Kathy was more than my yoga teacher.
Kathy was more than my friend.
She was my Soul Sister.

I never had anyone look into my eyes and SEE ME or understand me like she did. She saw into my heart and loved me in spite of it all.

Kathy loved her kids. She would talk to me about the gentle sweetness of MegPie. Of how Megan would hold her hand during her treatments. About how talented she was with her art. About how careful she was – as in “full of care”. I remember Kathy telling me about a technique Megan was using to blow paint across her canvas and when she showed it to me she whispered with reverence “she created this with her breath!” MegPie, your Mum loved you so so much.

Jonnas, your Mom was so proud of your culinary skills and your musical talents. Your Mum was a vegan who ate lingua tacos and peanut butter-laced cheeseburgers because YOU made them! I think she hoped you might find your way back to the guitar, one day. She loved making your special chocolate chip cookies and, although she never shared the actual recipe with me, I know they started with butter flavored Crisco and went from there. Pure crap ingredients but she knew how much you loved them and that was all that mattered.

The trip you took her on to Italy was such a magical and sacred time for Kathy. She was so happy her grown kids not only loved, but actually LIKED each other AND their spouses! Seeing the way you all worked together to coordinate every detail made your Mum bouyantly happy. Her peace was seeing that both of her kids had partners who clearly adored them. She was most proud and pleased that you had each chosen well. Thank you Jessie and Tyler for being exactly this!

And, Donna! The sister of all sisters! I recall how you have always shown up for Kathy. After Tucker left us, you came and kept Kathy’s heart beating. She relied on you time and again. You are the embodiment of “how a sister ought to be!” I remember you coming to her yoga retreats and even once filling in on a girls’ vacation when a last minute vacancy appeared. You did more than any sister should have to do and, yet, I know you would be so grateful for the chance to be able to do more now.

Kathy had Randy, She had Tammy. She had Jennifer. She had Brian and Aline. She had me. And certainly others along the way. She created a tribe of faithful friends because she was that herself. She changed us and made us better by knowing her. We all loved her and miss her presence. But, if you get quiet and listen really closely, she’s still here with us whispering in that soft, still voice…the kindest and most compassionate way for each of us to find a piece of her peace.

And, just like Kathy always said, “y’all squeeze each other and pretend I’m there”.