games and cheer the Blue Ridge Youth on. The Doll family are always in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are in a great place right now able to what you haven't been able to do. You will never be forgotten!!!
3. Chris and Jessica Padgett said on 2/16/12 - 02:26PM
Many prayers for the family. We had the pleasure of getting to know Katie and her Mom when we transported her while we worked at Palmetto Ambulance. Katie touched all our hearts very much. Have comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and can walk and talk again and is free of all pain. We will all get to be with her one day when our time comes to meet Jesus. May God be with you all through this very hard time in your lives.
4. Joni said on 2/16/12 - 05:00PM
Oh, sweet, sweet, Katie....I know that you are dancing with the angels darlin'. I pray for Jesus' sweet heavenly peace to envelope your loving family and close friends. You fought a good fight and now onto your rewards in heaven...You have blessed all of those around you with your quiet strength, hope, and neverending love. My prayers will be with your family in their time of loss from losing their little Angel, you! From a Grama in Texas...you have touched my very soul....rest in sweet heavenly peace baby girl....
5. Sandra Smith said on 2/16/12 - 05:02PM
My Dear Katie, I did not know you or your parents, but I do know your Aunt Pattie. I would ask about you from time to time and today she told me that you had gone home to be with the lord. You have given hope to may families that may or are going though some of the medical problems that you have had. You have been the teacher that you wanted to be, to teach families not to give up yet and anything can happen with prayer and a loving family to be there for you. You have been a blessing to me to know God want give up until he has done his job here on earth with you. My prayers are with all your family and friends, may God bless you all. God Bless you all, Sandra Smith, Seneca, SC
6. Lucinda said on 2/16/12 - 05:53PM
Dear Lynn, I do not know you and live in NY. I found this website while surfing the net looking for others like me - a mom with a medically fragile child. Since finding you and Katie, I have checked every day looking for updates. Her spirit, your devotion and the obvious love of "the peanut guy" have give me so much comfort and insight. You are beyond an inspiration and you have touched my life - a stranger you will never meet. I will always remember Katie Doll.
7. marjorie said on 2/16/12 - 08:15PM
I was so sad today to read of Katie's passing. And yet, I am glad that her pain and suffering here on earth is ended, and she is whole and rejoicing in Heaven with her Jesus. I will keep Lynn and the family in my prayers. And thank you, Peanut Guy, for all you have done to keep everyone in touch with Katie's life over the past four years.
8. Liz Ward said on 2/17/12 - 07:06AM
God Bless you all! Katie was a beautiful inspiration to all she met. Knowing her over the past 2 years has been a blessing. I know she is whole and healthy in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so sorry for your loss and I know that there will be a hole in all our hearts. I will be so glad to see Katie in heaven one day and talk to her and walk with her without any assistance or wheelchairs. I think the Prayer of St. Francis describes our Angel Katie: Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is douby, faith; where there is dispair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we recieve; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. AMEN!
9. Yochana said on 2/17/12 - 01:41PM
Dearest Family and Friends of Katie Doll. May God hold you close in your time of sorrow. May you be comforted with the precious memories of Katie in the hard days to come.
10. Rosa said on 2/17/12 - 01:43PM
PeanutGuy - Thanks for the wonderful website you maintained for Katie. You were a wonderful friend indeed. Please keep us posted regarding the family.
11. Debi said on 2/17/12 - 10:59PM
Lynn and family and Peanut Man; I have followed this story for the past 3 years and have prayed, shed many tears, smiled and rejoiced along with you. Prayers for you all in this most difficult time and please know that Katie Doll lives on in the hearts of many throughout the world. Deepest condolences.
12. Robin said on 2/18/12 - 03:18AM
I know God has a plan and a purpose for everything and it ultimately works for the good and Glory of God. I found you on accident on this blog years ago and have been keeping up and praying every since... and I know part of God's purpose was to touch other peoples lives. Like mine. You have been such great examples of how to truely and selflessly love some one. You demonstrated this with Katie and she demonstrated this with you. You long-suffered, hoped, prayed and loved like no other. I know this loss must be harder than words could ever tell, but I do believe she is safe in the arms of Jesus. And there is no better place to be. God bless you and be with you and help you through this temporary time of separation. Until you meet again!
13. Frank Walden said on 2/18/12 - 03:23PM
Lynn I'm so sorry to hear about Katie. I want you know If I could be there I would. But most of all I want you to know that my Love and Prayers are with you and the family during your time of sorrow. You have my number give me a call when you are able. Love You all, Frank
14. Theresa Newkirk said on 2/18/12 - 03:29PM
Katie I'm sure God has a plan for you. You aren't hurting anymore and you will be watching down on us all. Praying one day to see us all again. Keep a watch over your Mom and family keeping them all safe. One day my little one we will meet again. We will all miss your smile and laugh. Lynn my goes out to you and your family. As I also have sent out Prayer request out for you. My Love and Prayers are with you. May God watch over you all to help everyone get through the days and weeks ahead. God Bless You all. Theresa Newkirk
15. Sam Smith said on 2/19/12 - 02:02PM
I am praying for all those who loved Katie, may you find strength in the knowledge that she has gone home and is now free from suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.xxx
16. Janice said on 2/19/12 - 07:23PM
My heart and prayers are with you all. I know its hard not being able to touch her and hug her but I bet if you stop and sit quietly for a minute you'll hear her laugh and feel her dancing all around you. She's happy now. God bless.
17. Alejandra in NYC said on 2/19/12 - 08:12PM
Tom, about 2 years ago I came across this site, made a small donation and had a brief e-mail exchange with you. I was initially looking for information on trach care and vents, to better help my partner Nick (longterm trach/vent user since his childhood). I found Katie's story, and like many, latched on. Later, Nick & I would become Facebook friends with Lynn and leave each other supportive comments. We consider her a friend, as well as the family. I understand what it's like to be drawn to something, to someone, without malice or ulterior motives. I've watched your devotion, and I appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing Katie with the world, for doing what you could to promote her life and her spirit. Evereyone should have a champion like you.
18. Charmin Foth said on 2/20/12 - 05:19AM
Tom, please let the family know that our thoughts and prayers are with them. We know that Katie was a blessing to all those she touched and she certainly touched us here at Quadriciser. Peace that surpasses all understanding be with you.
19. Abby M. said on 2/20/12 - 10:12PM
Dearest Katie, althought I did not know you very long, in that short while that I did know you, I knew thaat you were a girl with a very strong will and that you were putting up a great fight against the state that the accident left you in. I want you to know that even though you are no longer with us, you will never ever be forgotten. I know that you will now be able to run, jump, sing, play, and many other things that you were not able to do before. I want you to know that you were a teacher to everyone that you met. You taught them to never ever give up. You fought that disease as hard as you could and you put up a good fight for three years straight. Even thought the disease took you from us, you put up a great fight and you taught everyone who met you that you should never ever give up no matter how bad things look. You taught so many people, Katie. I admire that about you. You have inspired me in sooo many ways. I love you so much Katie, and I am also a Christian and I hope that you are in a better and more peaceful place now, where there is no more pain and suffering. I will miss you Katie Doll. You are a beautiful, smart, talented, special, unforgettable, awesome girl. I could say so many more things about you that make you incredibly awesome. You are wonderful Katie, and I and glad in a very sad way that you are in a more peaceful place. I love you and I miss you. Rest in Peace, Beloved Katie Doll.
20. Brad and Carrie said on 2/20/12 - 10:41PM
We were so unbelievably saddened by this news, something deep inside told me to check on the status of Katie today as I felt that something had changed in her condition. But as people have mentioned, she is likely as happy as she was before the accident right now, and I am thankful for that. Although I have never met Katie, her braveness will never be forgotten. Thank you peanut guy for bringing her fight to the public eye so that everyone can learn something about surviving under even the worst of circumstances. We will miss you Katie.
21. Diann from Medina Ohio said on 2/24/12 - 07:30PM
I found Katie a few months ago after a friends son was in a motorcycle accident and left in a very similar condition. I came on here everyday to see how Katie was doing. I am so, so sad that this happened to this beautiful child. Thank you Tom for this web page. It has touched so many people. Goodbye sweet, sweet Katie. I did not know you, but you are an inspiration.
22. Jennifer said on 3/7/12 - 02:01AM
Like so many others, I found this site by accident. I have followed along since the accident. I did not know little Katie or her family, yet I am saddened for their loss. I pray for peace and comfort to you all. No words nor actions could ever decrease your pain, yet I do believe that beautiful little girl is in heaven. She was an inspiration to so many. Her website has touched so many people, myself included. Thank you for allowing us to know her!
23. Butterflygirl said on 7/18/12 - 12:49PM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had read about Katie a little while ago, and I recently found another video of her on Youtube. When I saw that she died, I was shocked and saddened, but I was very happy to hear she was a Christian. I too, am a believer, and I know she is now in a much better place. However, her story really made me realize that one can die at any age. Katie was so young. I am a teenager, and I see that God can call people at any time. May God bless you and comfort you.
24. Bobbie said on 1/14/13 - 03:13PM
Tonight i was brousing the internet looking for pictures for my presentation, which is on my sisters illness she suffered 16 years years ago. I come across this website, at first i saw this absolutly beautiful girl with amazing eyes, looking through the pictures i then realised somethng had happend. Curiosty got the better of me and i had to know what happened. I believe what ever religion you are and whatever god you belive is out there every single person is put on this earth for a reason. Katie was put here to touch everyones heart and realise when you are next crying because life is crap, it is time to remember this beautiful girl and family. Katie you are with angels, you have made me more determind to become a physiotherapist. R.I.P beautiful girl.
25. Corey Probst said on 1/14/13 - 09:55PM
Hi Tom... First I have to say I'am in shock! I can't believe she is gone. My heart hurts for all who knew her in real life or others who may have just came across her story on the Internet. I really thought one day I would come across a story of how she made this awesome recovery! I'am not the best at dealing with death or loss in life but its something that you have no choice over. You accept it as reality. God has a plan for all living beings. I know that she has had an effect on my life. 2 years ago I contacted you about the Quadrazier. Long story short you gave me the info and I gave that info to a friend of mine so that his daughter could have the benefits of using one! She was the girl from American Idol who's boyfriend made it to the top 10. So right there Katie and you had made a great impact on another persons life! I'am sure that has happened many more times than you will ever know of. Also if there is anything I could do personally to help either you or Katie's family I would love the chance to do so. Maybe a scholarship for Brandon? Again thanks for doing all you have done to help get this story out so people will know about a special person that we would all have loved to have met in life. Take care. To everyone reading this lets all live this life the way Katie would have...with love and happiness and enjoyment at all we do! Amen.
26. Carolyn Whitted said on 3/21/13 - 10:45PM
I was checking out the Anderson Jockey Lot site, and came across your site. For the last 3 hours I have been reading everything on this site. I looked at every picture read every line.Katie Doll is still working miracles from heaven. I asked Christ to come in to my heart tonight. God bless you for all you did to let everyone know what an Angel she was. My thought are with her Family tonight . God watch over each one of them and guide and comfort them and you. Thank You again


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Do things happen for a reason, or is it all just random chance? Seems like some people have good luck and some bad. Katie didn't have bad luck. 

  I only knew Katie for less than 2 years before the accident. but two things happened in that time. We sort of bonded and became friends right off of course, and she certainly brightened my life, like she did everyone she met.

  Then something else happened to me that never had before. Something began to motivate me to get out my old cameras and start recording Katie Doll. I don't know where this came from, but it was powerful. I couldn't resist it.  There was some fun in it, but it was more than that. It was almost like a duty. Like a job I had to do.

  Katie was no ordinary kid. We all know that, but that wasn't what I was thinking. I just had this need to document things. I'm not a camera nut or a writer.  But think about this...Everytime I knew I would be seeing Katie Doll, I would think "Where's my camera? Do I have enough video tape? Or is the battery charged?"  I remember on the way to her house before her accident I stopped at a Walgreens looking for that old hi-8 cassette tape and thinking..."Why am I doing this?"

  After her accident, I kept it up. It wasn't easy either. Some gave me a lot of grief. No one understood who I was or why this connection. I wasn't family or even a long time friend. It was a stressfull time and here's this stranger with a camera. No one even said 'Hi", but I knew Katie was glad I came. I understand that, and I heard a lot of hurtful things. When I did the Quadrisizer fundraiser I would hear that someone said..."Katie will never get that thing,just wait til the money gets up there"  Why would anyone in their right mind want to keep on?  From the outside it didn't make sense. But I can't even explain how powerful that responsibility was felt.  That and knowing Katie would want me to, I couldn't just stop.

No one was doing a website for her.  I was at the ER when the doctors suggested to her sister she would be the ideal one to make entries in their already set up and beautiful website... http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katiedoll 
She made one entry,posted a photo of herself with Katie, and quit. I asked others if they could do it. No one was telling Katie's story. Katie couldn't do it. 

I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this website. I would drive to Tigerville with my camera knowing my job wasn't finished yet. I would drive back very distraught the whole way. But with some pictures for her website, and knowing I gave Katie some small entertainment. 

  Why the website became so popular I have no idea. It wasn't because of me. I'm not a website promoter. Actually, I don't think it's that great a website except it has a lot of Katie's beautiful face on it. But it got really big really fast. This is important to know.

  For 3 years if you just typed the name 'Katie' this site was number one on all search engines. In spite of the fact there are famous people and movie stars with the first name Katie.  If you type Katie Doll it's still number the one organic now in spite of the fact there actually is a doll named Katie. The Katie Doll has been around for years. The first two years this website was getting up to a thousand unique hits a day. New people from around the world that had never been to it before.

  Then the emails began to come. Stories of how Katie was changing lives. How people were going back to their faith. How parents were going to appreciate what they have. Katie caused minimum a million hugs.  That's my educated guess. One million people affected by this little girl in Tigerville South Carolina.  Where from? India,Canada,Brazil,Puerto Rico,All Countries in Europe,Australia,Guam,Japan,Indonisia,Russia and dozens more. How many teachers or preachers have touched that many souls in that many places? Billy Graham maybe but I think Katie's lessons were stronger, more powerful.

I am copying these emails for Lynn and Tony and it's taking time there are so many.  You have to consider that for everyone who sent an email to Katie's site how many were affected by her but didn't send one.

  The reason I'm telling this is...it wasn't me. If I knew how to make a website so popular I never would have met Katie. I would be living in a penthouse suite somewhere on the coast 8 years ago when I started my website boilednut.com selling peanuts. If only that website had one tenth the popularity of Katie's. But there was an invisible hand in it. I believe the same hand that had brought us together and made me get into photography. And what perfect timing it was. 

  In the song FOREVER YOUNG theres a line....'May your wishes all come true'. Katie wished to be a teacher and Katie wished everyone would love her.  Katie wasn't unlucky. Katie's wishes came true 100 fold. There's a life and there's an afterlife. Both are real. It seems the afterlife is so far away and distant. It's as far away as the thickness of a sheet of paper. Katie wasn't unlucky, I would trade places with her in a second. Imagine a God who created the universe using you. What's four short years of grief compared to that?  

I wrote Katie was a gift from God the first thing when I started this site. I was wrong. She was more like a loan. Why? I think we needed to be shown what love is right in the middle of a place where it was sorely needed. Now that we've been taught, Katie is waiting to grade our papers. I hope you get an 'A'  -Tom (peanutguy)  

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