I remember looking at the machines that perched next to her crib, cords snaking in and out and around.  It scared me.  But her tiny face and fiercely coiled fists made me think, “She’s tougher than she looks.”

When we met, I was only a year older than she would have been this July.  Even then, she was remarkable and filled with a peace that fulfilled a deep longing in us all.

I guess, technically speaking, many thought we wouldn’t be sharing this world for a few months.  But still, 13 years just wasn’t enough.

Sleep well, little one.

From The Tribune Democrat

McGOUGH – Katrina D., 13, Johnstown, died June 3, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born July 29, 1993, in Johnstown, daughter of Donald and Joyce (Robine) McGough. Preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Carol Schilling, and an uncle, Richard McGough. Survived by parents and a brother, Charles, at home; paternal grandfather and paternal stepgrandmother, Charles and Marlene McGough, Johnstown; paternal stepgrandfather, David Schilling, Hyndman, Pa.; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Margaret Robine, Johnstown. Also survived by aunts and uncles, Rick and Karen Crandle, Johnstown; Robert and Donna Robine, Boswell; Brian Robine, Johnstown; and Lorraine McGough, Illinois; and numerous cousins. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She would have completed her seventh grade year at Greater Johnstown Middle School. Katrina enjoyed camping, fishing and horseback riding. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Dennis Zimmerman. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to Muscular Dystrophy Association or Make-A-Wish Foundation.