in honor of kathy

I know I've been gone for awhile - I hope you all haven't forgotten about me.

We lost Kathy last week to pancreatic cancer, and the whole thing has just been awful. She was too young, too vibrant, too good. We know that she fought the good fight to the very end and that it was time for God to end her pain, but that doesn't make it any easier. I think my DD put it best - "I HATE cancer. She should never have had cancer in the first place."

Her daughter, my friend, has had to step up to the plate and handle details and make decisions that nobody our age should ever have to think about. She has done everything with such grace and strength, and I am PROUD of her. It will be a long, long time before things can be normal for her again, if they ever are, but I know that she will be okay. This girl has had more thrown at her in her lifetime than anyone ever should, but she always gets through it somehow. I am in awe of her. She is an amazing testament to her mother - she exudes the same qualities of beauty, strength, happiness, and love. She doesn't see it now, she can't, but she will honor her mother not only by emulating these traits, but by spreading them to those she loves and by passing them forward. This is how Kathy's dynamic legacy will live on.

If you are so inclined as you read this please take a moment to say a prayer for this family. Thank you.