All through my trials and tribulations early on with Jack's fear of commitment and my brother's heart surgery and various other events, both happy and sad, there was one person who was always there to support me, cry with me, rant with me, and cheer me on. Kathy.
We went to high school together, but barely knew each other then...reconnecting later in life through the miracle of facebook. I often lamented that I wished we had known more about each other and found our connection back then...that we lost out on so many years of friendship. She agreed, but reminded me that we had lots of years left.
She lived a full life...had many joys and endured many hardships...and came out stronger. She was funny, irreverent, passionate and a supporter of the downtrodden. She could put up sheetrock, lay floors, paint, move furniture. She didn't drink, but hung out at a bar owned by a friend. She always had room for another cat in need of a home, some of whom filled the rafters of her basement until they felt safe enough to emerge...much like Kathy who often said she was like her cats when it came to romance...hiding in the rafters, peeking out and disappearing again. She loved the water and loved the sun, roasting to a golden brown every summer. She dressed up as Cher on Halloween and went into the streets. She had a way of making all her friends feel special...especially me.
I lost Kathy last September...the world lost Kathy last September. She died suddenly after a short illness...leaving behind two young adult children and a legion of friends. We won't have lots of years of friendship after all. What we had will have to do...and I treasure every moment we had.
I miss you, Kathy.
Love you, Sis!
