Kirsten Sortomme

Momma Bear

Some people pass through this world quietly. Khirra never did.

She lived boldly, loved deeply, questioned everything, and left an unforgettable imprint. She had a radiant smile, contagious laughter, warm hugs, and an endlessly curious mind. A deep thinker and independent spirit, she stood firmly in her beliefs and always looked beyond the ordinary.

Khirra was a warrior. Throughout her life—and especially over the past four years—she faced extraordinary medical challenges with remarkable courage. After surviving a miraculous liver transplant and countless battles, she continued to fight with strength, resilience, and hope. I believe her soul had simply completed its earthly journey and was ready to soar.

Music was always playing in our home. She introduced me to everything from classic rock to world music and had a beautiful singing voice. When I was little, we sang songs by The Judds together. In 2022, while she was in a coma, I sat beside her bed, stroked her hair, sang those same songs, and prayed with all my heart for more time. We were blessed with four more precious years, but when you love someone this deeply, no amount of time ever feels like enough.

As a child, I loved performing for her. I would sing and dance to Paula Abdul and insist she introduce me as “Kelly” from Beverly Hills, 90210. She would laugh and happily play along. She was always my biggest fan, believing in my voice, my creativity, my writing, and my dreams.

The last text she sent me, one day before she passed, was a photo that said, “She believed she could, so she did.” Looking back, I realize those words reflected the way she had believed in me my entire life. So now, on the days when I don’t believe in myself, I keep going for her.

My mom showed love through the little things. Because I traveled often, she always asked, “Where are you going?” and “Text me when you get there safely.” At the time, I sometimes found it annoying. Now I understand—it was never about my itinerary. It was her way of loving me and making sure her daughter was safe. I would give anything for one more text asking if I landed safely.

She also gave me my love of cooking. As a little girl, I stood on a step stool beside her while she taught me family recipes. After she passed, my childhood best friend told me my mom had been the first woman to patiently teach her how to cook. More than 30 years later, she still makes my mom’s simple Mexican casserole for her family and thinks of her with gratitude, comfort, and love.

So many of the passions that shaped my life—music, singing, cooking, movies, hiking, and a love of nature—began with her. Knowing she quietly inspired those same passions and treasured memories in others may be one of her greatest legacies.

One of my deepest heartbreaks is that I never had the chance to say goodbye. Yet I find comfort imagining her free from pain and reunited with her parents, her beloved dog Max, and my sweet soul dog Pumpkin, watching over us together as our guardian angels.

Free spirits are often misunderstood in a world that moves too quickly to recognize those who see life differently. My mom was one of those rare souls, and she simply wanted to be loved. Her life reminds us that, in the end, love is everything.

Though she is no longer here in body, her spirit lives on in every life she touched and every heart that loved her.

We love you beyond words, Momma Bear.

Until we meet again, you will be forever in our hearts.

We invite all who knew and loved Khirra to share your memories, stories, photos, and condolences. Your words will help keep her beautiful spirit alive for generations to come.